Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
DessertsMedium

Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

Recipe by FoodyinPost

From the Blog Author

This Mini Lemon Cheesecakes are one of my favorites because they bring sunshine into my kitchen even on rainy days. I first made them for a potluck, and everyone begged for seconds—people say the citrus zing hits right in the middle between sweet and tart. What I love most is how each bite feels like a tiny cloud of light, with a silky cheesecake center that’s brightened by real lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice that cuts through the richness. The buttery graham cracker crust gives a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy filling. I always keep an extra pinch of lemon zest when I bake these; it boosts the brightness without masking the subtle cream cheese flavor. Another tiny trick is to chill the batter for at least an hour before baking—this keeps the texture dense and the citrus finish clean. If you try this, I’d love to hear about it—drop me a note in the comments and share what tweaks made it yours.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 325°F.

2

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

3

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl.

4

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form a crust.

5

Bake the crusts for 10 minutes.

6

Remove the tin from the oven and let the crusts cool slightly.

7

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

8

Add the sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and eggs to the cream cheese.

9

Beat until the mixture is well combined.

10

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crusts.

11

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the centers are set.

12

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack.

13

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Mini Lemon Cheesecakes?

These mini cheesecakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining their creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese and sour cream base. For best flavor, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Can I make these mini lemon cheesecakes ahead of time for a party?

Yes, making these ahead is highly recommended! You can prepare and bake them completely up to 2 days in advance. Ensure they are fully cooled before chilling, and they will be ready to serve straight from the fridge.

What is the best way to serve these mini cheesecakes?

These individual cheesecakes are delicious served chilled, often topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a thin slice of fresh lemon. Since they are baked in a muffin tin, they are easy to handle, but you might want to peel the paper liner away just before eating for the best presentation.