Ready to fall head-over-heels for a dessert that celebrates everything you love about cheesecake—with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor and zero need for an oven? These Strawberry Cheesecake Treats are pure bliss in a glass, with layers of buttery crumb, luscious whipped cheesecake, and juicy berries in every bite. They’re vibrant, portable, and effortless to prepare—your new go-to treat for summer parties, picnics, or whenever your sweet tooth calls!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Strawberry Cheesecake Treats lies in their simple, classic ingredients. Each element, from crisp graham crackers to plump strawberries, plays its part to create the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet summer flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Graham cracker crumbs: The signature cheesecake base, adding a nutty crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Melted butter: Binds the crust and brings out those nostalgic, toasty notes.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a light, crystalline crunch and extra depth to the crust.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of these treats—smooth, tangy, and absolutely luxurious when whipped.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the filling, offering airy sweetness without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and lovely aroma, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to perfection, this lightens the filling for that dreamy, mousse-like texture.
- Fresh strawberries (finely chopped): Bring a juicy pop of color and flavor, making each spoonful burst with summer freshness.
- Additional strawberries for topping (optional): For extra flair and strawberry goodness on top before serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Treats
Step 1: Prepare the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and looks a bit like wet sand. This simple base creates a deliciously crunchy layer that holds up beautifully in individual glasses or jars. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms to form an even crust—don’t forget to use the back of a spoon to really pack it in!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky-smooth with no lumps. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until the mixture is light and wonderfully creamy. The vanilla will make your kitchen smell like pure heaven! Set this mixture aside while you get ready to whip the cream.
Step 3: Whip the Cream and Fold It In
Time for some kitchen magic—pour the heavy cream into a clean bowl, and whip it (a hand mixer works wonders here) until stiff peaks form. Don’t rush this, as well-whipped cream is key for that airy, cloud-like cheesecake texture. Once your cream is holding beautiful peaks, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time and use a spatula for smooth, gentle movements, preserving all that lovely air you just whipped in.
Step 4: Stir In the Strawberries
To infuse the cheesecake layer with juicy, fruity bursts, carefully fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. They’ll dot your creamy filling with bright color and bursts of natural sweetness, making each bite pop. For the prettiest presentation, make sure your strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Layer and Chill
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture right over the graham cracker crust in each serving glass or jar. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula for a pretty finish. For best flavor and texture, chill your Strawberry Cheesecake Treats in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—this helps them set up beautifully and allows all those flavors to meld together. Just before serving, crown each treat with extra fresh strawberries if you like a little flourish!
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Treats
Garnishes
For an extra fancy vibe (with almost zero effort), top each treat with a fan of freshly sliced strawberries, a sprig of mint, or even a dusting of crushed graham crackers. The contrast in color and texture not only enhances the dessert’s beauty but makes it even more inviting. Try a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a zippy twist!
Side Dishes
Since these treats are rich and creamy, they pair wonderfully with lighter accompaniments. Fresh mint tea, a chilled glass of rosé, or a simple fruit salad all make beautiful, refreshing partners. During brunch, serve alongside other mini desserts or fresh berries to balance the richness with something bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Strawberry Cheesecake Treats shine brightest when served in individual mini jars, wine glasses, or even clear plastic cups for parties—each person gets their own parfait! For a festive touch, try tying colorful ribbons around the jars or inserting a mini spoon for grab-and-go convenience. You can even layer the filling and crust in a trifle bowl for a shareable centerpiece at your next summer gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re blessed with leftovers, simply cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap or fit lids onto your jars. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, though they’re tastiest within the first 48 hours when the strawberries are freshest and the crust is still a little crisp.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Treats! Place assembled jars (without extra fresh strawberries on top) in the freezer, tightly covered. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. Note: the texture may be a bit softer after freezing, but they’ll still taste amazing for up to a month.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat! If you’ve stored your treats in the fridge or thawed them from the freezer, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying. This takes the chill off and lets the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Cheesecake Treats a day in advance?
Absolutely! These treats are actually better after chilling for several hours or overnight. Making them a day ahead is perfect for stress-free entertaining or busy schedules. Just hold off on adding fresh strawberry garnishes until just before serving for the prettiest results.
Can I substitute other berries or fruits?
Yes! Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches make delicious alternatives. Mixing different berries can add color and variety—just be sure to stick with sturdy, not-too-juicy fruits to keep the filling nice and creamy.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re in a pinch, pre-made whipped topping (like Cool Whip) can substitute for whipped cream. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat whipped topping or even Greek yogurt, though the texture and taste will vary slightly.
Are these treats gluten-free?
The classic recipe calls for graham cracker crumbs, which do contain gluten. You can easily make your Strawberry Cheesecake Treats gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust—you won’t miss a thing!
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! This is a fantastic recipe for little hands. Kids can help press the crust, fold in strawberries, and create their own jars. No baking means less worry and more fun in the kitchen together.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Strawberry Cheesecake Treats enough—they’re dreamy, delightful, and seriously simple to whip up. Whether you’re after a lightning-fast dessert or just want to treat yourself to a bit of everyday luxury, these little jars of joy are ready to make any moment sweeter. Try them and let the magic of strawberries and cheesecake brighten your table!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Treats that are perfect for a summer treat. These no-bake cheesecake cups are light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- Additional strawberries for topping, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of small serving glasses or jars to form a crust layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Assemble: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture over the crust layer in each glass. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Top with additional strawberries if desired.
Notes
- These treats are great for making ahead and are a versatile dessert option.
- Feel free to swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping in place of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass or jar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
