Save to Pinterest Celebrate love with these decadent, no-bake strawberry cheesecake cups. Perfectly portioned for two or a small gathering, this dessert layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cream cheese mousse and sweet macerated strawberries. It is an elegant, stress-free way to make your Valentine's Day truly special.
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This dessert is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. By whipping heavy cream and folding it into softened cream cheese, you create a mousse-like texture that is far lighter than traditional baked cheesecake. The addition of fresh lemon juice to the strawberries helps cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Ingredients
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- For the Crust: 1 cup (100 g) graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp (40 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the Cheesecake Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
- For the Strawberry Layer: 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, diced, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice
- For Garnish: 6 whole strawberries, halved, and optional heart-shaped sprinkles or white chocolate shavings
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Crust
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tbsp sugar. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- 2. Layer the Base
- Spoon 2 tbsp of the crust mixture into the bottom of each serving cup. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- 3. Cream Cheese Base
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- 4. Whip and Fold
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
- 5. Fill the Cups
- Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the cups, spooning it over the crust and smoothing the tops.
- 6. Macerate Berries
- In a small bowl, toss diced strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- 7. Fruit Layer
- Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer in each cup.
- 8. Chill
- Place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- 9. Final Garnish
- Before serving, garnish with a strawberry half and optional sprinkles or chocolate shavings.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. When folding in the whipped cream, use a spatula and a slow circular motion to keep the filling as airy as possible.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits or gluten-free cookies. For a different flavor profile, try using raspberries or a berry mix, and consider adding a dash of lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for extra zing.
Serviervorschläge
These individual cheesecake cups pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling rosé or a fruity white wine. Serve them chilled to maintain the integrity of the mousse and the freshness of the berries.
Save to Pinterest With their vibrant red layers and creamy white filling, these Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. They offer a sophisticated yet simple way to share something sweet with your loved ones this Valentine's Day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different crust for the cups?
Yes, substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or gluten-free cookies to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- → How long should the cups chill before serving?
Chill the assembled cups for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly and flavors to meld.
- → Can other berries replace strawberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries can be used to vary the fruit layer while keeping the texture light and fresh.
- → What is the purpose of macerating the strawberries?
Macerating with sugar and lemon juice softens the strawberries and enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
- → Are there allergen considerations for this dessert?
This dish contains dairy and gluten; be cautious if you have allergies and consider substitutions if needed.
