If you love desserts that are creamy, fruity, and just a wee bit nostalgic, No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar is about to become your new favorite treat. Each spoonful is silky, fresh, and utterly delightful–with sweet-tart strawberries, a luscious cheesecake filling, and a buttery graham cracker base, all beautifully layered in a jar for an effortless, portable dessert that tastes as good as it looks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed: Beat the heat and skip the baking—these little cheesecakes come together right on your counter!
- Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup and coconut sugar bring wholesome sweetness without refined sugar.
- Perfectly Portable: Whether it’s a picnic or just a snack on the go, jars make dessert deliciously easy to share and serve.
- Customizable Layers: Mix and match fillings or toppings—No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar is your dreamy dessert canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the heart and soul of No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar. Each one lends its own magic: smoothness, tang, sweetness, bright color—so use the best you have and taste as you go!
- Cottage Cheese: Don’t knock it until you try it—blended smooth, it’s the secret to a rich-yet-light cheesecake filling with a wonderful protein boost.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This gives the filling its signature tang and ultra creamy texture, keeping things a bit lighter than classic cream cheese.
- Maple Syrup: For a deep, aromatic sweetness that’s a little more complex than sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings everything together and makes the filling sing.
- Frozen Strawberries: Freezing preserves their bright flavor and juicy bite, and they break down perfectly for a homemade compote.
- Coconut Sugar: Adds a gentle caramel note to the strawberries, giving them extra depth and warmth.
- Lemon Juice: A hint of tartness to balance out the sweetness and lift the berry flavor.
- Graham Crackers: The classic crumb base—blitzed into dust for yummy crunch and nostalgic flavor.
Variations
One of the best things about No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar is how easy it is to make your own. Swap fruit, play with flavors, and create the cheesecake jar of your dreams—no rules, just delicious possibilities!
- Berry Swap: Use blueberries, raspberries, or a combination for your fruit layer—a whole new flavor twist without any fuss.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for coconut yogurt and plant-based cottage cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly jar.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir mini chocolate chips into your filling, or add a layer of chocolate ganache just under the berries.
- Pecan or Almond Crunch: Sub crushed nuts for graham crackers if you want to go gluten free or add nutty richness.
How to Make No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling
Start by adding the frozen strawberries, coconut sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Warm everything gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. As the strawberries soften, lightly mash them with a potato masher to create a chunky compote. Let the mixture cool completely—you want it juicy but not hot when you assemble your cheesecake jars.
Step 2: Blend the Cheesecake Filling
In a food processor or high-speed blender, add the cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blitz until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This is where your filling transforms into pure cheesecake bliss!
Step 3: Crush the Graham Crackers
Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs using a blender, food processor, or the good old zip-top bag and rolling pin method. This layer anchors your no bake cheesecake in a jar with that classic sweet crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Jars
Layer time! Start with about 1/4 cup graham cracker dust at the bottom of each jar. Spoon in roughly 3/4 cup of the creamy cheesecake filling, smoothing it out gently. Finish with a generous helping (about 1/4–1/2 cup) of the cooled strawberry topping. Repeat with the other jars and get ready to swoon!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar
- Blend Until Silky: Don’t rush the blending—give your food processor time to make the filling super smooth, so there’s no grainy texture at all.
- Cool the Fruit Completely: Adding hot fruit compote will make your cheesecake layer runny, so let it cool to room temp for beautifully defined layers.
- Press Down the Crumbs: Give your graham cracker layer a quick, firm press so it doesn’t scatter when you dig in with your spoon.
- Chill for Magic: If you have time, pop finished jars in the fridge for an hour before serving—the layers set, flavors meld, and you get that extra velvety “cheesecake” factor.
How to Serve No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar
Garnishes
Top your No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar with fresh sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a handful of toasted coconut flakes for an eye-catching final flourish. Even a drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of extra graham cracker crumbs adds instant appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Since these jars are sweet but not too heavy, you can serve them alongside a fruit salad, herbal iced tea, or even some candied nuts. They’re a natural fit for brunch spreads, festive picnics, or casual dinner parties—simple, delightful, and always well received!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar up a notch by serving them in mismatched vintage jars, petite glasses, or even espresso cups for mini servings. Personalize with cute labels, colorful spoons, or a rustic twine bow—perfect for parties, gifts, or adding extra charm to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your assembled jars tightly with lids or plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The graham crumb will soften slightly over time (some people love this even more!), but the flavors stay fresh and delicious for days.
Freezing
You can freeze No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar, but keep in mind the texture will be firm (almost like ice cream) and berries may get a bit softer when thawed. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and enjoy straight from the jar as a chilled treat.
Reheating
No reheating required—these cheesecakes are dreamy served cold! If chilled or frozen, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving for the smoothest, creamiest bite.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just slice or chop your fresh strawberries, and follow the same process. Frozen berries tend to break down faster, but both will work – just cook fresh strawberries a bit longer if needed.
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What size jars should I use?
Half-pint (8-ounce) wide-mouth jars are ideal for these individual cheesecakes, but you can use any small glass or container with a lid. Adjust your layers to fit your jar—custom portions are half the fun!
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Can I make No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar the day before a party?
Yes! In fact, making them ahead lets the flavors meld and the filling set up beautifully. Pause before adding fresh garnishes if you want them to look their freshest the next day.
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Can I swap out the graham crackers for something else?
Definitely! Try vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even gluten-free oat biscuits. Whatever you choose, just crush them fine for a crumbly, delicious base.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you treat yourself (and a lucky friend or two) to these No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar delights. They’re easy, fun, and so fresh—there’s just something about eating dessert out of a jar that makes any day feel special. Happy layering and even happier snacking!
Print
No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 Jars 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: Blending
Description
Indulge in this delightful No Bake Cheesecake In a Jar recipe that combines creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry topping, and a graham cracker crunch, all layered in a convenient jar for a perfect dessert treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Graham Cracker Dust
- 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine frozen strawberries, coconut sugar, and lemon juice. Heat on medium to low, mash the softened strawberries, and let cool.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Blend cottage cheese, greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Crush Graham Crackers: Crush graham crackers using a blender or a bag with a rolling pin.
- Assemble Jars: Layer graham cracker dust, cheesecake filling, and strawberry filling in jars.
Notes
- Prepare the strawberry mixture ahead to allow it to cool.
- Use a food processor for optimal blending of cheesecake filling ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Jar
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 20g
- Sodium: Approximately 300mg
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 20mg
