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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars

no bake strawberry lemon cheesecake jars - featured image

A light and indulgent no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and a zesty lemon twist, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Place graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. If too dry, add a teaspoon more melted butter.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each jar. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to create a compact base. Chill the jars in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until just combined.
  6. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust layer in each jar, filling to about three-quarters full.
  7. In a small bowl, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  8. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the cheesecake filling in each jar.
  9. Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake firm up. Overnight chilling is recommended for best results.

Notes

Softening the cream cheese before mixing is essential for a smooth filling. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Let strawberries macerate to enhance sweetness and juiciness. Chill the jars well to firm up the cheesecake. For dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives. Gluten-free crust can be made with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour.

Nutrition

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