If you love the tangy sweetness of lemon, the bright burst of raspberries, and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, these Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are about to become your new favorite treat! Perfectly portioned in individual cups, these little delights are bursting with fresh flavors, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a beautiful raspberry swirl that makes them as stunning as they are delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick dessert for a party, or just want to treat yourself, these cheesecake cups are easy to make and impossible to resist!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Cups

• Perfectly Portioned: Individual servings make them great for parties, picnics, or meal prepping a sweet treat.
• Bright & Fresh Flavors: Tangy lemon and sweet raspberries are the perfect match for rich, creamy cheesecake.
• No Water Bath Needed: Simple baking process with no fuss.
• Beautiful Presentation: The raspberry swirl adds a gorgeous pop of color!

What Do They Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling infused with zesty lemon, sitting atop a buttery, slightly crunchy graham cracker crust. Each bite is brightened by swirls of sweet-tart raspberry sauce that cuts through the richness, making every mouthful refreshing and indulgent all at once. The combination of citrusy tang, creamy decadence, and fruity bursts is simply divine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 🍪 (for that classic cheesecake base)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 🍬 (adds a touch of sweetness)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈 (binds the crust and adds richness)

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened 🧀 (full-fat for the creamiest texture)
• ½ cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 2 large eggs 🥚 (room temperature for smooth mixing)
• ¼ cup sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋 (for bright, zesty flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries 🍓
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 🍬
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice 🍋

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh raspberries
• Whipped cream
• Extra lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin
• Paper cupcake liners
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan (for raspberry sauce)
• Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)

How to Make Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner. Press firmly with the back of a spoon to form a compact crust.
4. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Swirl

1. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional), then set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined and silky smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Cups

1. Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
2. Add small dollops (about ½ teaspoon) of the raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake batter.
3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake to fully set.

Step 6: Serve

Top with fresh raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy every luscious, tangy, creamy bite!

Tips for the Creamiest Cheesecake Cups

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing the cheesecake to crack.
• Swirl Gently: A light hand creates beautiful swirls without mixing the layers together.
• Chill Thoroughly: Let the cheesecake cups chill for at least 2 hours for the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with These Cheesecake Cups

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries add a fresh pop.
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream complements the rich cheesecake.
• Mint Leaves: A fresh garnish for a touch of color and flavor.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink pairing for warm days.

How to Store & Freeze

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each cheesecake cup individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! No need to thaw them—just cook a little longer when making the raspberry sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe into a full cheesecake?
Absolutely. Use a 9-inch springform pan, bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then bake the cheesecake for 45–50 minutes until the center is set.

3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

4. Can I skip the raspberry swirl?
Of course! You can leave the cheesecake plain or substitute with other fruit purees like strawberry, blueberry, or mango.

Wrapping It Up 🍋🍓🧁

These Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. With their beautiful swirls, bright flavors, and rich cheesecake texture, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering—or the perfect little indulgence just for you.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your beautiful cheesecake creations. 💛🍓

Craving More Cheesecake Delights?

• Mini Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
• Classic New York-Style Cheesecake
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups

Happy baking, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite! 😊🍋🍰