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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars

Easy No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake cheesecake recipe featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy lemon cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping, perfect for summer desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Β½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ΒΎ cup (150g) granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ΒΌ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1 Β½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of jars.
  2. Macerate the strawberries: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar in a small bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to release juices.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  4. Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  5. Fold cream into cream cheese mixture gently to keep it light and fluffy.
  6. Assemble the jars: Spoon a layer of crust into each jar (about 2 tablespoons), add cheesecake filling (about ΒΌ cup), then top with macerated strawberries and syrup. Repeat layers if jars are tall enough.
  7. Chill jars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture. Do not overwhip cream to avoid graininess. Press crust firmly into jars for a solid base. Macerate strawberries for 10-15 minutes to avoid sogginess. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Can substitute gluten-free graham crackers and vegan dairy alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, lemon cheesecake, summer dessert, easy dessert, cheesecake jars, no oven dessert