Craving a delicious, no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups are a perfect choice! With layers of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and buttery shortcake crumble, this dessert is ideal for any occasion.
Plus, if you’re looking for more creative ways to use fresh fruit, check out what to do with a bunch of peaches for more fruity inspiration!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Cups
- No oven required – A quick and easy dessert
- Perfectly portioned – Great for parties or meal prep
- A delightful mix of textures – Creamy, crunchy, and fruity
- Customizable – Swap ingredients for a gluten-free or low-sugar version
For those with dietary restrictions, consider trying some gluten-free casserole recipes as another great option for delicious homemade treats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cheesecake Filling
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
Shortcake Crumble
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Whipped Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- Dice the fresh strawberries and mix with sugar and lemon juice.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to release natural juices.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture for a light texture.
3. Create the Shortcake Crumble
- Crush the vanilla wafers or graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- Mix with melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
- In cups or jars, layer as follows:
- A spoonful of strawberries
- A generous scoop of cheesecake filling
- A sprinkle of shortcake crumble
- Repeat layers if desired
5. Add the Whipped Topping
- Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream onto the cheesecake cups.
6. Garnish and Chill
- Top with extra crumble and a fresh strawberry.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake Cups
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Let the cheesecake filling chill before assembling for a firmer texture.
- Whip heavy cream properly for a smooth, stable topping.
- Experiment with flavors try adding lemon zest or caramel drizzle!
Variations & Customizations
Looking for a different take on this dessert? Try these fun variations!
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist – Mix in cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling.
- Healthier Version – Swap brown sugar for honey and use low-fat cream cheese.
- Tropical Flavor – Mix in coconut flakes or pineapple chunks.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Best Served Chilled – The flavors meld together beautifully when refrigerated.
- Store in the Fridge – Keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Not Freezer-Friendly – The texture of the cheesecake filling changes when frozen.
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries offer the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
You can mix the cheesecake filling by hand with a whisk, but it takes more effort.
How do I make them firmer for transport?
Use stabilized whipped cream or refrigerate longer before serving.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Try blueberries, raspberries, or mango for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups are easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, they’re quick to assemble, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor.
Give them a try, and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!
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Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups – The Ultimate No-Bake Treat!
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6 cups
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups are a creamy, fruity, and no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. Layered with buttery shortcake crumble, smooth cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Strawberry Layer
2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Cheesecake Filling
250g cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream
Shortcake Crumble
½ cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugarWhipped Topping
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Mix diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes to release their natural juices
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy
Whip heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture to keep it light and airy
Combine crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and brown sugar to create a buttery shortcake crumble
Assemble the cups by layering strawberries, cheesecake filling, and shortcake crumble in small dessert cups or jars
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and pipe or spoon it onto the cups for a light and fluffy topping
Garnish with a fresh strawberry and extra crumble, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture
Notes
Use ripe, sweet strawberries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness
Refrigerating the dessert allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture of the cheesecake layer
For a gluten-free version, swap the vanilla wafers for gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crumble
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for the best freshness
If making ahead, assemble the layers but add the whipped topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake cheesecake cups, no-bake strawberry cheesecake, cheesecake dessert cups, mini strawberry shortcake