Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Individual Portions: Perfectly sized for personal enjoyment, making them ideal for gatherings or portion control.
Flavor Harmony: The tartness of lemon beautifully complements the sweetness of raspberries, creating a balanced and refreshing taste.
Creamy Texture: The smooth cheesecake filling provides a luxurious mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Serve: No slicing required—simply present these cups as they are for an effortless yet impressive dessert.

Ingredient:

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

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Raspberry Topping:

1 cup fresh raspberries
¼ cup raspberry preserves

For Garnish:

Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of individual serving cups or a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Let them cool slightly.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add sour cream, eggs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake Cups

Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
In a small bowl, gently toss fresh raspberries with raspberry preserves. Spoon this mixture over the cheesecake filling.

4. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set.
Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cheesecake cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Berry Medley: Substitute raspberries with a mix of berries like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
No-Bake Option: Prepare the crust and filling as directed, but refrigerate instead of baking for a softer texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These cheesecake cups can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Fresh raspberries are recommended for the best texture, but frozen raspberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

3. How can I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing and avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.

4. What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar texture and taste.

5. Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! A vanilla wafer or shortbread cookie crust would also pair nicely with the lemon raspberry flavors.

6. How do I know when the cheesecake cups are done baking?

The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly; they will firm up as they cool.

7. Can I omit the lemon zest?

Lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor, but you can omit it if preferred.

8. What other toppings can I use?

Consider topping with whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

9. Are these cheesecake cups suitable for a buffet?

Yes, their individual portions make them ideal for buffets and gatherings.