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Creamy No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

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An easy, quick no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, airy cream cheese filling whipped with heavy cream. Perfect for beginners and ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, crushed nuts or cookie crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly coated and mixture holds together when pressed (about 3 minutes).
  2. Assemble the crust layer: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each serving cup. Press down gently to create a firm base. Set aside.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully incorporated. Add lemon juice or zest if using.
  4. Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks using an electric mixer.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently with a spatula to keep the filling light and airy.
  6. Layer the dessert: Spoon the creamy filling over the crust in each cup, filling almost to the top. Smooth the surface.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake cups for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture.
  8. Add toppings: Just before serving, top with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or crushed nuts as desired.

Notes

Softening cream cheese to room temperature is key to avoid lumps. Chill the bowl before whipping cream for best results. Fold whipped cream gently to keep filling airy. Crust can be lightly toasted for extra flavor but is optional. Can be made dairy-free and gluten-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, cheesecake cups, easy dessert, layered dessert, quick dessert, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-no-bake-cheesecake-cups-recipe-easy-layered-dessert-for-beginners/