Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

If you’re craving a rich and creamy cheesecake, but want something quick, easy, and individual-sized, then these Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are just what you need. These cute little cups feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake filling, and sweet, juicy strawberry topping—an irresistible treat!

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Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe:

• Individual Servings: Perfect for portion control, or serving at a party where everyone gets their own personal dessert!

• No-Bake: This recipe doesn’t require any baking. The cheesecake filling sets in the fridge, making it ideal for warm days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

• Customizable: You can add different fruit toppings or even a chocolate drizzle to switch things up.

• Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and a no-bake method, these cheesecake cups come together in a snap!

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Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the strawberry topping:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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What You Need:

• 4 small cups or jars for assembling

• Electric mixer or whisk (for the cream cheese filling)

• Spoon for layering

• A small bowl for mixing strawberries

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together.

   • Spoon the crust mixture into the bottom of your serving cups, pressing it down gently to form an even layer. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

   • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the cups:

   • Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling on top of the chilled graham cracker crust in each cup. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.

   • Refrigerate the cups for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake filling to firm up.

4. Prepare the strawberry topping:

   • While the cheesecake is setting, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using) in a bowl. Toss gently to coat, and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to release the juices and create a syrupy topping.

5. Serve:

   • Once the cheesecake filling has set, spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake cups just before serving. Enjoy your creamy, fruity, and oh-so-delicious strawberry cheesecake cups!

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Why I Love This Recipe:

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a delightful balance of creamy, tart, and sweet! The graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunch, while the cheesecake filling is smooth and rich. The fresh strawberry topping gives it a burst of flavor and freshness, making this dessert both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, with no baking required, it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a quick treat after a busy day.

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Variations to Try:

1. Other Fruit Toppings:
   If you love other fruits, swap out the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes. You can also mix fruits for a colorful topping!

2. Chocolate Cheesecake Cups:
   Add some melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can top with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

3. Nutty Crunch:
   Mix chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) into the graham cracker crust for added texture and flavor.

4. Lemon Cheesecake Cups:
   For a zesty variation, add lemon zest to the cheesecake filling and top with lemon curd or fresh berries for a citrusy burst!

5. Mini Cheesecake Bites:
   Make mini versions by filling mini cups or tart shells for a bite-sized version of these cheesecake cups, perfect for parties!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, these cheesecake cups are even better when they’ve had time to chill. Prepare them the night before, and they’ll be ready to serve the next day.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt, but the texture will be a bit different.

3. How long do these cheesecake cups last in the fridge?
These cheesecake cups will stay fresh for up to 3 days when covered and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to add the strawberry topping right before serving to keep them fresh!

4. Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of whipping my own?
You can, but fresh whipped cream helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in the cheesecake filling. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought whipped cream will still work!

5. Can I make the crust without butter?
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute if you prefer to avoid regular butter. Just make sure it’s melted before mixing it with the graham cracker crumbs.

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Conclusion:

These Strawberry Cheesecake Cups are a show-stopping treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cups are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Refreshing, indulgent, and oh-so-easy to make—what’s not to love?

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