Description
These easy, no-bake strawberry cheesecake jars are a refreshing summer dessert that requires no oven. With layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, they are perfect for make-ahead entertaining and individual servings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup (60g) strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh mint leaves, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each 8-ounce glass jar, packing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, folding from the bottom up to maintain airiness.
- Add the lemon juice to the filling and fold gently to combine.
- Spoon about ¼ cup of the cheesecake filling into each jar on top of the crust and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam with water until smooth, then drizzle a teaspoon over the cheesecake layer in each jar.
- Arrange sliced fresh strawberries on top of the jam layer.
- Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results, to allow the crust to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving cold.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the filling once whipped cream is added to keep it light. The jars can be made 1-2 days in advance. They do not freeze well as the cream cheese may separate upon thawing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (8 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry dessert, mason jar desserts, summer dessert, make-ahead dessert, easy cheesecake, individual desserts