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

Scale

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