No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: A Dreamy Dessert in Minutes
There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries—it’s like summer in every bite. But let’s be real: turning on the oven when the weather heats up? No, thank you. That’s where these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups come in. They’re cool, effortless, and so delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a traditional cheesecake pan.
Picture this: a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake filling, and a glossy strawberry topping that’s just sweet enough. The best part? You can whip these up in 20 minutes (yes, really) and let the fridge do the rest of the work. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute girls’ night, need a kid-friendly treat, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss, these individual cups are your new go-to. Plus, they’re as pretty as they are tasty—no one needs to know how easy they were!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
If you’re still on the fence, here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation:
- No oven required—perfect for hot days or tiny kitchens.
- Portion-controlled—no fighting over the last slice!
- Endlessly customizable—swap strawberries for blueberries, mango, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
- Kid-approved—little hands love helping with the layers.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional, for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each cup or jar.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Layer it up: Divide the filling evenly over the crusts. Chill for at least 1 hour (or 15 minutes in the freezer if you’re impatient like me).
- Top it off: Toss diced strawberries with jam (if using) and spoon over the set cheesecake layer. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Cups
Want to take these from great to can I have the recipe? status? Try these pro tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture (low-fat versions can get grainy).
- For a lighter version, swap half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, add a sprinkle of sugar or a splash of lemon juice to brighten them up.
- Short on time? Use store-bought strawberry sauce instead of fresh berries.
These cups are also a fantastic way to use up summer berries. If you’re looking for more fruity inspiration, check out our Berry Chia Pudding for another no-bake treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the cups (without the strawberry topping) up to 2 days in advance. Add the berries just before serving to keep them fresh.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery topping. Pat them dry with a paper towel first.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
Try crushed vanilla wafers, Oreos (for a chocolate twist), or even gluten-free pretzels for a salty-sweet vibe.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I freeze no-bake cheesecake cups?
Yes! Freeze without the strawberry topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding berries.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap cream cheese for cashew cream and use coconut whipped cream. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty!
There you have it—a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are proof that the best things in life don’t require an oven (or a fancy pastry degree). Whether you’re serving them at a picnic, potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, they’re guaranteed to bring a little joy to your day. For more no-fuss sweet ideas, don’t miss our 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake—because sometimes, you just need dessert now.
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No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Description
Creamy no-bake strawberry cheesecake served in individual cups with a crunchy graham cracker crust and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- For the topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Whole strawberries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- 2. Press 2-3 tablespoons of mixture firmly into the bottom of each serving cup. Chill for 15 minutes.
- 3. Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well.
- 4. Gently fold in whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- 5. Spoon or pipe filling over chilled crusts, leaving room for topping. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- 6. Make topping: Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let macerate for 20 minutes.
- 7. Top cheesecakes with strawberry mixture before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and whole berries if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill cups for at least 4 hours before serving. Can be made 1 day ahead – add strawberry topping just before serving. Substitute other berries or fruit preserves for variation.
