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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars

no-bake strawberry cheesecake jars - featured image

A quick and refreshing no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling, a crumbly graham cracker crust, and fresh strawberry topping served in individual jars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and feel like damp sand (about 3 minutes).
  2. Divide the crust mixture evenly among jars, pressing firmly with the back of a spoon or fingers to create a compact base layer. Set aside (5 minutes).
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or whisk. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest. Mix until well combined and silky.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, keeping the filling airy and smooth (3-4 minutes).
  6. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust layers in each jar, filling about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops gently.
  7. Toss sliced fresh strawberries with strawberry jam until berries are lightly coated and glossy. Spoon the strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling in each jar.
  8. Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Notes

If cream cheese isn’t softened enough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or soften gently in the microwave for 10 seconds to avoid lumps. Fold whipped cream gently to keep filling light and fluffy. Press crust firmly into jars to prevent crumbs falling. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Fresh ripe strawberries improve flavor and juiciness. Can substitute graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour for gluten-free option. Dairy-free alternatives include coconut cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, summer dessert, easy dessert, individual servings, no oven dessert, fresh strawberries