Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Cups – A Refreshing No-Bake Treat!
These strawberry cheesecake dessert cups are creamy, fruity, and refreshingly sweet—perfect for quick family treats or mini party desserts.
The no-bake nature of the recipe makes it even more convenient.
It starts with crushed graham crackers as the base, followed by a rich cream cheese layer sweetened and flavored with vanilla, and topped with fresh or jammy strawberries.
You can prep these cups in advance and store them until serving—super handy and crowd-pleasing!
Prep Time, Cook Time & More
| Prep Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 15 minutes | Dessert | American | 4 |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | 1 Serving | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | Alternatives / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | ½ cup | Use digestive biscuits or crushed cookies |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | ½ tbsp | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Can use coconut oil |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 2 oz | 4 oz | 8 oz | Use dairy-free cream cheese if needed |
| Greek yogurt or whipped cream | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Plain yogurt or coconut whipped cream |
| Powdered sugar | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup | Use honey or maple syrup as needed |
| Vanilla extract | ⅛ tsp | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | Optional |
| Strawberries (sliced) | 2-3 | 4-6 | 1 cup | Can use strawberry jam or compote |
Tools & Equipment
| Tool | Use | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowl | To mix cream cheese and ingredients | Any deep bowl |
| Whisk or hand mixer | To blend filling smoothly | Spoon or fork |
| Measuring cups/spoons | For ingredient accuracy | Kitchen scale |
| Small dessert cups or jars | For assembling layers | Any small bowls or ramekins |
| Spatula | To layer and smooth filling | Spoon |
How to Make These Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Cups
Let’s break the process down into steps so you can make each layer with ease. This dessert is all about layering textures and flavors.
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Crush ½ cup of graham crackers finely and mix with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Spoon this mixture into the bottom of each dessert cup and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. This will act as the crust layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or whipped cream), ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until completely smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each cup. Use a spatula to flatten the top slightly.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Topping
Top each cheesecake layer with fresh sliced strawberries or strawberry compote. For extra shine, you can lightly glaze strawberries with honey or a touch of melted jam.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour to set the layers. This helps the texture and flavor develop better.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Garnish with a small mint leaf or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Crushed pistachios or white chocolate curls can add texture and color.
- Serve chilled directly in the cups or transfer to dessert plates if using ring molds.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Strawberry Version: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling and use chocolate graham crackers for the base.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Prepare in silicone mini muffin molds and freeze instead of chilling. Serve as frozen bites.
- Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Cups: Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing tang. Pair with fresh berries.
- Strawberry Jam Layer: Add a spoonful of strawberry jam between the crust and cheesecake filling for an extra fruity layer.
Each variation may need minor adjustment in ingredient quantity or texture, but the layering method remains the same.
Storing Tips
- Store assembled dessert cups covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing with fresh fruit on top. If needed, freeze only the crust and filling layer, then add fruit before serving.
- Keep in airtight containers to avoid absorbing other odors.
Extra Tips
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a smoother texture.
- If strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before topping.
- For a sugar-free version, use a sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Problem Caused | Quick Fix or Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Not chilling long enough | Soft and runny cheesecake layer | Always chill for at least 1 hour |
| Using cold cream cheese | Lumpy texture in filling | Soften cream cheese before use |
| Wet strawberries | Runny top and watered-down flavor | Dry strawberries before adding |
| Too sweet or not sweet enough | Overwhelming or bland taste | Adjust sugar after tasting the filling |
Now that you know how to make strawberry cheesecake dessert cups, try it yourself and serve it at your next gathering.
It’s a simple recipe with beautiful presentation. Share your version and experience in the comments!
