Strawberry Cheesecake Cup

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are individual-sized desserts that combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tangy brightness of strawberries, all served in a convenient cup. These no-bake treats are layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delightful personal indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required: Easy to prepare and ideal for warm days when you want to skip the oven.

• Perfectly portioned: Served in individual cups for easy sharing and serving.

• Classic flavor combination: The creamy cheesecake pairs beautifully with the fruity strawberry topping.

• Quick to assemble: Minimal preparation time and great for last-minute desserts.

• Customizable: Use different fruit toppings or add-ins to suit your taste.

• Elegant presentation: These cups look as good as they taste, making them suitable for any occasion.

• Kid-friendly: Loved by both adults and children alike.

• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and chill until serving time.

• Great for parties: Neat, tidy, and easy to transport.

• Naturally crowd-pleasing: Combines universally loved flavors in an easy-to-eat format.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

For the strawberry topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional garnish:

• Crushed graham crackers

• Whipped cream

• Sliced strawberries

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:
   In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each dessert cup and press down gently to form a base.

2. Make the filling:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated and fluffy.

3. Make the strawberry topping:
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and form a sauce. Let cool before using.

4. Assemble the cups:
   Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the crust in each cup. Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake layer.

5. Chill and serve:
   Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, or additional graham cracker crumbs if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8 individual cups

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Berry mix topping: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry version.

• Chocolate twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and filling.

• Oreo base: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies.

• Lemon cheesecake: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the filling for a citrusy note.

• Nut crust: Use crushed almonds or pecans instead of graham crackers for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Can be frozen (without the fresh fruit garnish) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: These are served cold and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these cups can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them well before using in the topping.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can substitute sugar and powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia, adjusting to taste.

What kind of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for this dessert.

Do I need a mixer for this?

While a hand or stand mixer makes it easier, you can mix everything by hand with a little extra effort.

Can I serve this warm?

This dessert is best served chilled to maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake filling.

How long do they last in the fridge?

They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days when kept in airtight containers.

What other fruits work for the topping?

Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or mangoes can also be used, fresh or in compote form.

Can I add gelatin to the filling?

Yes, for a firmer set, you can dissolve a small amount of gelatin in warm water and add it to the cream cheese mixture.

How do I transport these?

Use lidded jars or cups with covers for easy, mess-free transportation.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups offer all the charm of a classic cheesecake in a personal, no-bake format. Creamy, fruity, and refreshingly simple to prepare, they are a delightful dessert option for any gathering or special occasion. With their make-ahead convenience and customizable nature, these cups are sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.