Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a delightful individual dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries. These no-bake cheesecake cups are perfect for any occasion, offering a light, refreshing, and indulgent treat in a convenient, easy-to-serve portion. With a crumbly graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and topped with fresh strawberries and a hint of strawberry jam, these cups are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of serving cups to form a crust.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the filling is light and airy.
5. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each serving cup, smoothing the tops.
6. Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up.
7. Before serving, top with fresh sliced strawberries and a dollop of strawberry jam.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 cups
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 0 minutes (No-bake)
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

• Different Fruits: While strawberries are the star here, you can use other fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches for a different flavor.
• Crust Options: You can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey twist.
• Flavored Cheesecake: Add a splash of lemon juice or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a citrusy note.
• Whipped Topping: Top the cups with whipped cream in place of or alongside the strawberry jam for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the strawberry cheesecake cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat it. Enjoy chilled!

10 FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time? Yes, these cups can be made the day before and stored in the fridge for easy preparation.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? Fresh strawberries are recommended for topping, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else? If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or a combination of cream cheese and a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture.
4. How do I make the whipped cream? To make whipped cream, simply beat chilled heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
5. Can I add a chocolate layer to these cheesecake cups? Yes! You can add a layer of melted chocolate or drizzle some over the top for a rich chocolate and strawberry combination.
6. Can I use a different type of sweetener? Yes, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative, such as stevia or erythritol, if desired.
7. Do I need to bake the crust? No, the crust is no-bake. Simply press the graham cracker mixture into the cups and refrigerate for the best texture.
8. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie as the base for the crust.
9. How long can I store the cheesecake cups? These cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed within 1-2 days for freshness.
10. Can I freeze these cheesecake cups? While the cheesecake filling may freeze well, the fresh strawberries and crust may not retain the same texture after freezing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a simple yet delicious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries. They are perfect for individual servings and make an easy, elegant treat for any occasion. With their light texture and sweet topping, these cheesecake cups are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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