Let’s assemble these delightful Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cups:

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Crush the 6-8 graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a sealed zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor.
• In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix with a fork until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
• Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each of your dessert cups. Use the back of a small spoon to gently press the crumbs down to form a flat, even crust layer.

2. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, optional lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the beaten cream cheese.
• Continue to beat on medium speed until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Fold in Whipped Topping:

• Add the 1 cup of thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) to the lemon cream cheese mixture.
• Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the mixture. Use large, sweeping motions, bringing the mixture up from the bottom and folding it over the top, rotating the bowl as you go. Continue folding just until no streaks remain and the mixture is uniform, smooth, and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the whipped topping.

4. Assemble the Pie Cups:

• Spoon or pipe the prepared lemon filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in each dessert cup.
• Smooth the tops with the back of a small spoon or a small spatula.

5. Chill Until Firm:

• Cover the dessert cups (you can place them on a tray and cover the whole tray with plastic wrap).
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm to the touch and well-chilled. Longer chilling (4+ hours) will result in a firmer set.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Just before serving, top each chilled Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Cup with a dollop or swirl of additional whipped topping.
• Garnish with a thin slice of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, if desired.
• Serve chilled.

An incredibly easy, elegant, and refreshing no-bake dessert!