Description
A quick and easy version of strawberry cheesecake served in delightful cups, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, for topping)
- Fresh mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Additional whole fresh strawberries or slices (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped cream or cool whip (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix until all crumbs are thoroughly moistened.
- Distribute the crumb mixture into the muffin cups and press down firmly. Bake for 7-8 minutes, then allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add ½ cup granulated sugar while mixing on low speed. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Divide the cheesecake filling among the crusts, filling each about three-quarters full. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Refrigerate for at least 240 minutes or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and set.
- Mix the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and the optional vanilla extract. Let this mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to amplify the strawberry flavor.
- Remove the cups from the muffin tin and spoon the strawberry topping over each before serving. Garnish as desired with fresh mint sprigs or additional strawberries.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Do not skip chilling time for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, dessert cups, easy dessert, no-bake cheesecake