These Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are rich, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus and berry flavors! They feature a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lemony cheesecake filling, and a gorgeous raspberry swirlβall in perfectly portioned cups!
π Ingredients
For the Crust:
β 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (adds a delicious crunch!) πͺ
β 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for a touch of sweetness!) π
β ΒΌ cup unsalted butter, melted (holds everything together!) π§
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
β 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened (for a silky texture!) π§
β Β½ cup granulated sugar (balances the tartness!) π―
β 2 large eggs (helps set the cheesecake!) π₯
β ΒΌ cup sour cream (adds creaminess & tang!) π₯
β 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for that zesty brightness!) π
β 1 teaspoon lemon zest (enhances the lemon flavor!) π
β 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for warmth & depth!) πΏ
For the Raspberry Swirl:
β Β½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries (adds fruity bursts!) π
β 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (sweetens the raspberry puree!) π
β 1 teaspoon lemon juice (brightens the berries!) π
π¨βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Preheat & Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2οΈβ£ Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner.
Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
3οΈβ£ Prepare the Raspberry Swirl
In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
Cook until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, then set aside to cool.
4οΈβ£ Make the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5οΈβ£ Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
Spoon 2 tablespoons of cheesecake filling over each graham cracker crust.
Drop Β½ teaspoon of raspberry sauce on top of each cup.
Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the cheesecake batter.
6οΈβ£ Bake & Cool
Bake for 18β22 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecakes cool for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before chilling.
7οΈβ£ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture.
Garnish with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, or lemon zest before serving!
π½οΈ How to Serve These Cheesecake Cups
β With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar π
β Drizzled with Extra Raspberry Sauce π
β Paired with Fresh Berries & Mint πΏπ
β With a Side of Lemon Curd for an Extra Tangy Touch π
π οΈ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 monthsβthaw overnight before serving.
Make Ahead: These are perfect for parties! Make them a day in advance.
π Why Youβll LOVE This Recipe!
β Smooth, Creamy, & Tangy β Perfect balance of lemon, raspberry, and cheesecake! ππ
β Easy to Make & Portion-Controlled β No slicing, no messβjust grab & enjoy! π§
β Buttery Graham Cracker Crust β The perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling! πͺ
β Elegant & Impressive β Great for parties, holidays, or special occasions! π
These Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are zesty, sweet, creamy, and irresistible! Perfect for any occasion, they bring together the richness of cheesecake, the brightness of lemon, and the tartness of raspberries for a truly delightful dessert! π