No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

No-Bake Cheesecake Cups are a quick dessert recipe perfect for any occasion. These ones are patriotic for the 4th of July! Definitely the BEST cheesecake in a jar- ever!

My friends, it is my favorite time of year. I love all things red, white and blue and that includes my food. So when I was thinking about fun little recipes to make for this year’s 4th of July celebrations I knew the main thing had to be red, white and blue – of course.

What I love about these little cheesecake jars is that the recipe only takes a handful of ingredients and they are no-bake. Anything no-bake in the summer is a huge win for me now that we don’t have AC. We love these and I know you’ll love them too. Check it out!

I mean- who’s with me on the no-bake treats? You just can’t go wrong. I had never had a no-bake cheesecake before I met my hubs. Then his grandmother taught me how to make his favorite no-bake cherry cheesecake for his birthday and it was a game-changer.

Honestly, I wondered where it had been all my life. It is no wonder it is his favorite and it quickly became ours too. Years later I started adding my homemade cherry pie filling to the top – that made it over the top delicious.

red white and blue desserts

Here are some commonly asked questions

Can these cheesecake jars be made in advance?

You bet. These mini cheesecakes will hold in the refrigerator for several days. Just cover each with plastic wrap and keep chilled. I recommend adding the whipped topping and sprinkles when you are ready to serve.

Tips for making no-bake cheesecake

• Serve in individual-size trifle dishes, mason jars, or even disposable plastic cups.
• You can add berries, angel food cake, crushed cookies, or brownie pieces to the layers.
• Don’t add frozen fruit. It tends to get slimy as it thaws and will make the cheesecake runny with the added moisture it creates.

cheesecake in a cup

How do I make graham cracker crust?

Graham cracker crust is really easy to make. For these no-bake cheesecakes, it is as easy as crushing the graham crackers. Some people like the crust to be sweeter and some like it less dry.

So if you fall into either of those categories – you can mix in 1/2 to 1 tsp granulated sugar to the crushed graham crackers for sweetness and/or add in 1-2 tsp melted butter to moisten the crumbs.

Note- that since this is a smaller cheesecake recipe than what would require a traditional graham cracker crust for a whole 10″ cheesecake, the recipe is a bit different.

Can I use chocolate graham crackers?

Oh yes – that would be delicious. I recommend using chocolate graham crackers for this. You can also use the gluten-free or low- fat graham crackers. They might taste slightly different, but the recipe will still be great.

easy no-bake cheesecake

What toppings should I use over a no-bake cheesecake filling?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings on no-bake cheesecake. I see it similar to ice cream in that regard. The sky is the limit here. But here are some of my favorites…

• salted caramel
• whipped cream
• lemon curd
• berry sauce
• chocolate ganache
• fruit pie filling

Can these be made with low or non-fat cream cheese?

You can, but keep in mind that when you are reducing or removing the fat, you are also removing the part that makes it so creamy and flavorful. So they might not be as delicious but the recipe will still work.

patriotic dessert

Ingredients for No-Bake Cheesecake

• cream cheese – softened
• granulated sugar
• whipped topping – thawed
• graham crackers
• Food coloring

Can I use different colors?

Yes – that is what I love about this recipe. I can change up the colors to make them for any holiday or occasion. Add coordinating sprinkles and you are all set.

cheesecake trifle

Why you’ll love no-bake cheesecake in a jar

• ready in about 45 minutes
• minimal effort
• unlimited color options
• easy to transport to a party
• no baking
• crazy easy recipe
• super creamy filling
• easy to make individual servings

red white and blue trifle

How to make no-bake cheesecake cups

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.
3. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined and smooth.
4. Divide the mixture into 3 bowls, about 1 cup of each.
5. Color one with red food coloring and another with blue by adding several drops or dots of dye and then mixing well.
6. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
7. Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or resealable bag.
8. Add the cream cheese mixture in layers in small jars, you can spoon it in or use a disposable decorator bag or resealable bag to pipe it in.
9. Add the graham cracker crumbs in-between the layers.
10. Decorate with whipped topping and sprinkles if desired.

cheesecake in a jar

• cream cheese
• granulated sugar
• whipped topping
• graham crackers
• food coloring
• jars
• food processor
• mixer
• mixing bowls
• patriotic sprinkles

cheesecake in mason jars

If you love this Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Cups recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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