No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake (Printable)

Refreshing lemon dessert with creamy layers in jars, ideal for spring and easy preparation.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Cheesecake Filling

05 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
06 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Topping

11 - 1/2 cup lemon curd
12 - Fresh berries for garnish
13 - Extra lemon zest for garnish, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
02 - Spoon 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each jar. Press down firmly to create an even, compact layer.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
04 - In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
05 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy throughout.
06 - Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly over the crusts in each jar, distributing equally among all six jars.
07 - Top each jar with a generous spoonful of lemon curd, spreading evenly across the surface.
08 - Cover and refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is completely set.
09 - Just before serving, garnish each jar with fresh berries and extra lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No baking required—perfect for hot days when you don't want to turn on the oven
  • Individual servings make portion control easy and presentation stunning
  • Bright, tangy lemon flavor balanced with creamy richness
  • Make-ahead friendly—prepare up to 24 hours in advance
  • Customizable with your favorite berries and garnishes
02 -
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor—bottled juice won't deliver the same zing
  • Don't skip chilling time—the cheesecake needs at least 2 hours to set properly
  • Make these up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator
  • For clean jar edges, wipe the inside rim with a damp paper towel after layering
  • Garnish just before serving to keep berries fresh and vibrant
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