A delightful no-bake dessert featuring creamy cheesecake filling layered over a buttery graham cracker crust—all served in charming individual jars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No oven required—perfect for hot days or quick preparation.
Make ahead and serve chilled for convenience.
Individual portions are both elegant and practical.
Versatile recipe—top with fresh fruit, pie filling, or chocolate sauce for variety.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream
8 oz (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp sour cream, room temperature
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional toppings: fresh berries or pie fillings

directions

Prepare your jars—this recipe fills about 6 jars of 8 oz each or 10 jars of 6 oz each.
Combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is moist. Divide and press about 2 tablespoons per 8 oz jar or 1½ tablespoons per 6 oz jar to form the crust.
In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar. Use approximately ¼ to ⅓ cup for 8 oz jars or about 3 tablespoons for 6 oz jars.
Add any desired toppings such as fresh fruit or pie fillings.
Refrigerate the jars for at least 1 hour before serving. For a firmer texture, chill for several hours or overnight.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings (8 oz jars) or 10 servings (6 oz jars)
Preparation time: Approximately 15 minutes
Chill time: Minimum 1 hour (longer for a firmer consistency)

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
These are served cold; reheating is not recommended.

Variations

Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or gluten-free alternatives.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for added brightness.
Mix in cocoa powder to create a chocolate-flavored cheesecake.
Use different toppings like fresh berries, fruit compotes, or pie fillings.
Replace heavy cream with whipped topping for a lighter version.

FAQs

How long should I chill the jars before serving?

Chill for at least 1 hour, but for a firmer texture, refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight.

Can I prepare these cheesecake jars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How long do the cheesecake jars keep?

They remain fresh for 3 to 4 days when refrigerated properly in sealed jars.

Is it possible to freeze these cheesecake jars?

Yes, freeze without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What size jars are best to use?

8 oz mason jars are ideal, but 6 oz or even smaller jars can be used depending on your preference.

Can I substitute the crust with something else?

Yes, crushed cookies like Oreos or Biscoff, or gluten-free options, work well as alternatives.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and prepare more jars as needed.

Will low-fat cream cheese work in this recipe?

It can be used, but the texture may be less creamy and slightly softer.

How can I avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and beat until the mixture is smooth.

Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake?

Certainly, lemon zest, cocoa powder, or peanut butter are all great additions to customize flavor.

Conclusion

No-bake cheesecake jars are an easy, elegant dessert option that requires minimal effort and no baking. With their creamy texture, customizable toppings, and attractive presentation, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served at parties or enjoyed as a simple everyday indulgence, these cheesecake jars are sure to impress.