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Creamy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar

no-bake strawberry cheesecake in a jar - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake strawberry cheesecake layered in jars, perfect for summer desserts. This creamy treat combines a crisp graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 100g)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (about 70g)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (about 225g)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (about 90g)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream, chilled (about 80ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 150g)
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer crumbs to a bowl, add melted butter and sugar, and stir until mixture resembles wet sand (about 5 minutes). Add more butter if too dry.
  2. Assemble the crust layer: Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30g) of crust mixture into each jar. Press down firmly to create an even, compact base. Set jars aside.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Add lemon zest if using.
  4. Layer the filling and strawberries: Spoon or pipe half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar. Add a layer of sliced strawberries and a small dollop of strawberry jam. Repeat with remaining filling and top with more strawberries.
  5. Chill the jars: Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh mint or powdered sugar if desired. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if filling is too stiff.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Do not overwhip the cream to avoid grainy texture. Press crust firmly to prevent sogginess. Fresh ripe strawberries are best. Let jars chill overnight for best flavor and texture. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives and butter with coconut oil. Can freeze jars up to 1 month without garnish.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, summer dessert, cheesecake in a jar, easy dessert, no oven dessert