Posted by If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar. Not only is it a visually appealing treat, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal. This recipe is perfect for showcasing fresh, juicy strawberries, and the best part? There’s no baking involved!
Why Choose Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar?
Desserts served in jars are not only trendy but also offer a personal touch to every serving. Each jar can be customized, allowing guests to enjoy their dessert in a fun and portable way. Plus, they’re easy to transport, which makes them ideal for picnics, parties, or even just enjoying at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar
For the Strawberry Layer:
- Strawberries: Opt for the freshest organic strawberries available. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color will enhance your dessert’s flavor and appearance.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream Cheese: Light cream cheese is ideal for this recipe as it contributes to a creamy texture without being overly heavy.
- Ricotta Cheese: Choose skim ricotta cheese for a lighter option that still delivers on creaminess, making it perfect for cheesecake.
For the Crust:
- Graham Crackers: Use plain graham crackers for the crust, or switch it up with shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
For the Strawberry Jam:
- Strawberry Jam: High-quality strawberry jam, adds a delicious sweetness. Feel free to use any premium strawberry jam you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crafting Your Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar
Step 1: Create the Crust
Start by transforming the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or blender, or if you prefer a more hands-on approach, place the crackers in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble sand. Aim for about 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs.
Once you have your crumbs, combine them with a pinch of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the flavor. This mixture will serve as the foundation for your cheesecake layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl or food processor, combine the light cream cheese, skim ricotta cheese, sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, and lemon extract. Blend the mixture until it’s just combined; be careful not to overmix. The goal is to achieve a light and airy texture. If over-mixed, the cheese mixture may become dense, which we want to avoid for this fluffy cheesecake.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries
Rinse your fresh strawberries and remove their stems. Cut them into small chunks, but keep a few whole for garnish. In a medium bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with the strawberry jam to coat them evenly. This will enhance their natural sweetness and create a delightful topping for your cheesecake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Jars
Now it’s time to layer your cheesecake! Begin by placing a spoonful of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom of each jar, pressing it down gently to create a crust. Next, add a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture on top.
Afterward, scoop the strawberry mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring even distribution across all jars. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream for a light, fluffy topping. If you’d like, you can garnish with a whole strawberry cut vertically for added flair.
Serving Suggestions for Your Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar
These delightful jars can serve as individual portions, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo. For a picnic, you can opt for disposable cups if you don’t have jars on hand. If you want to elevate your presentation, consider serving them in elegant log-stemmed glasses. The wide mouth of the glass provides a stunning view of the colorful layers, making your dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s both easy to assemble and visually appealing. Here’s a quick recipe to get you started.
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) package light ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced into ¼” chunks
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Whole strawberries, cut vertically, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Crush the graham crackers to make 1 ½ cups of crumbs (approximately 8 sheets plus a quarter). Use a food processor, blender, or a rolling pin in a plastic bag to achieve a sand-like consistency.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and cinnamon, then set aside.
- Make the Cheese Layer:
- Blend the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sugar, lemon extract, and lemon zest in a food processor or with an electric mixer until well combined and slightly fluffy. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, combine the strawberry jam with 1 teaspoon of water. Stir until the jam is loosened, then fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Assemble the Cheesecakes:
- Press about ¼ cup of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each jar.
- Add ½ cup of the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- Top with the strawberry mixture and garnish with whipped cream and a halved strawberry. Add mint if desired for a fresh touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
- Sodium: 595 mg
- Potassium: 420 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 40 g
- Vitamin A: 597 IU
- Vitamin C: 45 mg
- Calcium: 309 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
