Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Irresistible Mini No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Your Easiest Recipe Guide

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of these easy mini individual-sized no-bake strawberry cheesecake cupcakes. Crafted from scratch with simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Each luscious cup features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth cheesecake filling, and is crowned with a vibrant, fresh strawberry topping. It’s a dessert that impresses with its elegant presentation and tantalizes with its creamy, fruity taste, all without ever needing an oven!

These charming mini cheesecakes are sponsored by Vital Proteins, allowing us to share this wonderful recipe with you. As always, all opinions and the passion for delicious, accessible desserts are entirely our own.

Easy No Bake Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes With Graham Cracker Crust Stacked on White Dish.

There’s something inherently special about mini desserts, and these no-bake strawberry cheesecake cupcakes are no exception. They bring a touch of sophistication to any gathering, making guests feel truly pampered. Much like our beloved Mini Nutella Cheesecake (No Bake), these individual portions are absolutely perfect for a variety of celebrations. Imagine serving them at elegant baby showers, charming bridal brunches, or a heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration. Their vivid red strawberry topping also makes them an ideal sweet treat for romantic Valentine’s Day dinners or festive Christmas gatherings. The delightful combination of creamy, tangy cheesecake filling with the sweet, bright strawberry topping creates a flavor symphony, beautifully contrasted by the satisfying crunch of the graham cracker crust.

This recipe is designed for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts alike. The “no-bake” aspect means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations. Plus, the individual serving size ensures perfect portions every time, making them convenient for entertaining or simply treating yourself.

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Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mini No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes

Creating these delightful mini cheesecakes requires a few key components that work in harmony to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

  • Graham Crackers: These form the foundation of our cheesecake, providing a sweet, crumbly, and slightly spiced crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of any cheesecake! We opted for low-fat cream cheese in this recipe to make it a little lighter, but feel free to use full-fat for an extra rich and decadent filling.
  • Gelatin: This crucial ingredient helps the no-bake cheesecake filling set firmly and hold its beautiful shape, ensuring each cupcake is perfectly structured.
  • Fresh Strawberries: The vibrant heart of our topping! Fresh, ripe strawberries bring natural sweetness and a lovely tartness, creating an irresistible counterpoint to the creamy base.
  • Honey: Used to sweeten both the cheesecake filling and the strawberry topping, honey offers a natural, healthier alternative to refined sugars, adding a delicate floral note.
  • Strawberry Greek Yogurt: Infuses the cheesecake filling with an extra layer of strawberry flavor and a delightful tang, while also contributing to the creamy texture.
  • Whipped Cream: An optional but highly recommended addition, whipped cream lightens the cheesecake filling, making it even more airy and luxurious.
  • Vital Proteins Mixed Berry Collagen Peptides: This optional ingredient (and our sponsor!) adds a wonderful berry flavor, a beautiful pink hue, and a beneficial boost of collagen to your dessert.

Crafting Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these no-bake treats is straightforward and fun! Here’s an overview of the simple process:

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers with melted coconut oil, then press this mixture firmly into cupcake liners to form a sturdy base.
  2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, blend cream cheese, strawberry Greek yogurt, honey, dissolved gelatin, whipped cream (if using), and Vital Proteins berry powder until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble: Spoon the luscious cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crusts in each cupcake liner.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes until they are completely firm and set, allowing the gelatin to work its magic.
  5. Add Topping: Just before serving, generously top each cheesecake with the homemade fresh strawberry topping. Then, simply enjoy your delicious creation!
Partially Eaten No Bake Dessert on White Dish.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Mini Cheesecakes

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Feel free to experiment with these variations to create a dessert that perfectly suits your taste and occasion:

  • Explore Other Toppings: While strawberry topping is a classic, you can easily swap it out. Consider a simple sour cream topping for a tangy contrast, or dive into other fruit-filled delights. Our recipes for How to Make Raspberry Pie Filling, How to Make Blueberry Pie Filling, or How to Make Cherry Pie Filling can provide inspiration for delicious alternatives.
  • Switch Up the Base: The graham cracker crust is fantastic, but for a different flavor and color profile, try making my No Bake Oreo Pie Crust. The chocolatey crunch of Oreos pairs wonderfully with a creamy cheesecake.
  • Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold some mini white chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for an extra touch of sweetness and a delightful textural surprise. They melt slightly as you eat, creating a lovely richness.
  • Enhance with Whipped Cream: For an even more indulgent presentation, pipe a elegant dollop of Homemade Stabilized Whipped Cream on top of the strawberry layer. It adds a beautiful visual appeal and a cloud-like texture.
  • Introduce Citrus Zest: For a brighter, tangier flavor that cuts through the richness, grate a bit of fresh lemon or lime zest into the cheesecake mixture. It adds a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Drizzle with Sauce: Elevate the flavor profile with a decadent drizzle just before serving. A rich Easy Chocolate Ganache, a gooey Hot Fudge Sauce, or a buttery Homemade Caramel Sauce would all be exquisite choices.

Expert Tips and Techniques for No-Bake Cheesecake Success

Achieving perfectly set, creamy, and delicious no-bake cheesecakes is easy with these helpful tips and techniques:

  • Opt for Melted Coconut Oil for the Crust: Using melted coconut oil for your graham cracker crust is highly recommended. Unlike butter, coconut oil helps the crumbs bind together more effectively, creating a firmer, more stable crust without any lumps. This is especially beneficial for no-bake recipes as it solidifies beautifully when chilled.
  • Healthier Options: If you’re looking to make these cheesecakes a little lighter, opt for low-fat cream cheese and low-fat Greek yogurt. These substitutions reduce the fat content without compromising too much on flavor or creaminess.
  • For Super Creamy Cheesecakes: To achieve an ultra-rich and incredibly creamy texture, choose full-fat cream cheese and full-fat Greek yogurt. The higher fat content will yield a denser, more luxurious cheesecake experience.
  • The Gelatin Advantage: Incorporating a small amount of gelatin into the cheesecake mixture is crucial for no-bake success. It acts as a setting agent, ensuring your cheesecakes firm up beautifully and maintain their shape when removed from the liners, preventing them from being too runny.
  • Topping Consistency Matters: Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought strawberry topping, ensure it has a thick consistency. A thick topping will cling to the cheesecake nicely and won’t drip off completely, preserving the beautiful presentation and flavor balance.
  • Pink Gel Food Coloring for Best Results: If you wish to enhance the pink color of your cheesecake filling, use pink gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel colors are highly concentrated, meaning you need very little to achieve a vibrant hue, thus avoiding any alteration to the cheesecake mixture’s consistency.
  • Serve Chilled: These cheesecakes taste best when thoroughly chilled. Keeping them cold not only ensures they hold their shape perfectly but also enhances their refreshing and creamy flavor. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • When to Add the Topping: For the best visual appeal and to prevent the topping from potentially making the crust soggy over time, add the strawberry topping just prior to serving. Alternatively, ensure the cheesecake mixture has fully set before adding the topping.
  • Pack Down the Crust Firmly: When pressing the graham cracker mixture into each cupcake liner, make sure to pack it down as firmly as possible. A shot glass or a tart tamper works wonders for this. A well-compressed crust is essential to prevent it from crumbling when you peel off the liners later.
Easy No Bake Cheesecakes Stacked on White Dish With One Sliced in Half.

For this particular batch, we incorporated Vital Proteins Mixed Berry Collagen Peptides into the cheesecake filling. This addition not only provided a delightful and authentic berry flavor but also imparted a lovely fruity fragrance that fills the kitchen. It contributed a beautiful, bright red tinge to the cheesecake, making the individual servings even more appealing. We added just one scoop, but you can adjust the amount to your preference for a more intense flavor and color. What’s fantastic about Vital Proteins is its versatility; it can be seamlessly used in both baked and no-bake desserts, as well as smoothies, offering countless possibilities to boost your recipes with flavor and nutritional benefits.

Collage Image With Vital Proteins Mixed Berry Collagen Peptides.

Storing Your No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Proper storage ensures your delicious mini cheesecakes remain fresh and delightful for as long as possible:

  • Refrigerate: Any leftover cheesecakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their freshness and texture for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent them from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, these no-bake cheesecakes can be frozen! Place them in a sealed, freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze them without the strawberry topping, as freezing can alter the texture of fresh fruit. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, simply transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. Once thawed, add your fresh strawberry topping and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Cheesecakes

How do you know when a no-bake cheesecake is done and ready?

A no-bake cheesecake is ready when the cheesecake layer has fully set and holds its shape firmly. It should no longer appear runny or jiggly in the center when gently nudged. The texture should be smooth and creamy, not liquid. This usually takes several hours in the refrigerator.

How to activate gelatin?

If you’re new to working with gelatin, the process is simple: “bloom” it first. Add the specified amount of water (usually cold) and gelatin powder to a small cup and let it sit for about 3 minutes until it absorbs the water and swells, becoming thick and jelly-like. Then, gently heat it in the microwave for a few seconds (or over a double boiler) until the gelatin melts completely and you have a smooth, clear liquid mixture. Be careful not to boil it.

How long does it take for a no-bake cheesecake to set?

The setting time for a no-bake cheesecake can vary based on your refrigerator’s cooling settings and the size of the dessert. For these mini cheesecakes, it typically takes approximately 2-3 hours to fully set. Larger cheesecakes or those with less gelatin might require 4 hours or even overnight chilling to ensure a firm set.

How do you make graham cracker crust for cheesecake?

To make a perfect graham cracker crust, first finely crush graham crackers into crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Then, mix these crumbs thoroughly with melted coconut oil or melted butter until evenly moistened. Finally, press this mixture very tightly into your cheesecake pan or individual cupcake liners to form a compact, sturdy base.

Explore More Delicious Cheesecake Recipes

If you love cheesecake as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delectable cheesecake creations from our collection, perfect for any craving or occasion:

  • Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
  • No Bake Mocha Cheesecake
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake (With Gingersnap Crust)
  • Cheesecake Brownies (Cream Cheese Brownies)
  • New York Cheesecake (No Water Bath)
  • Eggnog Cheesecake (No Bake)
  • Peach Cheesecake (No Bake)

Recipe Card: Mini No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Easy No Bake Mini Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes on White Marble Background.

Mini No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Abeer Rizvi

Easy mini no bake strawberry cheesecake cupcakes recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Composed of graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, fresh strawberry topping.

5 from 6 ratings
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 Mini cheesecakes
Calories 161 kcal

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Ingredients

  

Strawberry Topping

  • 1 pound Strawberries Rinsed, patted dry and hulled
  • ½ cup Honey Adjust according to your preference
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1-2 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon Additional water For dissolving cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
  • cup Coconut oil Melted

Strawberry Cheesecake

  • 1 cup Cream cheese Low fat
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt Strawberry flavored, Low fat
  • ¼ cup Honey
  • 2 tablespoon Berry protein powder Optional
  • ½ cup Whipped cream Optional
  • 1.5 teaspoon Gelatin
  • 2 tablespoon Water To dissolve gelatin
  • Pink food coloring Optional

Instructions

 

Strawberry Topping

  • In a non-stick saucepan, add strawberries, honey, water and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes OR until strawberries become soft and liquid is reduced and starts to become thick. 
  • To make it even thicker, dissolve some cornstarch and water in a separate cup and pour that in the saucepan, while constantly mixing to prevent any lumps from forming. 
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • Allow the mixture to cool down completely. 

Graham Cracker Crust

  • In a mixing bowl, add graham cracker crumbs and coconut oil.
  • Mix until you have a crumbly mixture. 
  • Drop 1 tablespoon of this mixture into each cupcake liner and use the base of a shot glass to press down the mixture and make a tight base. 

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, yogurt, honey, berry protein powder (optional)and mix until smooth. 
  • Add whipped cream (optional), dissolved gelatin, pink food coloring (optional) and mix until smooth and creamy. 
    Tip: If you have never worked with gelatin before, add water and gelatin in a a small cup for about 3 minutes until it blooms. Heat in the microwave until gelatin melts completely and you have a smooth mixture.  
  • Spread this mixture evenly on top of all the graham cracker crusts. 
  • Chill i the fridge for 2-3 hours or until the cheesecake mixture sets. 
  • Prior to serving, top off each mini cheesecake with strawberry topping and enjoy! 

Video

Notes

  • Read all my tips above for the best results.
  • Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 81mgSugar: 14gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 14.9mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.4mg

An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.

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