Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups

Here’s a detailed Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups recipe that’s bright, creamy, and perfect for spring or summer desserts. These are served in individual cups, making them ideal for parties or gatherings.

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🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups Recipe

🕒 Total Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Chill: 2–4 hours (or overnight for best results)

• Cook (optional if baking crust): 10 minutes

🧁 Yield:

8–10 small dessert cups or jars

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✨ Ingredients:

For the Crust (Optional)

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional shortcut: Use crushed shortbread cookies or pre-made graham crust crumbles.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus more for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

Optional Toppings

• Lemon curd

• Whipped cream

• Extra lemon zest

• Crushed graham crackers or lemon cookies

• Fresh berries or mint

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🥣 Instructions:

1. Make the Crust (Optional)

1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

2. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.

3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each dessert cup and press down gently.

4. (Optional) Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for a crisp base. Let cool completely.

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2. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (no lumps).

2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

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3. Assemble the Cups

1. Spoon or pipe the lemon cream mixture on top of the crust in each cup.

2. Smooth the top or create swirls with a spoon.

3. Optional: Add a spoonful of lemon curd on top for an extra zing.

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4. Chill

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Overnight chilling gives the best texture and flavor.

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5. Serve

• Before serving, top with:

  • A dollop of whipped cream

  • Lemon zest

  • Crushed cookies or graham crumbs

  • Fresh berries or mint for color and freshness

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🔁 Variations:

• No-bake crust: Just chill the crust instead of baking.

• Mini cheesecakes: Use muffin tins with liners instead of cups.

• Layered parfaits: Alternate layers of filling and crumbled cookies.