Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar is a delightful and convenient dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, these individual servings are both charming and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 8 ounce light cream cheese, softened
- 1 8 ounce light ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (from one lemon)
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced into ¼ inch chunks
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Whole strawberries, cut vertically, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the crust by crushing graham crackers into crumbs using a food processor, blender, or rolling pin in a plastic bag. Measure 1 ½ cups crumbs and combine with 1 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the cheese layer by blending together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, ¼ cup sugar, lemon zest, and lemon extract in a food processor or with a hand mixer. Blend for about a minute until slightly fluffy but not overmixed.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix strawberry jam with 1 teaspoon water to loosen it. Add fresh strawberry chunks and gently toss to combine, allowing the juices to release.
- Step 4: Assemble the jars by pressing ¼ cup graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each jar. Spoon ½ cup of the cheese mixture over the crust, then top with the strawberry mixture.
- Step 5: Garnish each jar with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry half. Optionally, add fresh mint leaves for extra color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use organic strawberries for the freshest taste and best texture.
- Swap lemon zest and extract for orange zest and a splash of vanilla for a different citrus twist.
- Try blueberry or raspberry jam instead of strawberry for a unique flavor variation.
- For a firmer crust, mix crumbs with melted butter before pressing into jars.
Storage
Store assembled jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them covered tightly with lids or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake jars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these jars a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy grab-and-go dessert.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
Absolutely. Using regular cream cheese will result in a richer, creamier cheesecake layer, but the light cream cheese works well if you prefer a lighter option.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This delightful Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a light and fluffy cream cheese and ricotta filling with lemon zest, and a fresh strawberry topping tossed with strawberry jam. Perfect for individual servings, these jars are easy to assemble and ideal for parties or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 8 and a quarter sheets)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 ounce) light cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) light ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (from one lemon)
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced into ¼ inch chunks (organic if possible)
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Whole strawberries, cut vertically
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the graham crackers until you have 1 ½ cups of crumbs using a food processor, blender, or by placing crackers in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin until sandy. Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.
- Make the cheese layer: In a food processor or medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon extract. Blend or beat with an electric mixer for about a minute until the mixture is combined and lightened but still creamy. Avoid overmixing to prevent heaviness.
- Prepare the strawberries: In a medium bowl, stir together the strawberry jam and water to loosen the jam. Add the fresh strawberries and gently toss to coat, slightly breaking up the strawberries to release juices and combine flavors.
- Assemble the cheesecakes: Lightly press ¼ cup of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each serving jar using your fingers or a small spoon. Spoon ½ cup of the cheese mixture over the crust layer. Top with the strawberry mixture evenly divided between jars. Garnish each jar with a dollop of whipped cream, a halved fresh strawberry, and optionally a fresh mint leaf for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use light cream cheese and ricotta to reduce calories and fat content.
- For best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest and fresh strawberries.
- Adjust sugar quantities based on the sweetness of the jam and strawberries.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Serve cold for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, no bake dessert, cheesecake jars, graham cracker crust, light cheesecake, fresh strawberries
