Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesecake jars are quick to prepare, require no oven time, and are incredibly portable. With the classic flavors of a traditional cherry cheesecake presented in a fun, single-serve format, they’re as pretty as they are delicious. You can make them in advance, customize them easily, and they’re great for entertaining or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cherry pie filling
- Optional: lemon juice or zest for brightness
Directions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Spoon a few tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each small jar or cup and press gently to form the crust layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each jar.
- Top with a layer of cherry pie filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with crushed graham crackers or whipped cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 small jars or cups. Prep time is 20 minutes, and chilling time is at least 2–3 hours. Total time: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
- Cherry Almond Twist: Add almond extract to the cheesecake filling and garnish with sliced almonds.
- Chocolate Crust: Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Make in mini shot glasses or use cupcake liners for bite-sized versions.
- Fresh Cherry Compote: Use homemade cherry compote instead of canned filling for a fresher flavor.
- Lemon Cherry: Add lemon zest or juice to the filling for a bright citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
Store the jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These are best served cold and are not suitable for freezing, as the whipped cream may lose its texture after thawing. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour when serving.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for preparing a day in advance and actually taste better after chilling overnight.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, substitute whipped cream with whipped topping if preferred for convenience.
Do I need to cook the cherry topping?
No, canned cherry pie filling is ready to use. If making homemade, it should be fully cooled before layering.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese offers the richest flavor and best texture.
What size jars should I use?
4- to 8-ounce jars work well, depending on your desired serving size.
Can I use a different fruit topping?
Absolutely—blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling all work great.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
Can I add chocolate to the cheesecake layer?
Yes, fold in mini chocolate chips or swirl in melted chocolate for a richer variation.
How long do they need to chill?
At least 2–3 hours, but overnight is best for firm texture and well-developed flavor.
Can I skip the crust?
Yes, you can make it crustless, or replace it with crushed nuts or granola for a twist.
Conclusion
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars are an easy, elegant dessert that delivers all the flavor of a classic cheesecake in a perfectly portioned jar. With layers of creamy filling, crisp crust, and bright cherry topping, they’re sure to impress your guests—or just treat yourself. Ideal for warm weather and stress-free hosting, these jars are a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
PrintNo-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars are creamy, individual desserts layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, whipped cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping—perfect for parties, gifts, or an easy treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 jars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake / Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture among 6–8 small jars or cups and press down gently to form crusts.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest/juice. Mix until creamy.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust layers in the jars.
- Top each jar with cherry pie filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Serve chilled. Optionally garnish with extra graham crumbs, whipped cream, or fresh cherries.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Store-bought whipped topping can be used instead of whipped cream.
- Make in advance—flavors improve after chilling overnight.
- Swap graham crackers for chocolate cookies or gluten-free options as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
