No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups – Light, Creamy & Perfect for Summer!
Looking for a refreshing dessert that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require an oven? These No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups are the answer! They’re cool, tangy, creamy, and perfect for hot days, dinner parties, or even a simple weeknight treat.
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits (for the base)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to bind the crust)
- Optional toppings: lemon slices, berries, whipped cream, mint
🥄 How to Make No-Bake Lemon Pie Cups – Step-by-Step:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons into the bottom of small serving cups or jars. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to create a firm base.
💡 Tip: For an extra toasty flavor, toast the crumbs in a pan for 3–5 minutes before adding the butter.
2. Make the Lemon Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat.
Next, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the filling thickens slightly (the lemon juice helps firm up the mixture).
Finally, fold in the whipped topping gently using a spatula. The filling should be creamy, airy, and lightly tangy.
3. Assemble the Cups:
Spoon or pipe the lemon filling over the crust in each cup. Smooth out the top or swirl it for a pretty finish.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This gives the filling time to set and develop its flavor.
4. Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream, a slice of lemon, a few fresh berries, or a sprig of mint.
Serve chilled—and watch these creamy, zesty treats disappear fast!
❓ FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, you can. Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor, but bottled works fine too.
How long do these cups last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 4–5 days in the fridge when covered well.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze without toppings in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
💛 Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Lemon Pie Cups
- No baking required
- Only 8 simple ingredients
- Perfect for parties, picnics, or meal prep
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Look gorgeous in individual cups or jars