Mini Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mini Lemon Cheesecake Tarts combine the best of both worlds: a crispy, buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy cheesecake filling with a zesty lemon kick. The light and creamy texture of the filling contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the graham cracker base. Topped with fresh fruit or fruit preserves, these tarts are bursting with flavor and will impress your guests with their vibrant and irresistible taste. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a refreshing treat after dinner, they’re as easy to make as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Tart Shells:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (5 ounces, or 10 crackers crushed)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest, divided
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

• Fresh fruit or fruit preserves for garnish (such as berries, raspberries, or lemon curd)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the graham cracker crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and slightly crumbly. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of mini tart pans or a muffin tin to form the tart shells. Use the back of a spoon to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
3. Assemble the tarts: Once the graham cracker crusts have cooled, spoon the cheesecake filling into each tart shell, smoothing the tops with a spoon or an offset spatula.
4. Garnish the tarts: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest over the top of each tart. Add fresh fruit or fruit preserves, such as berries or a dollop of lemon curd, to finish off the tarts.
5. Chill and serve: Place the assembled tarts in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 mini tarts.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Variations

1. Berry-Topped: Garnish the tarts with mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful twist.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of each tart for a rich contrast to the tart lemon flavor.
3. Lemon Curd Filling: For a more intense lemon flavor, swap out half of the cheesecake filling with lemon curd for a tangy twist.
4. Nutty Crust: Add some chopped almonds or pecans to the graham cracker crust mixture for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept chilled for a few days.
• Reheating: These tarts are best served chilled, and no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a warmer dessert, you can briefly let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, these tarts are perfect for making ahead. You can assemble them a day or two in advance and refrigerate them until ready to serve.

Can I make these tarts in a regular tart pan instead of mini tart pans?

Yes, you can make one large tart instead of mini tarts. Adjust the baking time for the graham cracker crust, as it may take a bit longer to bake.

Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought lemon curd for the lemon juice and zest in the filling to add even more lemon flavor.

Can I use a different type of fruit for garnish?

Absolutely! You can garnish the tarts with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blackberries, or kiwi slices for a variety of flavors.

How do I make sure the cheesecake filling is smooth?

Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing, as this will help avoid lumps. Whipping the cream separately and folding it gently into the mixture also helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I make the graham cracker crust with gluten-free crackers?

Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie to make the crust if you need a gluten-free option.

Can I freeze these Mini Lemon Cheesecake Tarts?

Yes, you can freeze the tarts (without garnish) for up to 1 month. Once frozen, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and add fresh fruit or preserves as garnish.

Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

You can prepare the whipped cream in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to fold it into the cream cheese mixture before assembling the tarts.

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can use other cookies like digestive biscuits, shortbread, or vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor base.

How long do these tarts need to chill before serving?

These tarts should chill for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake filling to firm up. For the best texture, chill them for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Mini Lemon Cheesecake Tarts are the perfect combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, these tarts are a refreshing, delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. With their simple preparation and delicious results, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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