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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers or digestive biscuits (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), melted
  • Cream cheese (16 ounces), softened
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Powdered sugar (1/4 cup), for a smoother, fluffier finish
  • Heavy cream (3/4 cup), cold
  • Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Lemon zest (1 teaspoon) and lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh strawberries (2 to 3 cups), hulled and sliced
  • Strawberry jam or preserves (2 to 3 tablespoons), optional for gloss and extra flavor
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the crumb base: Crush graham crackers or digestives into fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter and a pinch of salt until the mixture looks like wet sand.
  • Set the base: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of crumbs into each cup or jar. Lightly press down with the back of a spoon. Chill while you make the filling.
  • Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks. Set aside.
  • Mix the cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
  • Fold it together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until creamy and uniform. Don’t overmix.
  • Layer the cups: Add a generous scoop of cheesecake filling over the chilled crumbs, smoothing the top.
  • Prep the strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with a little lemon juice and, if desired, a teaspoon of sugar. For a glossy topping, warm the jam slightly and fold in the berries.
  • Top and chill: Spoon strawberries over the filling. Chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or up to overnight, to set and develop flavor.
  • Serve: Garnish with extra crumbs, a mint sprig, or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy cold.