A Zesty, Creamy Summer Dream
If you love cheesecake but hate turning on the oven, these No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups will be your new go-to dessert. They’re perfectly portioned, made with fresh lemon juice, rich cream cheese, and a buttery cookie base. Light, fluffy, and full of citrus sunshine!
Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, prepping a Ramadan iftar treat, or just craving something sweet and refreshing — this easy lemon cheesecake recipe is ideal for every occasion. Plus, it’s served in cups or jars, making it super cute and mess-free.
✨ Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups
- No oven needed – Stay cool in the kitchen!
- Fresh lemon flavor – Tart, bright, and summery
- Perfectly portioned – Individual cups for easy serving
- Make ahead friendly – Great for meal prep or parties
- Velvety and rich – Creamy without being too heavy
- Aesthetic AF – Looks amazing layered in jars for pics!
🛒 Ingredients for No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this citrusy dream to life:
🍪 For the crust:
- 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
🍋 For the cheesecake filling:
- 200g (7 oz) cream cheese (room temp)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
🧁 Optional toppings:
- Lemon zest curls or thin lemon slices
- Whipped cream
- Crushed cookies
- Edible flowers or mint leaves
🧁 How to Make No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the crust
In a small bowl, mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and brown sugar. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each serving glass or jar. Press down gently with the back of a spoon. Set aside or chill.
2. Whip the cream
In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat! Set aside.
3. Prepare the lemon cheesecake filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest until smooth and fluffy.
4. Fold and blend
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Mix until well combined, light, and airy.
5. Assemble the cups
Spoon or pipe the lemon cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup. Smooth the tops and chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
6. Garnish & serve
Just before serving, top with lemon zest, mint, whipped cream, or crushed cookies for extra flair ✨
📏 Recipe Yields
- Makes 4–6 cups depending on size
- Easily doubled for a party or gathering
💡 Pro Tips from Mimi
- Use cold tools for whipping cream – It makes a fluffier result
- Lemons = life – Use organic for the best zest and juice
- Glass jars look so chic – Mason jars or dessert cups are perfect
- Chill time = flavor time – The longer it chills, the better it sets!
💛 Flavor Variations to Try
These no-bake lemon cheesecake cups are versatile! Try these yummy twists:
- Lemon + blueberry – Add a layer of fresh blueberries or compote
- Lemon + strawberry – Top with sliced strawberries for sweetness
- Lemon + coconut – Mix in shredded coconut or use coconut cream
- Lemon + ginger – Use ginger cookies for the crust for a spicy kick
- Vegan version – Use vegan cream cheese & coconut whipped cream
🧊 Storage & Make Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 3–4 days covered
- Freezer: You can freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make ahead: Great for events — prep a day in advance and garnish before serving!
📸 Perfect for Instagram & Pinterest
Layered lemon cheesecake cups = aesthetic gold ✨
They’re photogenic, trendy, and ideal for food Reels, Pinterest boards, or blog posts.
Tag @mimiyummy on Pinterest or Instagram if you make them — I’d love to see your creations! 💕
💕 More No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love from MimiYummy.org
📌 Pin & Share the Love
📍 Follow @MimiYummy on Pinterest for more delicious no-bake desserts, fruity drinks, and beautiful food styling ideas!
🍋 Final Thoughts: The Magic of Lemon + Cream
These No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups are the perfect mix of creamy, tart, and sweet — a classic combo that never fails. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party, easy enough for everyday cravings, and flexible for whatever ingredients you have at home.
Whether you enjoy them solo or share them with your besties, these cheesecake jars are guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day 🌞