Mini No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

These Mini No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Tarts are the perfect bite-sized dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy lemon-infused cheesecake filling, and a refreshing citrus flavor, they’re a light and tangy treat for any occasion. Plus, no oven required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Baking Needed – A quick and easy dessert without turning on the oven.
• Bright & Refreshing – The perfect balance of creamy and tangy lemon flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill them in advance for an effortless dessert.
• Individually Portioned – Great for parties and gatherings.
• Customizable – Try different crusts or toppings for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Lemon slices or zest
• Berries
• Mint leaves

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
2. Divide the mixture evenly into mini tart pans or cupcake liners and press down firmly.
3. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Cheesecake Filling

4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Step 3: Assemble & Chill

7. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over the crusts, smoothing the tops.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until set.

Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve

9. Garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, or berries before serving.
10. Enjoy chilled!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 mini tarts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Oreo Crust – Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos.
• Berry Lemon Tarts – Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Coconut Lemon Tarts – Add shredded coconut to the crust for extra flavor.
• Honey Lemon Cheesecake – Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Make them a day ahead for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of Cool Whip.

Do these need to be refrigerated overnight?

A minimum of 2-3 hours is needed, but overnight chilling enhances the flavor.

Can I make this in a regular pie pan?

Yes! Use a 9-inch tart or pie pan and chill for at least 4 hours.

How do I make the filling extra smooth?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.

What’s the best way to remove tarts from the molds?

Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges, or use silicone molds for easy removal.

Can I use a different type of citrus?

Absolutely! Try lime juice for key lime tarts or orange juice for a citrusy twist.

How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?

Press it down firmly and chill before adding the filling.

Can I top these with lemon curd?

Yes! A dollop of lemon curd adds an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Conclusion

These Mini No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Tarts are a simple, elegant dessert with a creamy texture and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for warm-weather treats, holiday desserts, or a refreshing snack, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a bite-sized burst of citrusy goodness!

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