Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Cups Recipe!
If you’re looking to fuse Indian sweetness with Western creaminess, these Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Cups are the perfect dessert!
Made by layering a graham cracker crust, a rich no-bake cream cheese base, and pieces of soft, syrup-soaked gulab jamun, these cups offer a burst of flavor and texture.
Topped with cardamom or rose-scented syrup, they’re a hit for festive occasions or indulgent treats.
To make this, you’ll combine softened cream cheese, yogurt, and powdered sugar for the cheesecake base, layer it on a biscuit base, and garnish with sliced gulab jamun soaked in flavored syrup.
Each bite is a creamy, melt-in-mouth experience balanced with the richness of Indian mithai.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time & Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 0 minutes | 15 minutes | Dessert | Fusion / Indian | 4 cups |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | 2 Cups | 4 Cups | Alternatives / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese (softened) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | 1 cup | Use Neufchâtel for lower fat |
| Greek Yogurt | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Use hung curd or sour cream |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Use stevia or maple syrup |
| Vanilla or Rose Essence | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Cardamom can be added too |
| Graham Crackers (crushed) | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | ½ cup | Use digestive biscuits or Parle-G |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | To bind the crust |
| Gulab Jamun | 1 piece | 2 pieces | 4 pieces | Halved or cubed |
| Gulab Jamun Syrup | ½ tbsp | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Drizzle or mix in layers |
Tools & Equipment Needed
| Tool / Equipment | Description / Use | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | To make the cheesecake base | Any medium-size bowl |
| Electric Mixer | To blend the cream cheese | Use hand whisk if needed |
| Dessert Cups | For layering and serving | Glass jars or bowls |
| Spoon/Spatula | For scooping and layering | Any kitchen spoon |
How to Make Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Cups
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to assemble these fusion delights.
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Base
In a mixing bowl, blend 1 cup softened cream cheese, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp rose or vanilla essence using an electric hand mixer.
Mix until it becomes a smooth, lump-free creamy base.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Crush ½ cup graham crackers or biscuits and mix with 4 tsp melted butter. Press a spoonful into the bottom of each cup and press gently to form a crust layer.
Step 3: Add Cheesecake Layer
Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust layer into the cups. Smooth the top using a spoon or small spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Gulab Jamun
Cut 4 gulab jamuns into halves or quarters depending on the cup size. Let the syrup drip off a bit before placing them.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Top each cheesecake layer with 2-3 chunks of gulab jamun and drizzle ½ tbsp gulab jamun syrup over it.
Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder or rose petals for added aroma.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Serve chilled for 2–3 hours before enjoying.
- Add edible gold/silver leaf for a festive Indian touch.
- Top with slivered almonds or pistachios for a nutty crunch.
- You can pipe whipped cream or dust some cardamom-sugar on top.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Gulab Jamun Cups: Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder in the cheesecake layer for a chocolatey twist.
- Saffron Gulab Jamun Cheesecake: Add a few strands of soaked saffron to the cheesecake base for a royal flavor.
- Kulfi Cheesecake Cups: Mix in condensed milk and cardamom for a kulfi-style taste.
- Rose & Pistachio Cups: Add rose syrup to the base and crushed pistachio on top.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Cups: Use cottage cheese in the base, mix in peanut butter and cocoa powder, and top with chocolate syrup.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Best when served chilled and consumed within 2 days for ideal texture.
- Do not freeze as gulab jamun syrup changes texture on thawing.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Let gulab jamuns drain a bit before adding to avoid sogginess.
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and firmness.
- Blend the base until creamy to avoid lumps, especially if using hung curd.
Common Mistakes, Fixes & Prevention
| Mistake | Problem Caused | Quick Fix / Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Over-syruped gulab jamun | Makes dessert watery | Drain syrup before placing |
| Not chilling cheesecake | Loose consistency | Chill at least 2 hours before serving |
| Using grainy curd | Rough texture in base | Use smooth Greek yogurt or strain curd |
Enjoy These Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Cups!
This fusion dessert is sure to impress your guests and elevate any celebration. Try it today and let us know which version you liked best!
