No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars are a sweet little treat that’s perfect whenever you want something creamy, fruity, and fun without turning on the oven. These jars layer a smooth, tangy…
Tip: save now, cook later.No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars are a sweet little treat that’s perfect whenever you want something creamy, fruity, and fun without turning on the oven. These jars layer a smooth, tangy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, making each bite a pleasant mix of flavors and textures.
I love making these because they’re super easy and don’t take much time—just a few simple steps and you’re done. Plus, assembling them in jars feels special, like giving a fancy dessert, even on a regular day. It’s a dessert that always gets smiles, whether for guests or just as a little pick-me-up for myself.
My favorite way to enjoy these is chilled right from the fridge after a day or so, when the flavors have had time to blend and the cheesecake layer gets extra creamy. Sometimes I add a few extra strawberries on top or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a bit of crunch. These jars are also great for parties or packing in a picnic because they’re easy to carry and serve.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give a nice crunch and buttery flavor to the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers work well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies.
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling rich and creamy. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps. If you want a lighter version, you can try using mascarpone or a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipping the cream adds airiness to the filling, making it light instead of dense. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist but expect a slight change in flavor.
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries blended give natural sweetness and color. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones work fine—just thaw before blending. You can also swap for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Cheesecake Filling Light and Fluffy?
The secret to a perfect no-bake cheesecake filling is folding whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture. Here’s how:
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds sharp points without drooping.
- Slowly add a little whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest. Folding means using a spatula to carefully mix without deflating the air, keeping the filling fluffy.
Taking your time and not rushing this step makes the filling smooth, creamy, and airy—just perfect for the jars.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining the crust, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream separately.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes beating cream cheese and whipping cream easy and smooth.
- Spatula – great for folding whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture without losing air.
- Small jars or dessert glasses – perfect for layering and serving individual cheesecake portions.
- Spoons or piping bags – to neatly layer the cheesecake filling and strawberry puree.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a fresh berry twist with similar sweetness.
- Add a layer of lemon curd for a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Mix in crushed nuts like almonds or pecans on the crust or topping for extra crunch.
- Stir in a little cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the cream cheese layer for a chocolate strawberry version.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For The Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries blended)
For The Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Extra crushed graham crackers
- Extra sliced strawberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
The entire recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll need to refrigerate the jars for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the cheesecake set and chill perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottoms of 4 to 6 small jars or glasses to create the crust layer.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to make a light and fluffy filling.
3. Layer and Chill Your Jars
Divide half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust in each jar. Stir the strawberry puree into the remaining filling until it’s a pretty pink color, then add it as the next layer on top of the white filling. Put a layer of fresh sliced strawberries on top. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, some extra sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a pretty garnish. Refrigerate your jars for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Strawberry Puree?
Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly! Just thaw them completely before blending into a puree to avoid excess liquid that can make the filling watery.
How Long Can I Store These Cheesecake Jars?
Store the jars in an airtight container or cover tightly with lids or plastic wrap. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best texture and freshness.
Can I Make These Jars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the jars a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. This also helps the flavors meld together and the cheesecake filling to firm up nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Graham Crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels can provide a tasty alternative for the crust. Just adjust sweetness as needed.
