Description
No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups are a refreshing and zesty dessert perfect for summer and festive occasions. These individual servings combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tangy lemon-flavored cream cheese filling, topped optionally with fresh berries. Quick to prepare without an oven, they offer a light and airy texture, making a perfect treat for picnics, parties, and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g. whipped cream or whipped topping)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of individual serving cups or jars to form an even crust layer. Chill the cups while preparing the filling to help set the crust.
- Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and whipped topping, stirring carefully to maintain a light and airy texture, creating a silky and tangy filling.
- Assemble the Pie Cups: Spoon or pipe the lemon cream cheese filling over the chilled crust layer in each cup. Optionally, top with fresh berries for color and added flavor. Chill the assembled cups in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the filling to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to avoid lumps.
- Chill the pie cups thoroughly to let the filling set and hold its shape.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when serving or eating.
- Present in clear cups or mason jars to showcase the layers attractively.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- These pie cups freeze well for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Do not reheat, as warming will alter the texture and creaminess of the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg