I love making these juicy mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes when I want a dessert that feels fresh, creamy, and perfectly portioned. The bright lemon flavor blends beautifully with bursts of sweet blueberries, all sitting on a buttery crust. I find them ideal for parties, brunches, or whenever I want an elegant treat in individual servings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how these mini cheesecakes deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. The lemon adds brightness, while the blueberries bring natural sweetness and a pop of color.
I also enjoy how convenient they are to serve. Since they’re made in a muffin pan, I don’t have to slice anything, and they chill quickly compared to a full-sized cheesecake.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
graham cracker crumbs
granulated sugar
unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese, softened
granulated sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
fresh blueberries
For the topping (optional):
blueberry preserves or fresh blueberry sauce
lemon zest
Directions
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I start by preheating my oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners.
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In a bowl, I mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
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I press about a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner and press firmly to form a crust.
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I bake the crusts for about 5 minutes, then let them cool slightly.
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In a mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
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I add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
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I stir in the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
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I gently fold in fresh blueberries.
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I divide the filling evenly over the crusts.
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I bake for 18–22 minutes, until the centers are set but still slightly soft.
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I let them cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
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Before serving, I spoon a small amount of blueberry preserves or sauce on top and sprinkle with extra lemon zest if I like.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 mini cheesecakes.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 18–22 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swirl blueberry jam into the filling before baking for a marbled effect. If I want extra lemon flavor, I add a bit more zest to the batter.
For a different crust, I use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. I also enjoy adding a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
storage/reheating
I store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If I want to freeze them, I wrap each cheesecake individually and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. I do not reheat them, as they are best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, I can use frozen blueberries, but I add them directly from frozen and avoid overmixing to prevent color bleeding.
How do I prevent cracks in mini cheesecakes?
I avoid overmixing the batter and make sure not to overbake them. Letting them cool gradually also helps.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prefer making them a day in advance so they have plenty of time to chill and set properly.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
I look for set edges and slightly soft centers. They firm up more as they cool.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, I substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make the recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
I truly enjoy making these juicy mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes because they combine creamy texture with bright citrus and sweet berry flavors. They’re perfectly portioned, easy to serve, and always a hit. Whenever I want a refreshing yet indulgent dessert, this is a recipe I happily prepare.
Juicy Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes
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Fresh and creamy mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes with a buttery graham cracker crust, bright lemon flavor, and bursts of sweet blueberries. Perfectly portioned and elegant, these individual treats are ideal for parties, brunches, or special occasions.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- For the topping (optional):
- 1/3 cup blueberry preserves or blueberry sauce
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then allow them to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
- Divide the filling evenly among the prepared crusts.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
- Before serving, top with blueberry preserves or sauce and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Swirl blueberry jam into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.
- Add extra lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different crust option.
- Top with whipped cream for added richness.
- Use frozen blueberries directly from frozen and avoid overmixing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped cheesecakes for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
