It’s finally summertime in Minnesota. Temperatures are rising, the sun is shining, and everyone wants to be outside enjoying the glorious weather. When I’m entertaining, I try to keep it simple, but still want to impress. I want a recipe that is easy, yummy and perfect for summer. No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bites meet all my criteria.
Easy – this recipe only takes about 20 minutes. It is a great make-ahead recipe when entertaining because these need to be refrigerated at least 2 hours to firm up. That makes me happy. I don’t have to worry about a last-minute dessert since these are in the refrigerator ready to go.
Yum – when my kids and I dine at our favorite local restaurant, we are known to order their strawberry lemonade. Our favorite waiter doesn’t even take our order; he simply brings the strawberry lemonade to the table. These bites showcase this wonderful summertime flavor combination that my friends and family love.
Perfect for summer – a refreshing, beautiful, no-bake, no-worries dessert that features in-season fruit. Sounds like a perfect fit with my summer requirements.
So, let’s make these tasty little morsels. Start by placing minipaper baking cups into 24 mini-muffin pan cups. I used some cute and summery red checked paper cups. Combine all of the crust ingredients – graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the crust mixture into each prepared mini muffin cup, and press onto the bottom of the cup. Place the pans in the refrigerator to help set the crust while you mix up the filling.
It’s important that the cream cheese be softened when making the filling so that it will mix up smooth and creamy. A quick way to soften cream cheese is to remove the foil wrapper, place the cream cheese on a microwave-safe plate, cut into 8 or so pieces, and microwave for about 10 to 20 seconds. Start with 10 seconds and add more time if needed.
Now place the softened cream cheese in a bowl and beat it at medium speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until well-mixed.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla. Beat until well-mixed.
Spoon the filling into the prepared mini muffin cups.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until filling is set. Garnish with sliced strawberries.
That’s it – easy, yummy and perfect for summer! Oh, and also adorable.
Have fun making these delicious summertime treats. Try other fruit – maybe blueberries or raspberries. I’d enjoy hearing what you think about this recipe, so please come back and let me know.