Lemon Cheesecake in a Glass

I like lemon and I like cream cheese so when I found a recipe incorporating both these ingredients, I had to adjust it to meet my particular needs. It makes a nice finish to a spicy meal or for an extra treat on a warm summer evening. Yes, the sudden hot weather has put me into summer-thinking mode!

Lemon Cheesecake in a Glass

4 8oz glasses (short and stout work well for the glass shape or use a high-rimmed, pretty dish)
2 8oz blocks of cream cheese (I used the lower fat one)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1/2 cup FRESH lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Let the cream cheese sit out for an hour to soften a bit. Whip it in a mixer bowl until smooth. Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and beat a minute more. Pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk and thoroughly mix. While the mixer is going, gradually add the fresh lemon juice and mix to combine well. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare your dishes.

I reduced about four graham crackers to fine crumbs and added a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of melted butter. I divided the mixture between my four dishes/glasses and pressed down gently. I microwaved them for 30 seconds to set.

Once the glasses/dishes had cooled a bit, I divided the creamcheese mixture between them. It will not entirely fill the dishes. That's okay because there is more to come! Refrigerate for 6 hours or over night. It is a good dessert to prepare a day in advance of serving.

Whipped cream topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whip the cream and sour cream until it starts to form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until it can almost hold a peak. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.

Fill the glasses of creamcheese filling with the whipped cream and let it pile high above the rim of the glass. Garnish with a sliced strawberry, chocolate sprinkles, some toasted nuts, etc. and serve.