Mini Lemon Cream Pies

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each compartment of a muffin tin or mini tart pan. Press down gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a compact crust.
• Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Cream Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract (if using). Mix until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Mini Lemon Cream Pies:

• Once the graham cracker crusts have cooled, spoon the lemon cream filling into each crust. Fill each mini pie about 3/4 full.
• Smooth the tops of the pies with a spatula or spoon.

4. Chill the Mini Pies:

• Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and chilled through.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a small lemon slice for extra flair.
• For added freshness, garnish with a small mint leaf.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: These mini pies can be made a day ahead. Just store them in the refrigerator and garnish just before serving.
• Crust Variations: For a twist, you can use crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even almond cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust.
• Extra Creamy: For an even richer filling, add a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or sour cream to the lemon mixture.

These Mini Lemon Cream Pies are a delightful balance of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness. They’re a refreshing treat that’s sure to be loved by all! 🍋✨