No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: Easy Individual Dessert
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are creamy individual desserts made with a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, strawberry jam, and homemade whipped cream. They're easy to prepare, require no baking, and are perfect for parties, holidays, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs certified gluten-free if needed
- 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream room temperature
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- For the Whipped Cream
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- 6 fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate roughly chopped
Instructions
. Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Divide the mixture evenly among six dessert cups or jars, pressing it gently into the bottom of each cup.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Transfer the whipped cream to the refrigerator.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Fold only until no streaks remain to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Divide the filling evenly over the prepared crusts. For clean, professional-looking layers, pipe the filling into the cups.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight.
Add the Strawberry Layer
- Once the cheesecake filling has fully chilled and set, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam over each cheesecake cup, spreading gently into an even layer.
Prepare the Whipped Cream
- Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip and pipe a swirl onto each cheesecake cup.
Garnish and Serve
- Top each dessert with sliced fresh strawberries and chopped dark chocolate if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry jam can replace the strawberry jam.
- Mini mason jars create a beautiful presentation.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with vanilla wafer crumbs or digestive biscuits.
- Add lemon zest to the filling for a brighter flavor.
- These cheesecake cups are perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, picnics, and holiday dessert tables