No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Ever try to squeeze a whole cheesecake slice into your mouth and end up with crumbs all over your lap? Been there.

I really wanted to skip the whole fork-and-plate thing, especially for a summer picnic or a quick dessert when I’m feeling lazy but still crave that silky creaminess.

These little jars of strawberry cheesecake happiness are like the rebellious cousin of the traditional dessert. No baking, no fuss, just graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries layered in clear jars.

You get to see every layer, every swirl of pink and white. They’re perfect to stash in the fridge, grab one when you need something sweet, and not feel guilty about the snacking part.

Sometimes I think the best recipes are the ones you can eat directly from the jar. It’s messy, honest, and surprisingly freeing.

What Sparked This Recipe

This started as a small solution: needing dessert for guests when the oven was already busy with a roast. A bowl of strawberries on the counter and leftover graham crackers made the idea come together naturally. In the end, these jars became more loved than the main dessert itself.

A Little Thought Behind the Layers

A no-bake cheesecake depends on texture rather than heat. Softened cream cheese blends into a silky filling that firms up slightly in the fridge, while the buttery crumbs mimic a true crust without the need for baking. The strawberries add freshness and color, giving every spoonful a nice contrast.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• No baking required, ideal for warm days
• Portable and perfect for gifting
• Fresh strawberries keep the dessert bright
• Crumb base mimics a classic cheesecake crust
• Quick to assemble with minimal cleanup
• Easy to double for gatherings
• Fits any topping: berries, chocolate, nuts
• Customizable sweetness

Before You Start

• Soften the cream cheese fully to avoid lumps
• Crush graham crackers finely for a firmer base
• Chill the jars before serving to help layers set
• Adjust sugar depending on strawberry sweetness
• Use clear jars to show off the layers

Ingredients for These Jars

1. 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 crushed sheets)
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
4. 16 oz softened cream cheese
5. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

What You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowls
2. Whisk or hand mixer
3. Small jars or glasses
4. Spatula
5. Spoon for pressing crumbs
6. Cutting board and knife

How to Assemble the Cheesecake Jars

1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press the mixture into the base of each jar.
2. In a bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling over the crust, smoothing the tops. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Add sliced strawberries on top, pressing lightly to settle them into the filling.
5. Chill until ready to serve or enjoy immediately.

Ingredient Swap Options

• Add lemon zest for brightness
• Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers
• Replace powdered sugar with honey for a softer sweetness
• Swap strawberries for blueberries, cherries, or mango
• Greek yogurt can replace half the cream cheese for a lighter version

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Jars

This dessert features layers of graham cracker crumbs, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries arranged in small jars. It is assembled without baking, resulting in a smooth, layered texture with a visually appealing presentation of vibrant pink and white layers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 full sheets crushed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Small jars or glasses
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Divide evenly among jars and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to form a firm base.
   1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Check for a consistent, lump-free texture.
   16 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Divide the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crusts in each jar, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula for an even layer. Chill the jars in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set slightly.
   16 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer in each jar, creating a colorful, layered appearance. Press gently to embed the strawberries slightly into the filling if needed.
   1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, or up to 2 hours for a firmer set to allow flavors to meld. When ready, garnish with additional strawberries if desired, and serve chilled.
   1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries

A Closer Look at Strawberries

Fresh strawberries make this dessert refreshing instead of overly rich. Their natural juices soften slightly against the cream layer, creating a simple, sweet contrast that balances each spoonful.

What You Should Notice

• Creamy, smooth filling with no lumps
• Crumb base holding together after pressing
• Bright, glossy strawberries layered on top
• Chilled jars feeling slightly set but still soft

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold cream cheese, creates lumps
• Adding too many wet strawberries inside the filling
• Skipping the chilling time
• Using coarse crumbs (won’t bind well)
• Over-sweetening the filling

Nutrition Notes

• Calories: roughly 300–350 per jar
• Contains calcium and vitamin C
• Higher in healthy fats from cream cheese

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra sliced strawberries
• Top with crushed graham crackers
• Drizzle with honey or chocolate
• Add whipped cream for a softer finish
• Pair with iced tea or coffee

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

• Blend into a strawberry cheesecake milkshake
• Layer into a trifle dish for a bigger dessert
• Freeze the jars for a semi-frozen treat
• Fold the cream layer into pancakes or crepes

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate strawberry jars
• Lemon cheesecake jars with zest in the filling
• Mixed berry version with raspberries + blueberries
• Caramel swirl cheesecake jars
• Nutella cheesecake jars

FAQ

1. Can I make these a day ahead? yes, they hold well overnight.
2. Can I freeze them? freeze without strawberries.
3. Why is my crust crumbly? add a little more melted butter.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? yes, but texture becomes softer.
5. Do strawberries get watery? only after 24+ hours.
6. Can I add jam? yes, spread a thin layer under the fresh berries.
7. Do I need a mixer? a whisk works if cream cheese is soft.
8. How long do they last? up to 3 days refrigerated.
9. Can I serve them warm? no, must stay chilled.
10. What size jars work best? 4–8 oz jars are ideal.

Honestly, I might never go back to the traditional slice after these. Just a little spoonful from the jar is enough to remind me how simple ingredients make a real treat. And if I can do it with my eyes closed and no oven, so can you.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.