No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Name: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Homemade Dessert Favorites

I absolutely love these No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups! They are incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whenever we have guests over, I whip up a batch in no time. The creamy cheesecake paired with fresh strawberries is a combo that always impresses. Plus, there's no need to turn on the oven, which makes them a great dessert option for hot days. Trust me, once you taste these delightful cups, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:49:09.530Z

When I first decided to make these No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups, I wanted something fresh and fruity for a summer gathering. Using a simple cream cheese mixture combined with whipped cream, I knew I could achieve that light and airy texture that I love in desserts. The key is to let the cups chill for at least 2 hours; this helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

During my first attempt, I made the mistake of using too much sugar, which overpowered the strawberries. This taught me to balance the sweet and tart flavors perfectly. Now, I add just enough sugar to enhance the strawberries without masking their flavor, and the result is absolutely delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Refreshing strawberry flavor with a creamy cheesecake twist
No baking required, making it a hassle-free dessert
Perfectly portioned for individual servings, great for sharing

Crafting the Perfect Cheesecake Filling

When making the cheesecake filling, it's crucial to ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature. This prevents lumps from forming and allows for a silky-smooth texture. Using an electric mixer on medium speed works best to blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth. Aim for a consistency that is thick yet spreadable, which will create a delightful experience when combined with the whipped cream.

Whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks is key to achieving a light and airy cheesecake filling. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can lead to a grainy texture. Once you reach those stiff peaks, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This folding should be done carefully to maintain the airiness you've created with the whipped cream, ensuring a creamy yet fluffy filling without deflating it.

Creating a Flavorful Strawberry Topping

The strawberry topping is not just a garnish; it enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake cups. When you slice the strawberries, try to do so uniformly so they layer nicely on top. Mixing them with granulated sugar and lemon juice draws out their natural juices and adds a balanced tartness that complements the rich cheesecake. Letting this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a syrup-like consistency that's perfect for drizzling.

If you want to change up the fruit aspect, consider using different berries such as blueberries or raspberries. Each type of berry creates a unique flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the cheesecakes. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the natural sweetness of the berries you choose, especially if you opt for tart varieties like cranberries.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups can be made ahead of time, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare the crust and filling the day before serving. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Just be sure to add the strawberry topping shortly before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent the crust from getting soggy.

When serving, you can enhance the presentation by adding fresh mint leaves for color and a hint of freshness. Alternatively, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a decadent twist. For larger gatherings, you could scale up the recipe and serve them in a trifle dish, layering the crust, filling, and strawberries in a beautiful dessert centerpiece.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of serving cups to form a crust.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently.

Layer the Ingredients

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup. Top with sliced strawberries mixed with sugar and lemon juice. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cheesecake filling ends up too runny, it's likely that the cream wasn't whipped enough or the cream cheese was too warm. To fix this, you can try gently re-whipping the mixture. If it still doesn't set, consider refrigerating the cups longer, as chilling can help thicken the filling. Remember, the firmness of your filling will develop as it chills in the fridge.

On the other hand, if your filling is too thick, you can add a splash of heavy cream to loosen it up before layering it into the cups. Whisk it in gradually to ensure you achieve your desired consistency without losing the airy texture.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ons

To diversify the flavors and make this dessert your own, try incorporating extracts like almond or coconut into the cheesecake filling. Just a teaspoon can add a whole new dimension to the flavor profile. Alternatively, mixing in a bit of lemon zest into the filling can provide a delightful zing that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

You can also consider mixing in other ingredients into the crust for added texture and flavor. Crushed cookies, such as Oreos or chocolate wafers, can replace some or all of the graham cracker crumbs for a chocolatey surprise. Experimenting with different flavored toppings like mango, passion fruit, or even a berry compote allows you to create a new dessert variation that will keep this recipe fresh and exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cheesecake cups in advance?

Yes, they can be made a day ahead. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy base.

→ What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

You can substitute with crushed cookies like Oreos or Digestives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.