There’s something truly magical about sharing a dessert that looks elegant, tastes like heaven, and comes together in almost no time at all. That’s why I’m so excited to bring you Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups, a quick dessert for every occasion that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a backyard brunch, a casual dinner, or a cozy night in, these no-bake cheesecake cups fit right in—and they never fail to impress.
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What Are Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups?
These no-bake cheesecake cups are individual servings of creamy cheesecake layered with fresh strawberries and a buttery graham cracker crust—all packed into cute little jars or cups. They deliver all the indulgence of a traditional cheesecake without the oven time or the stress. Perfect for when you want something fancy without all the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and no-stress: Skip the oven and still get that creamy, dreamy cheesecake texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for entertaining or meal prepping dessert.
- Elegant presentation: Perfect for bridal showers, potlucks, or just treating yourself!
- Totally customizable: Mix and match fruits or toppings to suit the season.
What Do These Cheesecake Cups Taste Like?
Imagine a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling with just the right touch of sweetness, resting on a buttery, slightly crunchy graham cracker base. Now top that with juicy, fresh strawberries that add a burst of brightness and tang to every spoonful. It’s rich, refreshing, and surprisingly light. Anything but boring!!
The Benefits of Making Cheesecake in Cups
- Portion control (if you’re into that 😉)
- Easy transport and serving
- Faster chill time than a whole cheesecake
- Kids love them and so do adults!
Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- Optional toppings: crushed graham crackers, whipped cream, mint leaves
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Small cups, jars, or ramekins (6-8 servings)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Here’s where you can really make it your own:
- Use crushed Biscoff cookies or Oreo crumbs instead of graham crackers for a different base.
- Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a berry mix depending on the season.
- Try mascarpone cheese for an extra luxurious filling.
- Add lemon zest to the filling for a bright citrus twist.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
Follow these easy steps for a flawless dessert every time:
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the texture is like wet sand.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each serving cup and press down gently with the back of a spoon to form the base.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until combined and fluffy.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and airy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, leaving some room at the top for strawberries.
Top each cup with a generous spoonful of fresh chopped strawberries. Garnish with extra whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, or mint if desired.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up. These get even better as they sit!
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Cups
These cups are perfect on their own, but you can take them to the next level by:
- Serving them alongside sparkling rosé or iced coffee.
- Adding a mini chocolate square or biscotti on the side.
- Pairing with a fruit salad or cheese board for a summer brunch.
And if you’re planning a full dessert table, why not pair them with these complementary favorites?
- Coconut Cheesecake Bars – Rich, tropical, and seriously addictive.
- Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips – A warm and cozy dip perfect for fall gatherings.
- Homemade Vanilla French Beignets – Pillowy soft, deep-fried perfection dusted with powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Cups
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t overmix the whipped cream into the filling—fold gently to keep it light.
- Chill the cups well before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep ahead! These can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge.
Storage Instructions
Keep cheesecake cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well first.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives. Just know the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Do I have to chill them?
Yes, chilling helps the filling set properly and makes the flavors come together beautifully.
Can I make this in a big dish instead of individual cups?
Absolutely—layer it in an 8×8 dish and scoop it out like a no-bake cheesecake trifle.
In Summary
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are your new go-to for quick, no-bake desserts that are as effortless as they are elegant. With creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and that irresistible graham cracker crunch, they hit every note. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, they bring joy to every spoonful.
Still hungry for more easy and fun desserts? Don’t miss:
Share Your Creation!
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 3g
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Cups | Quick Dessert for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
These Strawberry Kiwi Dessert Cups are quick, no-bake mini cheesecakes layered with buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla filling, and fresh strawberries and kiwi on top. Perfect for Easter, spring parties, or a sweet make-ahead treat!
Ingredients
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup heavy whipping cream
-
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
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1/2 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and chopped
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Optional toppings: extra whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, mint leaves
Instructions
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Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined like wet sand. Spoon into small cups and press down gently.
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Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
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Make cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream gently.
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Assemble: Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling over crust in each cup.
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Top with fruit: Add chopped strawberries and kiwi on top. Garnish with optional toppings.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
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These cups are great for make-ahead and can be chilled up to 2 days in advance.
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Don’t skip the chilling—it helps set the filling!
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You can swap out strawberries or kiwi for other seasonal fruits like mango or blueberries.
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For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Kiwi Dessert