There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart lemon and sweet raspberries. It evokes memories of sunny picnics, afternoon tea parties, and joyful family celebrations. These Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are the perfect way to bottle that sunshine into a decadent, bite-sized dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, planning a romantic dinner, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing after a long day, these mini cheesecakes deliver big flavor in the cutest form. Inspired by summer fruits and classic cheesecake elegance, this recipe is as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve.
Let’s take a stroll through the flavors, techniques, and tips to help you master this stunning treat.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Cups
1. Refreshing Flavor Combination
Lemon and raspberry are a match made in dessert heaven. The zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest pairs effortlessly with the natural sweetness of raspberries, offering a balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
2. Perfectly Portioned
These cheesecake cups are individually sized, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or portion control. No need to worry about slicing the perfect piece—just grab, serve, and enjoy.
3. Easy Yet Elegant
They look like they came from a high-end bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress guests without breaking a sweat.
4. Great for Make-Ahead
These cheesecake cups are best chilled, which makes them a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare them a day in advance, and they’ll be even more delicious by the time you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up your new favorite treat:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/4 cup raspberry preserves or fresh raspberries, puréed
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners to make removal easy and mess-free.
2. Make the Crust
In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter
Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each cupcake liner. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to press it down firmly and evenly.
Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let them cool completely while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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