We’re bringing the sunshine with our No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bites. These little gems are the ultimate combination of tangy and sweet, and the best part? No oven required!
Perfect for your next brunch, birthday bash, or whenever you need a little lemony lift. Get ready to fall in love with these bite-sized treats – they’re like a burst of sunshine in every bite!
What You Need for No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bites
These lemon cheesecake bites are a delightful dance of flavors and textures. We’re talking about a buttery shortbread base (hello, Lorna Doon cookies!) topped with a zingy lemon cheesecake filling made from a mix of instant lemon pudding, creamy cream cheese, and a splash of milk.
Make sure you have a piping bag so you can pipe this creamy dreaminess onto your cookies. Top with a raspberry, and voila! Just chill them for a bit, and you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
Cream cheese: Switch out the cream cheese for a light version if you’re watching those calories.
Lemon: Not into lemon? Try lime pudding mix with lime zest and juice for a Key Lime twist.
Raspberries: Swap raspberries for strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries – whatever tickles your fancy!
Top Tips for No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bites
- Chill time is key: Ensure your cheesecake bites get enough chill time in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and gives the bites a firm texture, making them easier to enjoy.
- Piping perfection: For a professional look, use a piping bag to add the cheesecake mixture to the cookies. If you don’t have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works just as well!
- Berry variations: We love the look and taste of raspberries on these bites but don’t hesitate to mix it up with different berries. Each berry offers its own unique flavor and visual appeal.
Storage + Freezer Directions
These little beauties are best enjoyed soon after chilling for that perfect cookie crunch. If you do have leftovers, keep them refrigerated and enjoy them within a day or two. The cookie
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cheesecake bites are a showstopper on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a Chai Tea Latte or a White Wine Spritzer for those extra special occasions.
Serve them up on a pretty platter after enjoying our Cream Cheese Crab Rangoon Dip, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, and 7 Layer Taco Dip, and watch them disappear!
How to soften cream cheese
Looking for a quick method to soften cream cheese? Check out our post – How to Soften Cream Cheese – 4 Ways! Here you’ll learn 4 unique (and quick!) methods to soften cream cheese to the perfect amount for baking and cooking.
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients
- 48 shortbread cookies we used Lorna Doon Shortbread Cookies
- 1 box 3.5-oz. instant lemon pudding mix
- 1.5 cups 2% milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened (light cream cheese works, too)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 48 raspberries
- 1-2 tablespoons confectioners sugar optional
Instructions
- Line baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper (for easier clean up). Place 48 shortbread cookies in rows on a baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Beat with a hand mixer on high 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice and beat on medium until creamy. Add cream cheese mixture to pudding and blend on low speed until combined.
- Next, spoon the mixture into a large ziplock bag and snip the tip off to make a small hole for piping.
- Pipe a small amount of the lemon cheesecake mixture onto each cookie.
- Finally, top with raspberries and confectioners sugar, if desired. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
- Chill in the refrigerator to set for 1-2 hours.
Tips & Notes
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- These must be enjoyed soon after chilling for the best cookie crunch. After sitting for a day, cookie will soften.
- If 48+ cookies are too many, make desired amount and use the extra filling for mini pies. Just buy pre-made mini graham cracker crusts.
