Strawberry Cheesecake Cups: A Perfect No-Bake Treat

Are you on the hunt for a dessert that is both wonderfully sophisticated and remarkably straightforward to prepare? A little something that truly bottles the spirit of summer, featuring layers of buttery biscuit, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a topping of fresh, juicy strawberries? We think we’ve found just the thing. Allow us to introduce our ultimate strawberry cheesecake cup, a charming, single-serving dessert that doesn’t need a single moment in the oven.
This recipe has become our firm favourite for all sorts of occasions, from relaxed garden parties and family barbecues to a quiet, decadent treat for ourselves at home. It’s a surefire hit that gives the impression of hours spent in the kitchen, but in truth, it’s one of the most effortless and rewarding desserts we’ve ever had the pleasure of making. Come along as we walk you through the simple process of creating these lovely pots of joy.
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Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Strawberry Cheesecake Cup Recipe
Before we get into the instructions, let’s explore why this recipe is destined to become a cherished staple in your collection of desserts. These cups offer more than just a delightful taste; they are a masterclass in making convenient and impressive puddings.
- No-Bake & Stress-Free: We are huge fans of any recipe that lets us keep the oven off, particularly on a warm day. This is essentially a simple layering task, which makes it a brilliant choice for novice cooks or anytime you need a dependable dessert without any hassle.
- Perfectly Portioned: Serving pudding couldn’t be simpler. These individual pots mean there’s no need for slicing, no mess to clear up, and each person receives their own perfect portion. They are simply ideal for parties and get-togethers.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavour: The timeless trio of sweet strawberries, tangy cream cheese, and a crunchy biscuit base is a combination that everyone loves. It delivers a comforting, nostalgic flavour that appeals to people of all ages.
- Visually Stunning: The gorgeous layers of golden biscuit, creamy white filling, and vibrant red topping make these cups a true visual delight. They look incredibly professional and are guaranteed to wow your guests.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: You can assemble these cups a day before you need them, which is a real blessing when you’re organising a gathering. They taste even more delicious after chilling for a few hours, as this gives the flavours a chance to mingle and develop.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesecake Cups
The brilliance of this recipe is rooted in its simplicity, which begins with just a few high-quality, easy-to-find ingredients. We have organised them according to the three magnificent layers that compose each individual cup.
For the Buttery Biscuit Base
- Digestive Biscuits: 150g (about 10 biscuits)
- Unsalted Butter: 75g, melted
- Caster Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: 300g, at room temperature
- Icing Sugar: 70g, sifted
- Double Cream: 150ml, cold
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Vibrant Strawberry Topping
- Fresh Strawberries: 250g, hulled and sliced, plus extra for garnish
- Caster Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (from about half a lemon)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cup
Right, let’s move on to the enjoyable part! Just follow our straightforward steps to put together your beautiful and tasty no-bake cheesecake cups. For this recipe, we suggest using between 4 and 6 small glasses or jars, based on your preferred portion size.
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: Tip the digestive biscuits into a sealable plastic bag. With a rolling pin, crush them into a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs. We quite like leaving a few larger chunks for a bit of extra crunch! As an alternative, a few quick pulses in a food processor will do the job. Move the crumbs into a bowl, pour over the melted butter and optional sugar, then stir until it’s all combined and feels like damp sand.
- Create the Luscious Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or a whisk and a bit of effort) to whip the cold double cream until it holds soft peaks. Take care not to overwhip it. In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract until it’s perfectly smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until they are just incorporated. This will give you a light, airy, and truly luscious filling for your cream cheese dessert pots.
- Whip Up the Fresh Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan, place 250g of the sliced strawberries, the caster sugar, and the lemon juice. Warm this mixture over a medium-low heat, stirring from time to time. As they heat, the strawberries will soften and release their natural juices. Let it simmer for around 5–7 minutes, by which point the sauce should have thickened a little. We enjoy gently squashing some of the strawberries with a spoon to create a lovely texture of sauce and whole fruit pieces. Set this aside to cool down completely. This is our preferred method for making a simple but flavourful strawberry topping for cheesecake.
- Assemble Your Individual Cheesecake Masterpieces: Now it’s time to construct the layers! Share the buttery biscuit mixture evenly among your glasses or jars, pressing it down lightly with the back of a spoon to form a solid base. Afterwards, carefully spoon or pipe the creamy cheesecake filling on top of the biscuit layer, levelling the surface.
- Chill to Perfection: Pop the cups into the refrigerator to set for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is even better. This is a vital step as it allows the filling to firm up properly and lets the flavours meld together beautifully. Just before you’re ready to serve, add a generous spoonful of the cooled strawberry topping to each cup and finish with a slice of fresh strawberry or a mint leaf.
Top Tips and Variations for the Best Cheesecake Cups
We’ve prepared these cups more times than we can count, and in doing so, we’ve gathered a few handy tips and tricks to guarantee they come out perfectly every time. Here are our best-kept secrets for success:
- Room Temperature is Key: To achieve the smoothest, most lump-free cheesecake filling, it’s essential that your cream cheese is at room temperature. If it is too cold, it will not combine smoothly with the sugar, which can lead to a grainy consistency. As the experts at BBC Good Food note, full-fat cream cheese is best for providing structure and flavour in no-bake puddings.
- Don’t Overmix: When you are incorporating the whipped cream into the cream cheese, be sure to use a gentle touch. Overmixing will deflate the mixture, leading to a dense and heavy filling instead of the light, airy texture we’re aiming for.
- Biscuit Variations: While we truly love the classic digestive base, don’t hesitate to get creative! Ginger nuts can add a lovely, warm spice, Hobnobs offer a rustic, oaty texture, and chocolate biscuits such as Oreos provide a rich, decadent contrast.
- Fruity Twists: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to replace the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mango purée for a tropical flair. If you’re a fan of fruit and cheesecake pairings, you will absolutely love our Tasty Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies Delicious Easy.
- Presentation Pointers: To elevate your cups from lovely to spectacular, finish them with a flourish. A swirl of whipped cream, a few white chocolate shavings, or a scattering of toasted flaked almonds for extra texture can make all the difference. An attractive presentation always makes a dessert seem even more delicious! For another dessert that looks as good as it tastes, have a look at our recipe for Blueberry Heaven Cookies The Definitive Recipe For Soft Chewy Perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these strawberry cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Of course! We actually encourage it. These can be prepared up to 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Just cover and store them in the fridge. We do advise adding the fresh strawberry topping just before serving to ensure it looks vibrant and fresh.
How long do these cheesecake cups last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cheesecake cups will remain fresh for up to 3 days. The biscuit base might lose some of its crunch over time, but they will still be exceptionally tasty.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
For this particular recipe, we really do insist on using full-fat cream cheese. Lower-fat alternatives contain more water and often include stabilisers that can stop the cheesecake filling from setting correctly, which frequently results in a runny consistency.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, that’s perfectly fine. If you opt for frozen strawberries, there is no need to defrost them beforehand. Just put them straight into the saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice, and cook for a little longer until they have softened and the sauce has reached the right thickness.
What kind of glasses or cups are best for this individual cheesecake recipe?
Any small glass, jar, or ramekin will suit this individual cheesecake recipe beautifully. We are particularly fond of using clear glassware, as it does a wonderful job of showing off the pretty, distinct layers. Small jam jars or half-pint tumblers are also fantastic choices.
Conclusion: Your New Favourite Go-To Dessert
So there you have it—a straightforward, sophisticated, and completely delicious recipe for the ultimate strawberry cheesecake cup. This dessert is proof that you don’t need complicated methods or a hot oven to make something truly remarkable. With its creamy, tangy filling, crunchy base, and sweet strawberry topping, it’s a celebration of classic flavours served in a fresh and modern style.
We are certain that after you’ve tried this recipe once, it will become a regular feature in your dessert rotation. It’s the ideal choice for impressing guests, delighting your family, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth.
Are you ready to begin? We would be thrilled to see your lovely cheesecake creations! Please tag us in your pictures on social media to share them. And if you have any queries or wish to let us know how your dessert turned out, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy dessert making!
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Title Tag: Our Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cup Recipe | Easy & No-Bake
Meta Description: Looking to make the perfect strawberry cheesecake cup? Our simple, no-bake recipe shows you how to create these delightful individual desserts, complete with a buttery biscuit base, a creamy filling, and a fresh strawberry sauce. Ideal for any occasion!