If you’re looking for a Valentines Day dessert that’s quick, fuss-free, and looks absolutely stunning, these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are the answer.
They’re easy to assemble, require no oven, and are packed with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake.
The best part? You can make them ahead of time and impress your loved ones with this elegant treat in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Valentines Dessert Recipe
- No-Bake Wonder: Forget preheating the oven. These cups come together with minimal effort.
- Layered Elegance: The presentation in clear glasses lets you show off the beautiful layers of crushed graham crackers, strawberry puree, and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to make them vegan, gluten-free, or keto-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While this dessert screams Valentine’s Day, it’s also great for anniversaries, birthdays, or just because!
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Ingredients You’ll Need To Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Valentines Dessert Recipe
For the Base:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (use gluten-free for a GF version).
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust for sweetness)
Check out these gluten-free graham crackers or plant-based cream cheese for a vegan version.
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (swap with vegan cream cheese for a plant-based option)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or a natural sweetener like agave syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan version), whipped
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Crushed graham crackers
- Mint leaves (optional)
Shop The Recipe And Recommended Tools
Creating these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups is even easier when you have the right tools and ingredients on hand.
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this stunning dessert effortlessly:
Ingredients to Shop For
- Graham Crackers: If possible use Graham crackers that are gluten-free or organic
- Cream Cheese: Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese or Vegan Cream Cheese Alternative
- Heavy Cream: Whipping Cream for Desserts or Coconut Cream
- Fresh Strawberries: Organic Strawberries
- Vanilla Extract: Pure Vanilla Extract
Recommended Tools
- Food Processor: Perfectly suited for grinding graham crackers to a fine consistency (Cuisinart Mini Food Processor)
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To achieve a creamy cheesecake filling – KitchenAid Hand Mixer
- Piping Bags: For neatly layering the cheesecake filling – Reusable Piping Bag Set
- Fine Mesh Sieve: To strain the strawberry puree for a smooth texture – Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainer
- Serving Glasses: Showcase the beautiful layers with clear dessert glasses – Glass Dessert Cups Set
Optional for Garnish
- Mint Leaves: Fresh Mint Leaves
- Decorative Edible Flowers: Edible Flower Garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Valentines Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Use a food processor to grind the graham crackers into tiny crumbs, or put them in a zip-lock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
Toss crumbs and stir it with melted butter until evenly moistened and resembles wet sand.
Distribute about 2 tablespoons of the mixture evenly into the bottom of each glass or jar, pressing down gently to compact.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Puree
Place the lemon juice, sugar, and strawberries in a blender or food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth to the touch.
Blend until smooth – For a seedless puree, strain through a fine mesh sieve and set it aside in the refrigerator to chill.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Next up, take a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Also, to maintain the mixture’s airiness and lightness, carefully fold in the beaten heavy cream.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
Using a spoon or piping bag, spread the cheesecake filling on top of the graham cracker base (Aim for an even layer).
Top the cheesecake filling with a layer of strawberry puree (repeat the layers for taller glasses).
Lastly, add a mint leaf, crushed graham crackers, and fresh strawberry halves as garnish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
To allow the flavors to blend, place the completed cups in the refrigerator for at least an hour and then serve it chilled only to watch your loved ones swoon.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Replace the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for the base.
- Vegan: Make use of plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese. Substitute sugar with maple syrup or agave for a dairy-free and cruelty-free treat.
- Sugar-Free: Swap sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol to reduce calories without compromising flavor.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Assemble these cups up to 12 hours in advance. Store this valentines special dessert, covered, in the refrigerator until serving.
- Portion Sizes: Use small glasses for individual servings or a trifle dish for a shared dessert.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust.
- Vegan Substitutions: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and a plant-based butter substitute.
This recipe works beautifully with dietary adjustments, so don’t hesitate to experiment with gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free ingredients to fit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are more than just a dessert, they’re a celebration in a glass.
Whether you’re a food blogger looking to create content that resonates or someone planning a last-minute Valentine’s Day surprise, this recipe delivers elegance and flavor without the stress.
Now, grab your apron, whip up these gorgeous cheesecake cups, and watch the compliments roll in.
Tried a gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free version of this No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups? Share your creative adaptations in the comments or on social media using #ThePortableLaundryRecipe and ee’d love to feature your take!
