Oh my gosh, you have to try these no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups! They’re my go-to Valentine’s Day treat, so easy to whip up when you’re short on time but still want something special. I first made them years ago when I forgot about dessert until the last minute (oops!), and now they’re a tradition. No oven required, just creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and that irresistible graham cracker crunch.
What I love most is how these individual cups feel fancy but take barely any effort. You’ll spend more time deciding which cute glasses to use than actually making them! The strawberry topping adds that perfect pop of color and freshness against the rich filling. Trust me, your valentine won’t believe these came together in about 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Let me tell you why these little cups of joy have become my Valentine’s Day staple:
- No oven needed, perfect for hot summers or when you just can’t be bothered to bake
- Ready in a flash, 15 minutes of prep means more time for romance (or Netflix)
- Creamy dreamy texture, that velvety cheesecake filling will make you swoon
- Fresh berry goodness, the strawberries add just the right juicy sweetness
- Individual portions, no slicing mess, just grab and go (or share if you’re feeling generous)
- Total crowd-pleaser, kids and adults alike go crazy for these!
Seriously, what’s not to love? They’re like little edible valentines you can eat with a spoon. If you are looking for other quick Valentine’s ideas, check out these Valentine’s Day Chocolate Pretzel Rods Recipe.
Print15-Minute No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups – Irresistible Bliss
Easy no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups perfect for Valentine’s Day. These individual desserts are creamy, fruity, and ready in minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- Extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of cups.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Layer cream cheese mixture over crust.
- Top with diced strawberries.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with extra strawberries.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother texture.
- Chill cups for firmer consistency.
- Swap strawberries with other berries if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Gather these simple ingredients, I promise you probably have most already! The magic happens when they all come together:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, crush them fine so they pack nicely
- 3 tbsp melted butter, unsalted works best for controlling sweetness
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp (this is crucial!)
- 1/4 cup sugar, granulated works great, but you can use powdered too
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, the good stuff makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup whipped cream, freshly whipped or from the can
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small for perfect bites
- Extra strawberries, for that gorgeous garnish on top
See? Nothing fancy, just quality ingredients ready to transform into something magical! For more strawberry goodness, you might enjoy this Strawberry Shortcake Cups Recipe.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these strawberry cheesecake cups is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a springform pan. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dessert magic in no time.
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
First things first, that buttery, crunchy base that makes these cups so irresistible. Grab a medium bowl and toss in your graham cracker crumbs. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until it looks like wet sand (you’ll know it’s right when it holds together if you squeeze it).
Now for my favorite part, pressing the crust into your cups! I use cute little glass dessert cups, but mason jars work great too. Press about 2 tablespoons into each one firmly with the back of a spoon, this keeps it from crumbling later. Pop these in the fridge to set while you make the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Here’s where that room temperature cream cheese comes in, don’t skip this step! Cold cream cheese will leave lumps no matter how long you beat it. Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until it’s completely smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer).
Now gently fold in the whipped cream, I do this by hand with a rubber spatula to keep it light and airy. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Taste it (my favorite part!) and add a bit more sugar if you like it sweeter.
Assemble and Chill
Time to bring it all together! Pull your chilled crusts from the fridge and spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over each one, leaving a little room at the top. Add a generous spoonful of diced strawberries, I like to press some into the filling too for extra berry goodness.
Now the hardest part, waiting! Chill for at least an hour (though 2 is better) to let everything set. Right before serving, top with more fresh strawberries or even a drizzle of chocolate if you’re feeling fancy. The first bite of that creamy filling with the crunchy crust and juicy berries? Absolute perfection! If you want to see how other people present their desserts, check out Family Tastes.
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
After making these dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks for flawless cups every time:
- Room temp is key, Take your cream cheese out at least an hour before. Cold cream cheese = lumpy filling (and nobody wants that!)
- Don’t rush the chill, That 1 hour minimum sets the texture. Overnight? Even creamier!
- Berry alternatives rock, Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries when they’re in season
- Crumb control, For extra sturdy crusts, add 1 extra tablespoon melted butter to the crumbs
Little tweaks make these already-easy cups even more foolproof. My valentine never suspects how simple they are to make!
Variations for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the classic strawberry version, try these fun twists:
- Mixed berry bliss, Swap in raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries (or all three!) for a colorful summer vibe
- Chocolate lover’s dream, Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the cheesecake filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top
- Lemon zing, Mix 1 tsp lemon zest into the filling and use lemon curd instead of berries
- Nutty crunch, Replace graham crumbs with crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers for a different crust flavor
Seriously, this recipe is like your favorite little black dress, so easy to dress up however you like! If you like the chocolate variation, you might also enjoy the Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Recipe.
Serving and Storing No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
These little beauties are best served chilled straight from the fridge, the colder they are, the creamier that filling gets! I like to pull them out about 5 minutes before serving so they’re not too firm. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long!), just cover them loosely with plastic wrap.
One word of warning, don’t freeze them! The texture turns grainy when thawed. But honestly, they’re so quick to make fresh that you’ll want to whip up a new batch anyway. Pro tip: Make extra crusts ahead and store them in the fridge, then just add filling and berries when you’re ready! For another easy dessert idea, check out these Valentine’s Day Dessert Skewers Recipe.
Nutritional Information for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on these sweet little cups (based on my favorite brands): Each serving packs about 280 calories, with 18g of that dreamy fat that makes it so creamy, and 25g carbs for that perfect sweetness. Remember, exact numbers will vary depending on your ingredients, especially if you go heavy on the berry topping like I usually do!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well so your cheesecake cups don’t get watery. I actually keep frozen berries on hand for last-minute dessert emergencies, they work like a charm when fresh ones aren’t available.
How far ahead can I make these no-bake cheesecake cups?
They’re perfect for making ahead! Assemble them the day before and keep refrigerated, the flavors actually get better as they sit. Just add the final strawberry garnish right before serving so it stays fresh-looking.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No worries! Crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even digestive biscuits make fantastic crusts. Just use the same amount, about 1 cup of crumbs mixed with 3 tablespoons melted butter.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. For the crust, swap the butter for coconut oil.
Why is my filling lumpy?
Two likely culprits: cream cheese wasn’t soft enough or you didn’t beat it long enough. Next time, let the cream cheese sit out longer and beat until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my foolproof recipe for the most irresistible no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups! I can’t wait for you to try these little bites of happiness. They’re guaranteed to make your Valentine’s Day (or any day!) extra special. Drop me a note to tell me how yours turned out, I love hearing your kitchen adventures!