Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s impressive yet effortless? These strawberry cheesecake cups are the answer. This no-bake treat layers a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberries into elegant single servings; no oven required.

They’re easy to make, even for beginners, and can be prepped ahead for parties or last-minute cravings. With just a few layers and minutes of work, you’ll have a stunning dessert everyone will love.

Why These Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Are a Game-Changer

Imagine a dessert that needs no baking, uses simple ingredients, and looks like it came from a pastry shop. That’s exactly what these strawberry cheesecake cups deliver. Unlike traditional cheesecake, there’s no oven, no fuss; just quick assembly and chill time. Perfect for warm days (or when you simply can’t be bothered to bake).

Their versatility is the real secret. They work just as well at a backyard BBQ as they do at a bridal shower. Clear cups show off the gorgeous layers, and individual servings make them easy to serve. Loved by both kids and adults, they bring restaurant-level flavor with home-kitchen ease.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Cloud-Like Creaminess
• FAQ
• Your New Favorite Go-To Dessert
• Related
• Pairing
• No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream, cold

For the Strawberry Layer:

• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Sugar (optional)
• Lemon juice

For Topping:

• Whipped cream
• Whole or sliced strawberries
• Graham cracker crumbs (optional)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Creating the Perfect Graham Cracker Base

1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Grab your clear dessert cups or mason jars and add 2-3 tablespoons of the crumb mixture to each one.
3. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small glass to create a compact, even layer.
4. Pop the cups in the fridge while you prepare the filling; this helps the crust set up nicely.

Pro tip: Make sure your butter is melted but not hot, or it might make the crust too soft. Room temperature butter works perfectly.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Creamy Filling

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until it's completely smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat for another minute until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form; this usually takes 3-4 minutes on high speed.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate all those beautiful air bubbles.

Pro tip: Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft before beating; cold cream cheese will create lumps that are impossible to smooth out later.

Step 3: Assembling Your Dessert Cups

1. Remove your cups from the fridge and spoon a generous layer of the cream cheese filling over the graham cracker crust (about ¼ cup per cup).
2. Add a layer of diced strawberries on top of the filling (about 2-3 tablespoons).
3. Add another layer of cream cheese filling, smoothing the top with the back of your spoon.
4. Finish with a final layer of strawberries, arranging them prettily on top.

Pro tip: For Instagram-worthy presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip to add the cream cheese layers; it creates those professional-looking swirls.

Step 4: The Chill Time

1. Cover each cup with plastic wrap or a lid if your containers have them.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better; this allows all the flavors to meld together.
3. Just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a fresh strawberry slice.
4. If desired, sprinkle a few graham cracker crumbs on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Expert Cooking Tips

Cream Cheese

• Bring to room temp before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Microwave briefly to soften if needed.
• Beat cream cheese alone first for a smooth base.

Whipped Cream

• Use cold cream and chilled tools.
• Stop whipping at stiff peaks—no butter surprises!

Strawberries

• Dice evenly for clean layers.
• Toss with sugar and lemon juice to boost flavor.
• Pat dry to keep the filling firm.
• Save the best berries for garnish.

Assembly

• Use clear cups for pretty layers.
• Portion with a cookie scoop for consistency.
• Leave space for topping.
• Wipe cup edges for a clean, pro finish.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to your cream cheese mixture and use chocolate graham crackers for the crust. The chocolate-strawberry combo is absolutely divine.
• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cups: Swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Each bite becomes a berry explosion.
• Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to your filling for a bright, citrusy twist.

Dietary Modifications:

• Low-Sugar Version: Replace powdered sugar with your favorite sugar substitute like Swerve or monk fruit sweetener
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipping cream; the texture stays surprisingly close to the original
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace half the whipping cream with Greek yogurt; you'll cut calories without sacrificing too much creaminess

Crust Alternatives:

• Oreo cookie crumbs for a cookies-and-cream vibe
• Crushed vanilla wafers for a subtler, sweeter base
• Gingersnap crumbs for a spicy kick
• Crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty combination

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes assembling these no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups so much easier and faster.

• Clear dessert cups or small mason jars (8-10 oz size); clear containers show off those gorgeous layers and make your desserts look professionally made
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer; essential for getting that smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling
• Rubber spatula; perfect for folding whipped cream into the filling without deflating it
• Medium mixing bowls (at least 2); one for the crust and one for the filling
• Measuring cups and spoons; accuracy matters in getting the right texture
• Food processor (optional); makes crushing graham crackers incredibly quick and uniform
• Piping bag with star tip (optional); elevates your presentation from homemade to bakery-level

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• Use disposable plastic cups if you don't have fancy dessert glasses
• A fork and some elbow grease can crush graham crackers if you don't have a food processor
• A whisk and strong arms can replace an electric mixer, though it'll take longer

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator

• Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Filling stays creamy; crust may soften slightly.
• Add strawberries and whipped cream just before serving.
• Use airtight containers or wrap well to prevent odors.

Freezer

• Freeze for up to 1 month (without topping).
• Wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Add whipped cream and strawberries after thawing.

Meal Prep

• Prepare crust and filling up to 2 days ahead.
• Store crust at room temp; filling in the fridge.
• Stir filling before assembling.
• Assemble the morning of your event for best freshness.

FAQ

Your New Favorite Go-To Dessert

These strawberry cheesecake cups prove that impressive desserts don't need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and no oven required, you've got a stunning sweet treat that works for any occasion. The combination of that buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberries creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

The beauty of strawberry cheesecake cups is their versatility; make them for a fancy dinner party, a casual weekend treat, or even pack them for a picnic dessert. Once you master this basic recipe, you'll find yourself making strawberry cheesecake cups over and over again, experimenting with different berries, crusts, and toppings. If you loved these, try our No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Cups for a cookies-and-cream twist, or check out our Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe for a baked version with similar flavors. Either way, you're in for a delicious treat that'll make you look like a dessert genius!

Sweet, simple, and seriously delicious; that's how we do cheesecake! 🍓 - Viola

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Pairing

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