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Light No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Cups

light no-bake lemon cheesecake mousse cups - featured image

A light, airy no-bake lemon cheesecake mousse with a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand, about 3 minutes.
  2. Divide crust mixture evenly into 6 individual cups or ramekins, pressing firmly to form a compact base. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
  3. Place softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Mix in powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully to keep the mousse airy.
  7. Spoon the lemon cheesecake mousse over the chilled graham crusts evenly and smooth the tops.
  8. Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours to set. Overnight chilling is recommended for best flavor.
  9. Optional: Just before serving, garnish with fresh berries, lemon zest, or a sprig of mint.

Notes

Softened cream cheese is key to avoid lumps. Whip cream to soft peaks only to keep mousse light and airy. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill mousse cups sufficiently for best texture. If mousse is too soft after chilling, freeze for 10 minutes to firm up without freezing solid. Overwhipped cream can be loosened with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, lemon cheesecake, mousse cups, summer dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker crust, light dessert