Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each serving cup or jar and press down firmly using the back of a spoon (or a cocktail muddler). Place the cups in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to let the butter firm up.
- Whip the cold heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form and set aside. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice (starting with 2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste), and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Spoon or pipe approximately 1/3 cup of the creamy filling onto each chilled crust. Give the cups a light tap to settle the filling, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or 4-6 hours for a firmer set).
- Just before serving, top each cheesecake cup with fresh blueberries. For an extra touch, you can macerate the blueberries by tossing them with sugar and lemon juice and letting them sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh mint sprigs or serve alongside a shot of espresso or a cup of tea to enhance the dessert experience.
Notes
These cheesecake cups are perfect for summer gatherings and can be made up to 24 hours ahead, making them ideal for entertaining or meal prep. They are very versatile, allowing for gluten-free adaptations by using alternative crusts like crushed almond cookies. For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of limoncello to the filling or swapping the blueberries for raspberries.
