I recently had fun making these Lemon-Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes for McCormick®. It had been far too long since I last baked a cheesecake, and I’m reminded that who doesn’t love a rich, creamy cheesecake—especially in a mini size? These bite-sized treats are perfect for spring gatherings or any time you want a simple but elegant dessert.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract brightened the filling. The lemon note is light and fresh, complementing the cream cheese without overwhelming it.
For the crust I mixed graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, a touch of sugar and McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract. That small addition of vanilla lifts the crust and ties it nicely to the creamy filling.
After beating the cream cheese, sugar and eggs, I added the lemon and vanilla extracts and gently folded in fresh blueberries. Using a cookie scoop makes it easy to portion the batter into lined muffin tins for consistent mini cheesecakes.
Spring entertaining inspired me to share a few practical tips that keep hosting easy and enjoyable. I learned these lessons from a friend who focuses on simple, stress-free gatherings. Here are easy entertaining suggestions to help you prepare with less last-minute scrambling:
- Plan your menu at least a week ahead so you have time to shop and organize.
- Include both easy dishes and make-ahead items to reduce day-of work.
- Create a grocery list with every ingredient needed for each recipe so you won’t forget anything.
- Check your spice and extract supply—use this time to discard expired items and restock essentials like McCormick® extracts.
- A day or two before the event, set out serving dishes, plates and utensils for each item so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
- Label which dish goes in which serving piece. Index cards or notes work well to prevent confusion on the day.
- Don’t worry about perfectly matching dinnerware—using mismatched plates can make a table more colorful and welcoming.
- If space is tight, set up a buffet so guests can serve themselves and mingle freely.
- Add bright accents like colorful napkins or towels to create a cheerful spring vibe.
- If guests offer to bring something, ask for nonessential items—drinks, flowers or a simple side—and have a backup plan in case they arrive with something unexpected.
These mini cheesecakes are quick to assemble and bake, and the combination of light lemon and juicy blueberries is delightful. They’ll be a featured dessert for our spring gatherings this year.
Print
Pin
Lemon-Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes Recipe
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 8 regular sized graham crackers
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages, 8 ounces each cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
-
Heat oven to 325°F. Crush graham crackers in a plastic zippered bag with a rolling pin. Pour crumbs into a medium bowl and stir in melted butter until combined. Add sugar and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
-
Place cupcake liners in a muffin tin. Add about two spoonfuls of the graham cracker mixture into each liner and press the crumbs down and up the sides to form a crust. Bake about 5 minutes. Allow to cool and set aside.
Assembly
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and lemon extracts, and beat until smooth. Fold in the blueberries gently with a rubber spatula.
-
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, divide the batter among the prepared liners. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
-
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove liners before serving.
Tag on Insta
Leave a Rating
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by McCormick®; I share my honest opinions and only collaborate with brands I use and trust.