No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe

Whipping up these delightful no-bake raspberry lemon thyme tartlets is my favorite way to bring a burst of freshness to the table—they’re creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of fancy without requiring an oven!

I enjoy making recipes that perfectly balance flavor and texture, and these No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets do just that. They have a graham cracker crumb crust that’s kissed with cinnamon and butter; a creamy filling made from cream cheese, lemon zest, and fresh thyme (if you’ve never used fresh thyme in a dessert before, you’re in for a treat); and fresh raspberries that top it all off.

The freshness of the raspberries really makes the flavors pop in these tartlets, and they’re so easy and fun to make.

No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Crumbly texture forms tartlet base, adds subtle sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Binds crust ingredients, adds rich flavor without additional salt.
• Cream cheese: Creamy texture, adds tanginess and smoothness to the filling.
• Lemon zest: Bright citrus aroma and flavor, enhances tart freshness.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Herbal notes, adds a subtle earthy complexity.
• Fresh raspberries: Bursts of sweetness and tartness, rich in antioxidants.

No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Additional thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until combined and resembles wet sand.

2. Evenly press the mixture into the bottoms of individual tartlet pans or muffin cups to form crusts. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it tightly. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

3. In another bowl, whisk the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine the cream cheese with these ingredients:
-Powdered sugar
-Vanilla extract
-Lemon juice
-Lemon zest
-Chopped thyme leaves

after which you proceed to beat the cream cheese and the mixture thrives into a smooth union of sorts.

5. Take the tartlet shells from the refrigerator. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into the chilled tartlet shells, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

6. Evenly distribute fresh raspberries on top of each tartlet, so that each one has its fair share.

7. Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 1 hour, allowing the filling to set.

8. Once set, carefully take the tartlets out of their molds or muffin cups.

9. If you like, you can add little thyme sprigs to each tartlet for a shine of color and taste. They will further emphasize the thyme flavor and certainly up the style and sophistication of each tartlet.

10. Tartlets should be served chilled to ensure optimal flavor, balance, and texture. Enjoy these remarkable no-bake raspberry lemon thyme creations!

No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Spoon for mixing
3. Tartlet pans or muffin cups
4. Refrigerator
5. Second mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife and cutting board (for lemon and thyme)
10. Optional: Small garnish tongs for thyme sprigs

FAQ

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?Certainly, you are able to use frozen raspberries. Simply ensure they are thawed and that any excess liquid has been drained before you proceed to use them.
• Is there a substitute for fresh thyme?If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead, but cut the amount down to 1/8 teaspoon since dried thyme is stronger.
• Can the tartlets be made ahead of time?Certainly, you can make the tartlets ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for as long as up to 2 days before you serve them.
• Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?Graham cracker crumbs can be swapped for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies that are gluten-free.
• What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust?Biscuits that have been crushed—digestive, or shortbread—can be used in place of graham cracker crumbs.
• Can I use a different type of cream cheese?You can use dairy-free cream cheese or low-fat cream cheese in its place, but the texture might alter slightly.

No Bake Raspberry Lemon Thyme Tartlets Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 1/2 cups crumbs from digestive biscuits (substitute for crumbs from graham crackers)
1/4 cup coconut oil, liquefied (stand-in for unsalted butter)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (sub for granulated sugar)
Mascarpone Cheese (8 ounces; this is a substitute for cream cheese)
1 cup strawberries, sliced (can substitute with fresh raspberries)

Pro Tips

1. For a more sturdy and flavorful crust, consider toasting the graham cracker crumbs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before mixing with butter and sugar. This enhances the flavor and provides a slightly firmer base.

2. To ensure the smoothest filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps.

3. Add a bit of finely chopped white chocolate to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of sweetness and luxury. This complements the tartness of the raspberries beautifully.

4. For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest to taste or consider adding a few drops of lemon extract. Be cautious not to overpower the delicate thyme and raspberry notes.

5. Before serving, brush the raspberries with a light apricot glaze (apricot jam thinned with a bit of water) for added shine and to help keep the berries fresh. This glaze adds an extra touch of elegance to the presentation.