Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups Recipe Easy No-Bake Dessert

Close your eyes and imagine layers of creamy cheesecake filling, sweet strawberry goodness, and a buttery crunch in every bite. These Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups are a no-bake dessert dream come true. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a cozy movie night, or simply craving something sweet, this easy dessert will satisfy every time.

I first whipped up these Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups when I needed a quick dessert for a potluck. They were an instant hit! The combination of velvety cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and the nostalgic crunch of cookie crumbles had everyone asking for the recipe. And honestly, they’re so simple, you’ll want to make them over and over again. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Perfection: No oven? No problem! These dessert cups are perfect for hot days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes (plus chilling time), they’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge. No fancy ingredients required!
• Customizable: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches to suit your cravings.
• Perfect Portions: Individual cups make serving a breeze and add a touch of elegance.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy cheesecake paired with sweet strawberries and a buttery crunch is pure dessert bliss.

What sets these Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups apart is the balance of textures. You’ve got the smooth, airy cheesecake filling, the juicy burst of strawberries, and the satisfying crumble of buttery cookies. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you go back for seconds (or thirds)!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of the show. Dice them small for the perfect bite.
• Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers form the crunchy, buttery base. Substitute with digestive biscuits if you’re in the UK.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling rich and creamy. Full-fat works best here.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without any grittiness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the cheesecake flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, this gives the filling its light texture.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs for the crunchy layer.
• Strawberry Jam: Adds an extra punch of strawberry flavor in the layers.
• Optional Garnish: Whipped cream, additional graham cracker crumbles, or sliced strawberries for a picture-perfect finish.

Everything about this ingredient list screams simplicity and versatility. Feel free to experiment with flavors or add a touch of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy twist!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to whip up these Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium for prepping the layers.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make whipping the cream and blending the filling a breeze.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements.
• Small Glass Cups or Jars: Use mason jars, dessert glasses, or any small cups for layering the dessert.
• Spatula: For smooth and even layering.
• Food Processor: Optional, for crushing the graham crackers (or you can use a rolling pin and a zip-top bag).

If you don’t have small jars, don’t worry! You can assemble this dessert in a single large dish and scoop out portions instead.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (150g) of crushed graham crackers with 5 tablespoons (70g) of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
2. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat 8oz (225g) of softened cream cheese with ½ cup (60g) of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
4. Dice the Strawberries: Wash and dice 2 cups (300g) of fresh strawberries. Set aside.
5. Layer the Dessert: Begin by adding a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture to the bottom of your cups. Follow with a layer of cheesecake filling, a layer of diced strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry jam. Repeat until the cups are full, finishing with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top.
6. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the layers set.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices just before serving.

These cups are as fun to make as they are to eat. The layering process is also a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps.
• Crushing Graham Crackers: For the easiest method, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. It’s oddly satisfying!
• Whipping Cream: Keep your cream and mixing bowl cold for the best results. Warm cream won’t whip up properly.
• Layering Tip: Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off to neatly layer the cheesecake filling.
• Make Ahead: These cups can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.

With these tips, you’re guaranteed to have perfect no-bake dessert cups every time!

Variations & Adaptations

• Fruit Options: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or diced mango for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to make this dessert celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular jam with sugar-free strawberry jam and reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate between the layers or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Skip any nut-based cookie substitutions and stick with graham crackers for allergy-friendly cups.

Feel free to get creative with the flavors and textures to make this dessert truly your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups are best served chilled. Here’s how to enjoy and store them:

• Serving Temperature: Serve straight from the fridge for a cool and refreshing dessert.
• Presentation: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry slice, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a stunning finish.
• Storage: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These cups can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

As the flavors meld over time, these cups taste even better the next day. Perfect for prepping ahead!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each cup is approximately:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

Health Benefits: Packed with fresh strawberries, these cups are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Plus, they’re portion-controlled, making them an indulgence you can enjoy guilt-free.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cups are the ultimate no-bake dessert—easy, delicious, and irresistibly charming. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. I love how customizable they are, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

If you make these, let me know in the comments! Share your favorite variations or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy no-baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before layering.

How long do these cups need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for the flavors to meld.

Can I make these cups vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan butter for a plant-based version.

What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

A food processor works best, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin get the job done too.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl for the filling.

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