Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s a moment of pure joy that hits when you take a bite of something that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups do just that, blending a crumbly base with a luscious creamy cheesecake mousse and a bright layer of tangy lemon curd. What I love most about this no-bake delight is not only how stunning they look but also how effortlessly customizable they are. Whether you’re prepping for a fun gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, they offer a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts. Plus, they’re gluten-free friendly with just a few easy swaps. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Dessert Cups So Special? No-Bake Convenience: These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are perfect for those busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings—no oven required! Bright, Zesty Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and tangy lemon curd creates a refreshing treat that bursts with citrus delight. Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite fruits or swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. Visually Stunning: With their elegant layering and vibrant colors, these cups are sure to impress at any event, grabbing attention before the first bite! Make Ahead: Prepping these cups in advance means less stress and more time to enjoy with family and friends, paving the way for a delightful dessert experience. Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Ingredients • Dive into the essential elements that create these delightful treats! For the Lemon Curd Lemon Juice – Provides the essential tartness; substitute with lime juice for a unique twist. Sugar – Adds sweetness; using superfine sugar will ensure a smoother texture. Eggs – Acts as a thickening agent; freshness is key for the best flavor. Unsalted Butter – Enriches both the lemon curd and the crumb base; for a dairy-free option, try coconut oil. For the Crumb Base Graham Crackers – Creates a crumbly crust; feel free to substitute with chocolate cookie crumbs for extra decadence. Reserved Graham Cracker Crumbs – Used as a garnish; they add a lovely texture and visual appeal. For the Cheesecake Mousse Heavy Cream – Provides richness; coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative. Cream Cheese – Forms the mousse base; ensure it’s at room temperature to make mixing easier. These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are a testament to the joy of homemade treats, and with these ingredients, you’re well on your way to impressing everyone with a simple yet luxurious dessert! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1 cup of lemon juice, 1 cup of superfine sugar, and 4 large eggs until well combined. Continuously stir the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of unsalted butter until melted. Strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Step 2: Make the Crumb Base While the lemon curd cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer a slightly toasted crust. In a food processor, pulse 1 ½ cups of graham crackers into fine crumbs, then combine them with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of mini dessert cups or shot glasses. If not baking, refrigerate the cups for about 15 minutes to set. Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mousse In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the cooled lemon curd until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gradually fold the whipped cream into the lemon curd mixture. Step 4: Assemble the Cups Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe the cheesecake mousse into each prepared dessert cup, filling them about halfway. Add a layer of lemon curd on top of the mousse, then pipe another layer of mousse to finish the assembly. This will create beautifully defined layers that showcase the vibrant colors of your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups. Step 5: Garnish and Chill Finally, sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top of each dessert cup for added texture and visual appeal. Cover the cups with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert cups to set properly before serving. What to Serve with Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful cups with complementary flavors and textures that enhance every blissful bite. Fresh Berries: Raspberries or blueberries add a burst of color and a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the tartness of the lemon. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings an airy texture that softens the tangy notes, making each bite feel indulgent. Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint provides a refreshing contrast, adding a herbal zing that brightens the dessert’s flavor profile. Iced Tea: Pairing these dessert cups with chilled herbal or green iced tea complements the citrus notes beautifully while keeping the palate refreshed. Lemonade: A tall glass of refreshing lemonade echoes the lemony goodness of the dessert, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crunch of shortbread adds another layer of texture, making for a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake mousse. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: For those who like a little indulgence, serving these cups alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries creates a luxurious combo of flavors. Each pairing enhances the experience of enjoying Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups, making your dessert table truly unforgettable! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Variations Feel free to personalize these indulgent dessert cups to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences! Berry Burst: Incorporate fresh raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant splash of color and delicious flavor between layers. Imagine the delightful pop of berries blending with the creamy cheesecake! Citrus Medley: For a refreshing twist, try mixing in some orange or lime juice along with the lemon juice. This medley will create an exciting, tropical vibe that dances on your palate. Nutty Crunch: Fold in some finely chopped nuts into the crumb base. Not only does this add texture, but it also delivers a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth cheesecake beautifully. Herbal Infusion: Surprise everyone by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint into the lemon curd. The unexpected burst of herbal freshness will elevate your dessert to new heights! Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cookie crumbs in place of graham crackers for a rich, decadent base. This twist transforms the dessert into a delightful chocolate-orange experience. Dairy-Free Options: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and cream cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream. You can still enjoy the creamy decadence without the dairy! Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the mousse layer when assembling for a luscious caramel flavor with each delightful spoonful. It’ll take your dessert up a notch! For more delightful variations, consider checking out these delicious recipes: Fried Strawberry Cheesecake or Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake. Each offers its own unique twist that could inspire your next dessert adventure! How to Store and Freeze Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Refrigerate: Keep any leftover Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and creamy texture. Freeze: For longer storage, these dessert cups can be frozen for up to 1 month. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cheesecake cups in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures they defrost gently without compromising texture. Re-garnishing: After thawing, consider re-sprinkling graham cracker crumbs on top for that freshly-made touch before serving! Make Ahead Options These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are a dream for busy home cooks seeking time-saving solutions! You can prepare the lemon curd up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and vibrant. The crumb base can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge, where the cool temperature will help maintain its crunch. When you’re ready to serve, just whip up the cheesecake mousse and assemble the cups. A quick piping of mousse atop the crumb base, followed by a layer of lemon curd, and you’ll have delicious, visually stunning dessert cups—ready to wow your guests without the last-minute stress! Expert Tips for Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups • Chill the Curd: Prepare the lemon curd a day ahead for intensified flavors and a smoother texture. • Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This prevents lumps and ensures a velvety mousse that blends beautifully with the lemon curd. • Mind the Heat: Keep the cooking temperature low while making the curd to avoid scrambling the eggs; slow and steady wins the race! • Elegant Layering: Utilize a 1M piping tip for beautiful presentation when layering the mousse and curd—this will wow your guests! • Strain for Smoothness: Don’t skip straining the lemon curd to achieve a silky final product in your Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups. • Storage Tips: Keep leftover cups refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month; just thaw before serving. Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe lemons for the lemon curd? Absolutely! When selecting lemons, look for ones that are vibrant yellow and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate they are overripe. Fresh, juicy lemons will give you the best flavor for your lemon curd. How can I store leftover Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups? To keep your delightful cups fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and vibrant flavors, allowing you to enjoy your dessert again! Can I freeze these dessert cups? Very! These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups can be frozen for up to 1 month. To do this, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. What should I do if my lemon curd isn’t thickening properly? If your lemon curd isn’t thickening as expected, there are a couple of steps you can take. First, ensure you’re cooking it over low heat and whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs. If it’s still too runny after cooking for the suggested time, return it to the heat, and stir for an additional minute or two. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and whisk that into the lemon curd while it’s on the heat until it thickens. Can my pet have any part of this recipe? While the ingredients in the Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are generally safe for humans, it’s best to keep them away from pets. The sugar and cream cheese aren’t ideal for animals. If you’re looking for a tasty treat to share with your furry friend, consider making them a simple peanut butter or pumpkin puree mix instead! Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups Everyone Will Love These Lemon Curd Cheesecake Dessert Cups are a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, making them an impressive and customizable dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Lemon Curd1 cup Lemon Juice Substitute with lime juice for a unique twist.1 cup Sugar Use superfine sugar for a smoother texture.4 large Eggs Freshness is key for the best flavor.½ cup Unsalted Butter For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil.For the Crumb Base1½ cups Graham Crackers Substitute with chocolate cookie crumbs for extra decadence.½ cup Melted Unsalted ButterFor the Cheesecake Mousse1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative.8 ounces Cream Cheese Ensure it's at room temperature.½ cup SugarFor Garnish½ cup Reserved Graham Cracker Crumbs Equipment medium saucepanFood processorMixing bowlElectric mixerPiping Bagfine-mesh sieve Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir continuously for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Strain through a sieve and refrigerate until chilled.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want a toasted crust. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs, then mix with melted butter. Press into the bottoms of dessert cups, or refrigerate for 15 minutes if not baking.Beat room temperature cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Fold in the cooled lemon curd. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the lemon curd mixture.Pipe the cheesecake mousse into each dessert cup halfway, add a layer of lemon curd, then pipe more mousse on top.Sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese cups can be made ahead for a stress-free dessert. Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month, thawing them overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
