No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Jars – These no-bake cherry cheesecakes in a jar are the perfect dessert, picnic, or backyard BBQ treat. The cheesecake jars have a golden, buttery graham cracker crust, creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping. A crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion, but especially these warm summer months. Enjoy!
Ingredients list for the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecakes in a Jar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- One 8-ounce block cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can of dark sweet cherries
No-Bake Cheesecake Jars
These no-bake cheesecake jars are SO good and make a fuss-free take on the old cheesecake classic! This easy no-bake cheesecake recipe is a spin on a traditional cheesecake recipe that is served cold in small individual portions and requires absolutely no baking!
How to make the cheesecake jars
The method to make the cheesecake jars is very straightforward. Crush the graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Whip the heavy cream until fluffy. Beat the cream cheese with sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar, then fold the whipped cream in the cream cheese mixture. Scoop into the jars, on top of the graham crackers, then top with sweet dark cherries when ready to serve. Easy!
Directions
1. To make the cherry cheesecakes: Melt the butter in the microwave in a large bowl. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and mix well – The graham cracker crumbs will get slightly sticky. Spoon a generous amount of graham crackers into the jars. Set the jars aside.
2. Whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Set the whipped cream aside.
3. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Make sure to break down any lumps of cream cheese.
4. Using your mixer on low speed or a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake filling until combined. Combine gently so the whipped cream doesn’t collapse.
5. Layer a couple of large spoonfuls of filling on top of the graham cracker crust in the jars. Make sure you leave some room for the topping.
6. Chill the cheesecake jars until ready to serve. We found that adding the cherries too early will have the cherry juices seep down into the layers. So we recommend adding the topping when soon when serving. Spoon the dark sweet cherries on top of the no-bake cherry cheesecake jars, then serve. Enjoy! ❤️
How long to keep the cherry cheesecake jars?
You can keep leftover cheesecake jars for up to 3 days, covered in the refrigerator.
Can we freeze cheesecake in a jar?
Yes, you can freeze these no-bake cherry cheesecakes jars. Just cover tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the cheesecakes to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then serve and enjoy.
How to make the cherry cheesecake jars in advance?
These easy cheesecake jars can be made 1 to 3 days in advance. You can layer the crumbs and the cheesecake filling and keep the jars covered in your refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Add the topping at the last minute so it won’t drip too much into the filling and keep a nice presentation!
No-Bake Cheesecake Variations
Here are a few ways you can switch up the flavors of these mason jar cheesecakes:
- Swap the cherries with different berries: Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc…
- Instead of graham crackers, you can use crumble topping, shortbread cookies, or other types of cookies.
- You can add another fruit extract to the cheesecake filling: Try orange, strawberry, orange blossom.
More cheesecake recipes
- Blueberry Cheesecake Smoothie
- 3-Ingredient Cheesecake Fat Bombs
- Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse
- Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Yogurt
