🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Filling:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
For the Topping (Choose One):
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mango, sliced
Lemon curd or fruit compote
Chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
Whipped cream + sprinkle of cinnamon
🔥 Pro Tip: Use full-fat ingredients — low-fat versions may not set well.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix:
Graham cracker crumbs
Melted butter
Sugar (if using)
Stir until moist and clumpy.
2️⃣ Layer the Base
Divide crust mixture among 4–6 clean glass jars or cups (~2–3 oz each).
Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or small glass.
✅ Creates a solid base that won’t crumble when you eat.
3️⃣ Beat the Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (~1 min).
Add sugar and vanilla, beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.
❌ Don’t overmix — keep it light and cloud-like.
4️⃣ Fill the Jars
Spoon or pipe filling over the crust layer.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
5️⃣ Add the Topping
Top with your choice of:
Sliced fruit
Drizzle of sauce
Whipped cream
Get creative!
6️⃣ Chill & Set
Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
🕒 The longer it chills, the firmer and more “cheesecake-like” it becomes.
7️⃣ Serve & Smile
Enjoy straight from the jar!
Garnish with mint, sprinkles, or extra crumbs if desired.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
At bridal or baby showers
As edible gifts (add ribbon!)
Kids’ lunchboxes (freeze-safe containers)
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Use GF cookies (like Digestive or Biscoff) for the crust
🌾 Dairy-Free? Swap cream cheese for vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
🍫 Flavor Twists:
Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to filling or layer with Nutella
Pumpkin Spice: Mix in ¼ cup pumpkin puree + spices
Lemon Blueberry: Use lemon zest + blueberry compote
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps 5 days in fridge — great for meal prep
❄️ Freeze It? Freeze unbaked — thaw in fridge before serving (texture stays good!)
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Whipped cream + cream cheese = ultra-light, airy texture without gelatin
Chilling time = sets like baked cheesecake, minus the oven stress
Individual jars = perfect portions, no leftovers, no mess
Endless toppings = never boring
It’s not magic — it’s dessert genius made simple. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Sweet
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good cream, real sugar, and love.
This Cheesecake in a Jar proves that the most memorable treats are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like care, craft, and comfort.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Skip the oven.
Whip up this easy recipe.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of vanilla, fruit, and joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be hard —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛