Description
My favorite mini cheesecakes! This easy, no-bake recipe is a lovely choice for a fun and festive summer dessert. All the flavors of traditional cheesecake – a brown sugar graham cracker crust, creamy and indulgent mascarpone cheesecake filling, and a sweet fruit topping – combine for a delicious and crowd-pleasing Summer treat, without the fuss.
Ingredients
for the base:
- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
for the mascarpone cheesecake filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, at room-temperature ¹
- 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- zest of one lemon
for topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries
- 2 Tbsp organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Make the graham cracker base:
- Use a food-processor to pulse together the graham crumbs, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse a few times until combined.
- Divide the base between your jars or serving dishes. Press down gently into an even layer. Set aside.
Make the mascarpone cheesecake filling:
- Add the cold cream to the (chilled) bowl of a stand up mixer fitted with the balloon whisk attachment. Starting on low speed, and gradually increasing, beat the cream until soft, fluffy peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl.
- Add the softened mascarpone and sugar to the mixing bowl, and beat together until light and creamy and no lumps remain.
- Beat in the vanilla and lemon zest.
- Use a spatula to gently and methodically fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined.
- Divide the mascarpone cheesecake filling between the jars. It may be easier to fill a large pastry bag and pipe the filling into the cups. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the topping and assemble:
- Stir together the chopped fruit with the sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Top the cheesecake with the fruit and syrup shortly before serving. Enjoy!!
Notes
- ¹ Mascarpone cheese can be found in most well-stocked grocery stores. If you cannot find it, traditional brick cream cheese is a perfectly good substitute.
- Be sure your mascarpone cheese is fully softened to room-temperature for the creamiest, lump-free results.