Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups -

Indulge in the creamy delight of Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups. These mini cheesecakes combine the lusciousness of cheesecake with the vibrant flavors of lemon and fresh raspberries. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home, these cups are as visually stunning as they are delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these delightful desserts in no time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are a delicious combination of tartness and sweetness. They feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling elevated by fresh lemon zest and juice, and the vibrant swirl of raspberry sauce that makes each bite a flavor explosion. Not only are these treats incredibly tasty, but they are also served in individual cups, making them perfect for any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups

Use room temperature cream cheese for a silky-smooth filling.

Fresh raspberries will provide the best flavor, but frozen raspberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.
Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the cheesecake cups to chill for at least 3 hours ensures they set properly and enhances the flavors.
Feel free to experiment with different fruit swirls like strawberry or blueberry to suit your taste!

For an extra touch, top the cheesecake cups with fresh fruit or mint leaves before serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups:

For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the raspberry swirl:
- 1/3 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon zest or mint leaves

Directions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your delicious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed, then press about 1 tablespoon mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Bake for 5 minutes, and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes, mashing raspberries with a spoon until thickened. Strain through a fine mesh to remove seeds, if desired. Set aside to cool.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Continue beating until well combined.
Step 5: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts.

Step 6: Add small dollops of raspberry sauce on top of each cup and swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer.
Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until centers are just set.
Step 8: Allow cheesecake cups to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

Step 9: Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest before serving if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesecake cups in advance?

Absolutely! These cheesecake cups can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.

2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative or a cashew-based cream cheese.

3. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen raspberries will work, but be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.

4. What can I substitute for graham crackers?

You can use digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs.

5. How should I store leftover cheesecake cups?

Store the cheesecake cups covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups offer a deliciously delightful way to satisfy your dessert cravings. The combination of creamy cheesecake with the zesty lemon and sweet raspberry swirl makes for a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and make these irresistible desserts that are sure to impress your family and friends!