Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a delightful, individual-sized treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries topped with sweet strawberry jam, these cups are a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy. They are incredibly easy to make, and the best part is, no baking is required!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

For the topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam

Directions

1. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of each serving cup to form a base.
2. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy.
3. Assemble the cups: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each serving cup, distributing evenly.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake cups for at least an hour to allow the filling to set.
5. Top with strawberries: Before serving, add sliced strawberries to the top of each cup and drizzle with strawberry jam for an added burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations

• Berry Medley: Instead of just strawberries, use a mix of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and fruity twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or a chocolate syrup over the strawberries for an added touch of sweetness.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy burst that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake cups before topping with strawberries. Just cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and top with fresh strawberries and jam.
• Reheating: These cheesecake cups are meant to be served cold, so there is no need to reheat them.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust? Yes, if you prefer a shortcut, you can use store-bought mini graham cracker crusts.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these cups can be made a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
4. How can I make the cheesecake filling lighter? You can use light cream cheese and substitute the heavy cream with whipped topping for a lighter option.
5. What other toppings can I use besides strawberries? You can top these with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
6. Do I need to bake the cheesecake cups? No, these are no-bake cheesecake cups, which makes them quick and easy to prepare.
7. How many cups does this recipe make? This recipe makes about 6 individual cups, depending on the size of the serving cups you use.
8. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust.
9. Can I use other types of jam? Yes, feel free to use other fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
10. How do I make the crust stick better? Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the cup to create a solid crust base.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. With a rich, creamy filling, a crunchy graham cracker crust, and a fresh fruity topping, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a sweet treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a special event, these individual desserts are both delicious and visually appealing.

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