Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- For the topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust. Stir the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until it looks like wet sand. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into each of six 8-ounce jars and press down lightly. No baking needed — the chill sets everything.
- Whip the cream. Beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on high until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese. Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and silky, scraping the bowl once or twice. Room-temperature cream cheese is the key to a lump-free filling.
- Fold it together. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until no streaks remain. Don't overmix — you want it light and airy.
- Fill the jars. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crusts, smoothing the tops. You should get an even layer in all six jars.
- Macerate the strawberries. Toss the strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice and let them sit 10 minutes until juicy and glossy.
- Chill and serve. Refrigerate the jars uncovered for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to firm up. Spoon the strawberries over the top just before serving and add mint if you like.
💡 No-bake tips
Truly softened cream cheese is non-negotiable — cold cream cheese means lumps no amount of beating will fix. Don't skip the chill: it's what turns the filling from soft to sliceable. Swap the strawberries for blueberries, cherry pie filling, or a drizzle of caramel. The jars keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead party dessert.
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