Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy cheesecake meets a delightful strawberry crunch cheesecake cups recipe that will make dessert lovers swoon.

These miniature treats pack an incredible burst of flavor in every single bite.

Sweet, tangy strawberries dance with rich cream cheese on a buttery graham cracker base.

Each cup delivers a perfect balance of smooth and crispy textures that will delight your taste buds.

The crunchy topping adds a surprising element of excitement to this classic dessert.

You’ll love how simple these elegant cups are to prepare.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with this irresistible summer dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Storing Strawberry Crunch Cups

  • Transfer cheesecake cups to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual cups securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Do not reheat these no-bake cheesecake cups. Best enjoyed chilled directly from the refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent separation of ingredients.
  • Let frozen cheesecake cups sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

No, fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries will release too much liquid and make the cheesecake filling watery and less creamy.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the base. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

  • How long can I keep these cheesecake cups in the refrigerator?

These cheesecake cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups The No-Bake Treat Everyone Wants

  • Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated steps or long preparation time.
  • Adaptable recipe that allows personal touches like adding different toppings or using alternative berries to suit individual preferences.
  • Eliminate oven stress with this simple, cool dessert that requires minimal kitchen equipment and delivers maximum flavor and texture.
  • Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a sweet, refreshing dessert that looks impressive yet takes minimal effort to create.

What’s in Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups

Crust Base:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the dessert.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Adds a concentrated strawberry flavor and creates a delightful textural element.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the dessert its creamy and tangy character.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and creates a fluffy texture when whipped.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Brings natural sweetness and fresh fruity flavor to the cheesecake mixture.
Garnish:
  • Graham Crackers, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Provide a delightful crunch and additional visual appeal to the finished dessert.

Tools for Building Perfect Cheesecake Cups

  • Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese and whipping cream to smooth, fluffy consistency.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  • Separate Bowl: Needed for whipping heavy cream separately.
  • Spatula: Helps smooth cheesecake mixture and fold ingredients gently.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Cutting Board: For dicing fresh strawberries.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to chop strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries precisely.
  • Individual Serving Cups or Glasses: Serves as the container for assembling dessert.

Steps for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cup Creation

Step 1: Create Crunchy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Graham crackers (crushed into fine crumbs)
  • Freeze-dried strawberries (finely chopped)
  • Melted butter

Mix everything until the mixture looks like sandy texture.

Press this magical blend firmly into the bottom of each serving cup, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Whip Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend these creamy ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat the mixture using an electric mixer, ensuring no lumps remain.

The result should be a luxuriously soft and glossy cream.

Step 3: Prepare Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, billowy peaks.

This creates an airy texture that will make your cheesecake incredibly light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Cream Mixtures

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

Use a spatula and fold with a light touch to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.

Step 5: Add Fresh Strawberry Chunks

Carefully fold diced fresh strawberries into the cheesecake mixture.

These juicy fruit pieces will provide bursts of vibrant flavor throughout the dessert.

Step 6: Layer and Smooth

Spoon the strawberry-studded cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker base in each cup.

Use a spatula to create smooth, even layers.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

This allows the cheesecake to firm up and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 8: Final Crunch Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle these crunchy elements on top:
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Freeze-dried strawberry pieces

These add a delightful textural contrast and make your dessert look absolutely stunning.

Tips for Layering and Crunchy Toppings

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly into the base to create a compact, crisp foundation that won't become mushy.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky, creamy consistency.
  • Pat fresh strawberries dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cheesecake watery.
  • Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to create stable, fluffy peaks that integrate seamlessly with the cream cheese.
  • These cups can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, keeping them fresh and allowing flavors to meld in the refrigerator.

Cheesecake Cup Flavors for Any Crowd

  • Vegan Berry Bliss Cups: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and swap butter for coconut oil in the crust.
  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Delight: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for the base.
  • Low-Carb Berry Cheesecake Bites: Use almond flour and chopped nuts for the crust, replace sugar with stevia, and incorporate mascarpone cheese for a rich texture.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cups: Mix cocoa powder into the crust, add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling, and top with chocolate-covered strawberry pieces.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesecake Cups

  • Fresh Berry Burst: Top each cup with a handful of sliced fresh strawberries for a vibrant, juicy contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark or white chocolate and create elegant swirls over the chilled cheesecake cups for a luxurious touch.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or toasted almonds for an additional layer of texture and rich, nutty flavor that complements the strawberry essence.
  • Whipped Cream Cloud: Add a delicate dollop of homemade whipped cream on top, garnished with a small mint leaf for a refreshing and elegant presentation.
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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cups Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Strawberry crunch cheesecake cups blend creamy cheesecake with a crisp graham cracker topping for a delightful dessert. Sweet strawberries and crunchy layers make this treat irresistible to those craving a perfect summer indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) powdered sugar

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped freeze-dried strawberries
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh strawberries, diced

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a textural foundation by combining pulverized graham crackers, finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture, then firmly press into individual serving cups to create a crisp base layer.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
  3. In a separate chilled bowl, vigorously whip heavy cream until it develops sturdy, peaked formations that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted.
  4. Delicately integrate the voluminous whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain the airy texture and prevent deflation.
  5. Carefully incorporate freshly diced strawberries throughout the creamy mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure each serving contains fruity bursts.
  6. Elegantly layer the strawberry-studded cheesecake mixture atop the prepared graham cracker foundation, smoothing the surface with a spatula for a polished appearance.
  7. Chill the dessert cups in the refrigerator for approximately 2 hours at 40°F, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld completely.
  8. Just before serving, embellish each cup with an additional sprinkle of crushed graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberry pieces to enhance the textural experience.

Notes

  • Freeze-dried strawberries add intense flavor and crispy texture to the graham cracker crust, creating a delightful strawberry-packed base.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with whipped cream.
  • Dice fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the cheesecake mixture for consistent fruity bites.
  • Make these cups gluten-free by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a dietary-friendly dessert option.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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