Lemon Curd Dessert Cups are an easy no-bake treat made with a sweet Lotus cookie crumb base, a creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy lemon curd. They are simple to make, elegant to serve, and full of fresh, balanced flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy and No-Bake: No oven needed! This recipe is quick and easy, just chill, and you're done. Perfect if you're short on time or new to desserts.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few basics like cream cheese, heavy cream, and lemon curd, you'll create a delicious dessert packed with flavor.
What makes these lemon curd dessert cups so special is how they look fancy but take almost no effort. No oven needed, just cream cheese, lemon curd, and a little cream whipped together. The Lotus cookie crumbs at the bottom give that sweet crunch I can never skip.
They're also perfect for making ahead. I usually prepare them the night before, and by the next day, they taste even better chilled. These lemon curd dessert cups have that perfect mix of creamy and tangy, and they're the kind of no-bake dessert I never get tired of.
Key Ingredients for Lemon Curd Dessert
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Lotus Cookies: I love starting with Lotus cookies because they bring a caramelized sweetness that balances the sharp citrusy kick of the lemon curd.
- Cream Cheese & Sugar: The cream cheese makes the filling creamy and rich, and the sugar blends in just enough.
- Heavy Cream: I whip the cream right into the filling because it gives the texture a light, mousse-like feel that makes every spoonful so smooth.
- Lemon Curd: I can never resist adding a little extra lemon curd on top, it's glossy, bright, and gives that fresh burst of flavor I always want in lemon desserts.
How to Make Lemon Curd Dessert
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prepare the Cookie Base: Crush the Lotus cookies into fine crumbs and divide them evenly among serving cups to form the base.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in lemon curd.
3. Whip and Layer: Add heavy cream and whip until light and fluffy. Layer the cheesecake mixture and lemon curd alternately over the cookie base.
4. Chill and Set: Finish with a final spoonful of lemon curd on top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
My Tips for Lemon Curd Dessert Cups
Use Very Cold Cream: I always whip the cream straight from the fridge; it thickens faster and gives the filling that fluffy, mousse-like texture.
Adjust the Lemon Curd: If you like things extra tangy, add a little more curd between the layers. For a less tangy flavor, go lighter and let the cream filling shine.
Storage
When I have extras, I cover the cups with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. They're still just as good the next day, sometimes even better.
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Recipe
Lemon Curd Dessert Cups
Ingredients
- 200 g lotus cookies
- 400 g cream cheese
- 180 g sugar
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 300 g lemon curd
Instructions
- In a food processor, crush the Lotus cookies into fine crumbs. Divide the crumbs evenly among the serving cups to create the base.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Mix in 2 tablespoons of lemon curd until just blended.
- Add the heavy cream to the cream cheese bowl and whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Spoon a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the cookie base in each cup.
- Spoon lemon curd on top of the cheesecake layer, then add another layer of cheesecake mixture. Finish with a final spoonful of lemon curd on top.
- Refrigerate the dessert cups for at least 2 hours, allowing them to firm up before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
No-bake treats are my favorite. Definitely trying these soon!