No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Name: No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486064H31M46S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons softened butter; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ⅔ cup Greek yogurt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Fresh berries for garnish

Published: June 5, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delightful dessert ready in no time.
Healthier Option: Made with yogurt and less added sugar, these cheesecake jars are a guilt-free treat.
Versatile Flavors: Customize your jars with different berries or toppings to suit your taste.
No Baking Required: Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Beautiful Presentation: Serve in jars for an elegant look that impresses at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make these No-Bake Cheesecake Jars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your preparation is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor or blender
Mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Four jars or small cups

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor or blender: Quickly turns graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
Electric hand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy cheesecake filling effortlessly.
Jars or small cups: Creates an attractive presentation for serving.

Ingredients

No-Bake Cheesecake Jars made with yogurt, cream cheese and less added sugar. Only 7 ingredients, ready in 20 minutes and finished with fresh summer berries! Gluten free friendly and the perfect summer dessert.

For the Crust

½ cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons softened butter or ghee

For the Cheesecake Filling

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (see notes)
⅔ cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt or Skyr yogurt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Garnish

Fresh berries (chopped strawberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries)

How to Make No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a small food processor or blender, process graham crackers into crumbs.
Transfer crumbs to a bowl with melted butter, stirring until crumbs are moistened.
Add about 1.5 tablespoons of this mixture to each jar, pressing it into the bottom with the back of a spoon; set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing on medium-high speed until well combined. The mixture should be thick and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Jars

Transfer the cream cheese yogurt mixture evenly into the four jars.
Top each jar with fresh berries, layering them as desired.
The cheesecake jars do not need to be chilled to enjoy right away; however, if preparing ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

No-Bake Cheesecake Jars are a delightful treat that can be served in various exciting ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Individual Servings

Each jar can be enjoyed as a personal dessert, making it easy for guests to indulge without sharing.

Layered with More Berries

Add a mix of fresh berries on top for an extra burst of flavor and color. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work wonderfully together.

Drizzled with Honey or Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce adds sweetness and richness. This can be done just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Topped with Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream on top provides a light and airy texture that complements the cheesecake filling perfectly.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake jars.

Served in Mini Glasses

Use mini glasses or shot glasses for a fun twist. These are great for parties and allow guests to sample different flavors.

How to Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Creating the perfect No-Bake Cheesecake Jars is easy with these helpful tips. Follow them to ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature cream cheese helps create a smoother filling without lumps.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your preference. You can even use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different flavors such as almond extract or citrus zest to customize your cheesecake jars.
Chill Before Serving: For the best texture, chill your jars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
Choose Quality Yogurt: Using high-quality Greek yogurt enhances the creaminess and adds protein, making your dessert even more satisfying.
Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are well combined when mixing the cheesecake filling; this will result in a light and fluffy texture.

Best Side Dishes for No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Pairing side dishes with No-Bake Cheesecake Jars can enhance your dessert experience significantly. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination of pretzels dipped in chocolate creates an irresistible snack alongside your dessert.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy goodness that pairs well with the tangy cheesecake jars.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee brings out the flavors of the cheesecake while providing a delightful caffeine boost post-meal.
Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses for an elegant touch; they balance sweetness and offer savory notes alongside the dessert.
Nutty Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars provide texture contrast and make for an excellent finger food option next to your jars.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer coconut flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake beautifully.
Savory Vegetable Chips: For something different, serve crunchy vegetable chips which add a unique twist to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making No-Bake Cheesecake Jars can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some things to watch out for:

Using cold cream cheese: Always ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your filling, making it less smooth.
Skipping the crust preparation: Don’t skip pressing the graham cracker crumbs into the jar. This creates a solid base for your cheesecake and enhances the texture.
Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a fluffy texture rather than a dense cheesecake.
Not using ripe berries: Fresh summer berries make this dessert shine. Using unripe or frozen berries can lead to a less flavorful experience.
Ignoring refrigeration time: While you can enjoy them right away, letting the jars chill for at least an hour enhances the flavors and texture of the cheesecake filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store No-Bake Cheesecake Jars in an airtight container.
They last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep them covered to prevent absorption of odors from other foods.

Freezing No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

These jars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating No-Bake Cheesecake Jars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the jars for about 10 minutes. This method is not typical for no-bake desserts but can work if you want to slightly warm the filling.
Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating, which can change the texture.
Stovetop: Place jars in a pan of simmering water for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat helps maintain the creamy texture without cooking it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making No-Bake Cheesecake Jars:

Can I use low-fat yogurt for No-Bake Cheesecake Jars?

Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt or even Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that this might slightly alter the creaminess of your filling.

How long do No-Bake Cheesecake Jars last?

When stored properly in the fridge, they will stay fresh for about 3 days.

Can I customize my No-Bake Cheesecake Jars?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors or toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or other fruit varieties for a personal touch.

Do I need to chill No-Bake Cheesecake Jars?

While they are safe to eat immediately, chilling them improves flavor and texture significantly, so it’s recommended.

What is the best way to serve No-Bake Cheesecake Jars?

Serve them chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and extra fresh berries on top for added flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

No-Bake Cheesecake Jars are a delightful summer treat that combines simplicity and flavor. With just seven ingredients and minimal prep time, they are perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack at home. Feel free to customize these jars with your favorite toppings or flavors, making this dessert versatile enough to suit any taste. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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