Oh, let me tell you about my latest obsession, these adorable strawberry crunch cheesecake jars! Picture this: creamy no-bake cheesecake, sweet strawberry jam, and that irresistible graham cracker crunch, all layered up in cute little jars. I first made these for a girls’ night in, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than you can say “seconds please!” The best part? No oven required, which means no sweating over a hot stove when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they’re perfect for portion control (though good luck stopping at just one). Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them all summer long.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
Let me count the ways these little jars will steal your heart (and your sweet tooth)! First off, they come together in about 15 minutes flat, no baking, no fuss. Just mix, layer, and chill while you do literally anything else. They’re the ultimate portable dessert, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the fridge at midnight (no judgment here). Want to know my favorite part? You can totally make them your own, swap the strawberries for blueberries, use Oreo crumbs instead of graham crackers, or add a drizzle of chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
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Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry crunch cheesecake served in individual jars for a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of each jar.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Layer cream cheese mixture over the crust in each jar.
- Top with diced strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry jam.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill jars before assembling for easier layering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’re halfway to dessert heaven! Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 perfect little jars of joy:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: That’s about 8 full sheets crushed fine, or just grab the pre-crushed kind if you’re in a hurry (we’ve all been there).
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Unsalted is best, but if salted is all you’ve got, just skip the pinch of salt later.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Just enough to make that crust sing.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Leave it out for 30 minutes, trust me, lumpy cheesecake filling is no one’s friend.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sift it if you’re fancy, dump it in if you’re me at 11pm craving dessert.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: The good stuff makes all the difference.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Cold, cold, cold, this is the secret to fluffy peaks.
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced small: About 4 medium berries, more if you want extra on top!
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam: Warm it slightly for easier drizzling magic.
See? Nothing crazy, just simple ingredients that turn into something magical when layered together. Now let’s make some jars!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these adorable cheesecake jars! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- 4 small jars or glasses: I use 8-ounce mason jars, but any cute glassware works
- Mixing bowls: One for the crust, one for the filling
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For that dreamy whipped cream
- Spatula: To scrape every last bit of that delicious filling
- Measuring cups and spoons: Because eyeballing powdered sugar never ends well
That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part, making those layers!
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
Alright, let’s dive into making these dreamy little desserts! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will make you feel like a pastry chef. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most adorable (and delicious) strawberry crunch cheesecake jars in no time.
Preparing the Crunch Layer
First things first, let’s make that irresistible crunchy base! Grab a medium bowl and toss in your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and that tablespoon of sugar. Mix it all together until it looks like wet sand, you’ll know it’s right when you can pinch some between your fingers and it holds its shape. Now, divide this mixture evenly between your jars (about 2 tablespoons per jar) and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon. I like to use a small glass to really pack it in tight, this keeps the layers from mixing together later. Pop these in the fridge while you make the filling to help them set up nice and firm.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Time for the star of the show, that luscious cheesecake filling! In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth (no lumps allowed!). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat again until everything’s well combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whip that cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, this should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in thirds, being careful not to deflate all that air you just whipped in. The result should be light, fluffy, and absolutely dreamy.
Assembling the Jars
Here’s where the magic happens! Pull your jars with the chilled crust from the fridge. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust, filling each jar about 3/4 full. Now for the fun part, top with those fresh diced strawberries and drizzle with warmed strawberry jam. I like to do a little artistic swirl with the jam, but honestly, it tastes amazing no matter how it looks. Pop the lids on (if using mason jars) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better. The wait is torture, I know, but trust me, it’s worth it for that perfect set texture!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
Want your cheesecake jars to turn out absolutely flawless every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets! First off, chill your jars for 10 minutes before assembling, it helps the layers stay picture-perfect. Always use room temperature cream cheese (I leave mine out for 30 minutes) to avoid lumps in your filling. For the strawberries, pick ones that smell sweet at the stem, that’s how you know they’re ripe and flavorful. And here’s my favorite trick: warm the jam slightly before drizzling so it flows like a dream. Oh, and don’t skip the chilling time, patience makes these jars perfect!
Variations for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
Oh, the fun you can have with these little jars! Swap out the strawberries for blueberries in season, and use blueberry jam for a gorgeous purple swirl. Not a graham cracker fan? Crushed Oreos make an amazing chocolatey base, or try gluten-free vanilla wafers if needed. Feeling fancy? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for brightness. My neighbor swears by a drizzle of caramel instead of jam, and honestly, I can’t argue with that genius idea! If you enjoy creative dessert layering, you might also like these mini mango coconut dessert jars recipe.
Serving and Storing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Jars
These little beauties are best served chilled straight from the fridge, that cool, creamy texture is pure heaven! If you’re feeling extra fancy, top with a fresh strawberry slice right before serving. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (if they last that long!) as long as you keep the lids on tight. I like to use mason jars with their airtight seals, but any container with a good lid will do. Pro tip: Make a double batch on Sunday for sweet treats all week! For more inspiration on small-batch desserts, check out resources like familytastes.com.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (because let’s be real, we’re all going back for seconds), here’s the scoop on nutrition per jar. These values are estimates, your exact amounts may vary slightly depending on brands and how generous you are with those strawberry toppings!
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 4g
Now go enjoy your perfectly portioned treat, you’ve got the facts, but I won’t tell if you eat two!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these strawberry crunch cheesecake jars, so let me answer the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels first. Frozen berries release more liquid, so you don’t want soggy cheesecake. I actually keep a bag of frozen strawberries in my freezer for last-minute dessert emergencies!
How long do these cheesecake jars last in the fridge?
They’ll stay perfect for about 3 days if you keep them covered. The graham cracker layer might soften a tiny bit by day 3, but honestly, mine never last that long! The filling actually gets more flavorful as it chills.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You bet! Use your favorite vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. The crust works great with dairy-free butter too. Just know the texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. If you are looking for other no-bake options, check out this no bake mini dessert jars recipe.
What if I don’t have small jars?
No worries! Use wine glasses, ramekins, or even clear plastic cups in a pinch. The layers look prettiest in clear containers, but taste the same no matter what you use.
Can I freeze these?
I don’t recommend it, the texture changes when thawed. But you can freeze the crust and filling separately, then assemble when ready to serve!
I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Snap a photo of your strawberry crunch cheesecake jars and tag me on Instagram, nothing makes me happier than seeing you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Leave a comment below with your favorite variations too, I’m always looking for new ideas to try! For more layered dessert inspiration, take a look at these mini raspberry mousse shots recipe.