No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars

These are the perfect individual desserts! No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars are incredibly easy to make, require no oven time, and look absolutely adorable served in small mason jars or glasses. They’re ideal for parties, picnics, or a simple treat-yourself dessert.

Here is the recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars.

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars

This recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. All layered beautifully in a jar!

Yields: 4-6 servings (depending on jar size)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: At least 3-4 hours (or overnight)

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced (plus extra for garnish)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-9 full sheets)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream, cold

---

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the strawberries break down and release their juices.

3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. (You can make this a day ahead and store it in the fridge).

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.

2. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.

3. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.

2. In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form (the cream stands up straight when you lift the beaters).

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions. Fold carefully until no white streaks remain. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Jars

Get your jars or small glasses ready. You’ll be creating layers.

1. Bottom Layer (Crust): Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each jar. Press it down firmly with the back of a small spoon or a shot glass to create a compact crust.

2. Second Layer (Cheesecake Filling): Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust, filling the jar about halfway. An easy way to pipe is to put the filling in a zip-top bag and snip off the corner.

3. Third Layer (Strawberry Topping): Spoon a layer of the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake filling.

4. Repeat Layers (Optional): For a more dramatic look, you can repeat the layers. Add another layer of cheesecake filling, and top with a final spoonful of strawberry topping.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Place the lids on the jars or cover them with plastic wrap.

2. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld.

3. Before serving, you can garnish the top with a fresh strawberry slice or a mint sprig.

Tips for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese: This is crucial! Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling. Let it sit on the counter for at least 30-60 minutes.

• Stiff Peaks: Make sure your heavy cream is very cold for the best whipping results. Don’t over-whip, or it will turn into butter.

• No Fresh Strawberries? You can substitute with good quality strawberry jam. Just use about ⅓ cup of jam per layer.

• Variations:

  • Chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle melted chocolate between the layers.

  • Mixed Berry: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in the topping.

  • Lemon: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright, citrusy twist.

Enjoy your beautiful and delicious No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars