No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
We love to bake, but baking during these hot summer months can really heat up our kitchen. So we’ve made sure to have a few quick and easy no-bake treats in our summer recipe tins. A no-bake lemon cheesecake is just the light and refreshing treat we had in mind for a hot summer evening. The combination of cool, sweet cream cheese with bright citrusy lemon and a crumbly graham cracker topping is about as refreshing as a cheesecake can get.
Aside from the crushing of graham crackers and the blending with a hand mixer, this is definitely a no-sweat no-bake recipe. The shortcut here is the lemon pie filling, then the not overly sweet cream cheese filling that we whip up super quickly. All of this is topped with crunchy graham crackers for yet another layer of texture and flavor. A little time in the refrigerator will help the cheesecake to set and come out nice and cool for a warm summer day.
Get the kids involved in this one! They can smash graham crackers and help make the cream cheese filling. Our kiddos love becoming little chefs and serving up a delicious dessert. This no-bake lemon cheesecake is perfect for sharing and couldn’t be any more adorable than when served in mini mason jars, but any small vessel will do for serving. To serve up these little beauties, we whip up some fresh whipped cream to dollop on top and crown each cup with a slice of fresh lemon as garnish. These yummy petite cheesecakes are perfect for hosting everything from a barbecue to a baby shower, and couldn’t be easier to make or more delightful to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-bake lemon cheesecake is a breeze to make, requires no oven time, and delivers a zesty, sweet flavor that is sure to refresh. It’s perfect for those summer days when you want a treat without the heat!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Mini mason jars or small serving bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup graham crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lemon pie filling
- 1 lemon, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix ½ cup crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble the cheesecakes by adding 2 generous tablespoons of lemon pie filling to each serving jar or bowl, then top with the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the crushed graham cracker mixture on top.
- Chill the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set.
- To serve, beat the remaining ½ cup heavy cream with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream on top of each cheesecake. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your cheesecake mixture.
- Chill the cheesecakes for the full 1-2 hours to ensure they set properly and are nicely chilled when served.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a twist, try using lime pie filling instead of lemon, or add a layer of fresh berries for a fruity touch. These cheesecakes are also delightful when topped with toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this delightful no-bake cheesecake provides a refreshing burst of lemony goodness, balanced with creamy texture and a slight crunch from the graham cracker topping. Perfect for a light but satisfying dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! Try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
We invite you to give this no-bake lemon cheesecake recipe a try and experience its refreshing, creamy goodness for yourself. Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant gatherings, this cheesecake is sure to impress. We’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to share your experiences and any creative twists you add. Enjoy!
