Description
These Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bites are delightful, bite-sized treats featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy lemon cheesecake filling swirled with fresh blueberries. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, they are baked to a smooth, just-set consistency and garnished with fresh fruit and vibrant lemon zest curls.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 100g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (56g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (225g, full-fat recommended)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (30g)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (75g; frozen works, no need to thaw)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar or honey (optional, for tart berries)
Garnish (optional)
- Extra fresh blueberries
- Lemon zest curls
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper or silicone liners, and lightly mist the liners with nonstick spray for easy release.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Form and bake crust: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each liner and press down firmly to create an even layer. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then allow them to cool slightly.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: Add 1/3 cup sugar, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Beat until well combined and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Fill crusts with cheesecake: Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheesecake filling onto each baked crust, filling nearly to the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Add blueberries and swirl: Place 2-3 blueberries on top of each cheesecake. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the berries into the filling for a marbled effect. If the berries are tart, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or honey.
- Bake cheesecake bites: Bake for 14-16 minutes until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool and refrigerate: Transfer the cheesecake bites to a cooling rack and remove liners carefully. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving to allow them to fully set.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish with extra fresh blueberries and lemon zest curls if desired. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Frozen blueberries can be used directly without thawing.
- Be careful not to overbake; the centers should be slightly jiggly when done.
- Refrigeration time is essential for firm, sliceable cheesecake bites.
- For sweeter berries, the powdered sugar or honey is optional but enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bites, lemon cheesecake, blueberry dessert, mini cheesecakes, bite-sized cheesecake, party desserts
