Name: Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 vanilla wafers; 8 oz cream cheese; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 6 oz Greek yogurt; 2 large egg whites; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp all purpose flour; 24 blackberries

Embark on the journey of creating a delightful dessert with this lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe. This light, tangy, and delicious dessert brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing zing of lemon, all served in a handy cup. The cups are not just cute but also make portion control a breeze.

Photos of Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are fairly common but there's one you might need to be specifically aware of - Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. It's readily available in most supermarkets but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to remove excess water content. Also, make sure to pick organic lemons for the zest to avoid any pesticides or wax.

Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Vanilla wafers: These add a sweet, crunchy base to our yogurt cups.

Cream cheese: Brings in the classic, rich cheesecake flavor.

Sugar: Sweetens the dessert.

Vanilla: Adds depth of flavor.

Greek yogurt: Gives creaminess and a slight tang.

Egg whites: They contribute to the lightness of the cheesecake filling.

Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tartness.

Lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor.

All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the mixture.

Blackberries: A fresh topping that adds a burst of fruitiness.

One reader, Gale Kidwell says:

I recently tried the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe and it was a delightful treat! The combination of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon flavor was simply divine. The addition of blackberries on top added a burst of freshness. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion and I highly recommend it!

Gale Kidwell

Techniques for Making Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe

How to prepare the cheesecake mixture: Combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, greek yogurt, egg whites, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour in a bowl and mix until smooth.

How to line the cupcake tin with liners: Place cupcake liners in each cup of the tin, then press a vanilla wafer into the bottom of each liner.

How to bake the cheesecake yogurt cups: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cheesecake yogurt cups for 25 minutes or until the center is almost set.

How to chill the cheesecake yogurt cups: After cooling the cups to room temperature, chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours.

How to top the cheesecake yogurt cups: Add fresh blackberries on top of the chilled cheesecake yogurt cups before serving.

How To Make Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Satisfy your sweet tooth by crafting these lemon cheesecake Greek yogurt cups! This easy-to-make dessert is made more tasty by adding mixed berries atop.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

12vanilla wafers,reduced fat
8ozcream cheese,⅓ less fat, softened
¼cupsugar
1tspvanilla
6ozGreek yogurt,fat-free, vanilla
2large egg whites
3tbsplemon juice
1tbsplemon zest
1tbspall purpose flour
24blackberries

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line the cupcake tin with liners, then place a vanilla wafer at the bottom of each liner.
Using an electric mixer, gently beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in the fat-free yogurt, egg whites, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour. Do not overbeat.
Pour the mixture into cupcake liners, filling half way.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the center is almost set.
Cool to room temperature, then chill the cups for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Top with fresh berries and powdered sugar, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 129.65kcal
Fat: 8.42g
Saturated Fat: 4.41g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.43g
Carbohydrates: 10.79g
Fiber: 0.31g
Sugar: 5.53g
Protein: 3.13g
Cholesterol: 22.67mg
Sodium: 103.26mg
Calcium: 31.51mg
Potassium: 50.73mg
Iron: 0.26mg
Vitamin A: 69.41µg
Vitamin C: 2.54mg

Helpful Technique for Making Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe

When preparing the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups, ensure that all your ingredients, particularly the cream cheese and Greek yogurt, are at room temperature before you begin. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency when you beat them together. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy mixture. Also, when adding the lemon juice and lemon zest, do so gradually to prevent curdling. Lastly, remember not to overbeat the mixture as it can incorporate too much air, which might cause the cheesecakes to rise and then collapse.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-made crust: Save time by using pre-made crusts instead of making them from scratch.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools can save time and effort, so invest in good knives, mixers, and other essential equipment.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that can lead to wasted time and ingredients.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills as you cook to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Consider making larger quantities and freezing the extra portions for future use to save time on meal prep.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe

vanilla wafers - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers can provide a similar crunchy base for the cheesecake cups.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a lighter texture and a slightly different flavor to the cheesecake cups.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a different flavor profile to the cheesecake cups.
greek yogurt - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt, providing a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to create a similar texture to egg whites in this recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a similar citrusy flavor to the cheesecake cups.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can provide a different citrus flavor to the cheesecake cups.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to thicken the cheesecake mixture in place of flour.
blackberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for blackberries, providing a similar tartness and sweetness to the dessert.

Presentation Tips for Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Elevate with a decorative garnish: Add a touch of elegance to the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups by garnishing with delicate edible flowers or microgreens. This will add a pop of color and visual appeal to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of honey: Enhance the flavor profile by delicately drizzling a high-quality, fragrant honey over the top of the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups. The sweetness of the honey will complement the tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors.
Present in individual glass jars: For a sophisticated and refined presentation, consider serving the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups in individual glass jars. This will showcase the layers of the dessert and create an upscale, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Add a sprinkle of edible gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider adding a sprinkle of edible gold leaf on top of the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups. This will create a stunning visual effect and elevate the dessert to a gourmet level.
Serve on a chilled platter: To ensure the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups stay cool and fresh, present them on a chilled platter or serving dish. This will maintain the ideal temperature and enhance the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making crusts, blending cheesecake fillings, and processing other ingredients for the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, yogurt, egg whites, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour to create the cheesecake filling for the yogurt cups.

Storing and Freezing Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Once the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups have cooled to room temperature, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze the yogurt cups, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cups to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, remove the desired number of cheesecake cups from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
If you plan to freeze the cups, it's best to do so without the berry topping. Add the fresh berries and powdered sugar just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
To maintain the best quality and texture, store the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.

Interesting Fact About Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

The lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors. It offers a refreshing and light dessert option that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The addition of Greek yogurt provides a healthy twist to the traditional cheesecake, making it a guilt-free indulgence. This recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, creating a delightful treat for those who enjoy a touch of citrus in their desserts. The blackberries on top add a burst of freshness, complementing the lemony taste.

Is Making Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups at Home Cost-Effective?

This lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cream cheese, greek yogurt, and lemon, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple and basic ingredients makes it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the prices of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe Healthy?

The lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional cheesecake, but it still contains some ingredients that may not be considered entirely healthy. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's nutritional aspects:

Pros:

The use of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream reduces the overall fat content and adds protein to the recipe
Egg whites are used instead of whole eggs, which lowers the cholesterol content
The recipe incorporates lemon juice and zest, providing vitamin C and antioxidants
Blackberries add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dessert

Cons:

The recipe still contains cream cheese and sugar, which are high in fat and calories
Vanilla wafers are used as a base, adding extra calories and processed ingredients
The recipe lacks whole grains or more nutrient-dense ingredients

While this recipe is a step in the right direction, there are some modifications that could be made to enhance its nutritional value:

Replace the vanilla wafers with a whole-grain cookie or a nut-based crust for added fiber and healthy fats
Reduce the amount of sugar used and consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead
Incorporate more fresh fruit, such as raspberries or blueberries, to increase the fiber and antioxidant content
Experiment with using a lower-fat cream cheese or a combination of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to further reduce the fat content

By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and satisfying dessert that still captures the essence of a lemon cheesecake.

Editor's Opinion on Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe

This lemon cheesecake yogurt cups recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The use of Greek yogurt adds a delightful tartness, while the lemon juice and zest provide a refreshing citrusy kick. The addition of blackberries on top adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color. The vanilla wafer at the bottom provides a lovely crunch and complements the creamy filling perfectly. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful and elegant dessert option.

Enhance Your Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the tangy lemon cheesecake yogurt cups.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, a refreshing side to complement the creamy dessert.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the tangy flavors of the lemon cheesecake yogurt cups.

Similar Recipes to Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. It's rich, flavorful, and easy to make at home.

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad: This grilled peach and prosciutto salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. It's a refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer day.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: This balsamic glazed salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that's bursting with flavor. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and flavorful herbs will leave everyone wanting more. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering or party.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Wow your guests with this creamy and rich spinach and artichoke dip. The blend of spinach, artichokes, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering appetizer that pairs perfectly with crispy bread or crunchy tortilla chips. This crowd-pleasing dip is sure to be a hit at any event.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. The flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef are cooked in a savory, creamy sauce and served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. The dish is hearty and full of flavor, making it a classic comfort food favorite.

Why trust this Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups Recipe:

This recipe uses real cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a rich and creamy texture. The addition of lemon juice and lemon zest provides a refreshing and zesty flavor. The use of vanilla wafers as the base adds a delightful crunch. The combination of these high-quality ingredients ensures a delicious and indulgent cheesecake experience. Additionally, the careful instructions and precise measurements guarantee a successful outcome, earning the trust of users.

Want to share your experience making these Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker and creamier texture, which will affect the consistency of the cheesecake cups.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if that's what you have on hand. Just be sure to use a high-quality, 100% pure lemon juice for the best results.

Can I use a different type of fruit to top the cheesecake cups?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of fruits to top the cheesecake cups, such as strawberries, raspberries, or even a mix of different berries. Get creative and use your favorite fruits to customize the dessert to your liking.

Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cheesecake cups ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Add the fresh berries just before serving to keep them looking and tasting their best.

Can I freeze the cheesecake cups?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake cups for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving, and add the fresh berries just before serving for the best presentation.