I Appreciate How Easy This Dessert Is To Make Since It Requires No Baking. The Layers Come Together Quickly, And I Can Prepare Everything In Just A Short Time.
I Also Enjoy The Balance Of Flavors. The Tangy Cheesecake Filling Pairs Beautifully With The Sweet Cherry Topping And The Slight Crunch Of The Graham Cracker Crust.
Another Reason I Love This Recipe Is The Presentation. Serving The Cheesecake In Small Jars Makes It Look Elegant And Perfect For Gatherings, Parties, Or A Simple Homemade Treat.
Ingredients
(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)
For The Cherry Topping
1 Cup Pitted Cherries, Halved 1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice 1 Tsp Water 1 Tsp Cornstarch
For The No-Bake Cheesecake Filling
4 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened 2/3 Cup Plain Full-Fat Greek Yogurt 2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
For The Graham Cracker Crust
1/2 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs 2–3 Tbsp Butter, Melted
Directions
I Begin By Preparing The Cherry Topping. I Add The Cherries, Maple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Water, And Cornstarch To A Medium Saucepan Over Medium Heat. I Cook The Mixture For About 5 To 10 Minutes While Gently Stirring Every Few Minutes. As It Cooks, The Cherries Soften And The Mixture Thickens Into A Light Sauce. If I Want A Smoother Texture, I Sometimes Mash The Cherries Slightly. Once The Sauce Thickens, I Remove It From The Heat And Let It Cool While I Prepare The Other Layers.
Next, I Make The Cheesecake Filling. In A Medium Mixing Bowl, I Add The Softened Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Maple Syrup, And Lemon Juice. Using An Electric Hand Mixer Or Stand Mixer, I Mix The Ingredients On High Speed For About 2 To 3 Minutes Until The Mixture Becomes Smooth And Creamy. Once Mixed, I Place The Filling In The Refrigerator While I Prepare The Crust.
To Make The Graham Cracker Crust, I Melt The Butter In The Microwave. I Place The Graham Cracker Crumbs In A Small Bowl And Drizzle The Melted Butter Over Them. Then I Stir Everything Together Until The Crumbs Are Evenly Coated And The Mixture Holds Together Slightly.
To Assemble The Cheesecake Jars, I Divide The Graham Cracker Crust Mixture Evenly Among Six Small 125 mL Mason Or Jam Jars. I Gently Press The Crumbs Down With My Fingertips To Form The Base Layer.
Next, I Spoon The Cheesecake Filling Evenly Into Each Jar. I Gently Tap The Jars On The Counter To Help The Filling Settle Into An Even Layer.
Finally, I Spoon The Cooled Cherry Topping Over The Cheesecake Layer In Each Jar. I Can Serve The Jars Immediately, But I Prefer To Refrigerate Them For At Least One Hour So The Cheesecake Sets Slightly And The Flavors Blend Together.
Servings And Timing
This Recipe Makes About 6 Mini Jars.
Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 5 Minutes Chill Time: 1 Hour Total Time: About 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Variations
I Sometimes Change The Fruit Topping Depending On The Season. Strawberries, Blueberries, Or Mixed Berries Work Beautifully In Place Of Cherries.
Another Variation I Enjoy Is Adding A Little Vanilla Extract To The Cheesecake Filling For Extra Flavor.
When I Want A Slightly Crunchier Texture, I Sometimes Mix Crushed Nuts Or A Little Oat Granola Into The Graham Cracker Crust.
Storage/Reheating
I Store The Cheesecake Jars Covered In The Refrigerator For Up To Three Days. Keeping Them Chilled Helps Maintain The Creamy Texture Of The Filling.
Since This Is A No-Bake Dessert, I Always Serve It Cold Or Slightly Chilled. I Do Not Reheat It Because The Cheesecake Filling Is Best Enjoyed Cool.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, I Can Use Frozen Cherries. I Simply Cook Them The Same Way In The Saucepan Until They Soften And Form A Thick Sauce.
Can I Make These Cheesecake Jars Ahead Of Time?
Yes, I Often Prepare Them A Day In Advance And Store Them In The Refrigerator Until Ready To Serve.
Can I Use Honey Instead Of Maple Syrup?
Yes, I Can Substitute Honey For Maple Syrup If I Prefer A Slightly Different Natural Sweetness.
What Size Jars Should I Use?
I Usually Use Small 125 mL Mason Or Jam Jars Because They Create Perfect Individual Portions.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Graham Crackers?
Yes, I Sometimes Replace Graham Crackers With Crushed Digestive Biscuits Or Oat-Based Cookies For A Similar Crust.
Conclusion
I Find This Healthy No Bake Cheesecake In A Jar To Be A Simple And Delightful Dessert That Combines Creamy Texture With Fresh Fruit Flavor. The Layers Of Buttery Crust, Smooth Cheesecake Filling, And Sweet Cherry Topping Create A Beautiful And Delicious Treat. Whenever I Make These Mini Cheesecakes, They Always Feel Special And Perfect For Sharing.
This easy healthy no bake cheesecake in a jar combines creamy cheesecake filling, maple-sweetened cherries, and crunchy graham crust. A quick homemade dessert that requires no oven.
Author:Ella
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes (+ chilling time)
Yield:6 mini jars
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cherry Topping
1 cup pitted cherries, halved
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp water
1 tsp cornstarch
For the No-Bake Cheesecake Filling
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Graham Cracker Crust
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2–3 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Topping
Add cherries, maple syrup, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a sauce. Lightly mash some cherries if desired for a smoother topping.
Remove from heat and allow the topping to cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy (small lumps are fine).
Place the mixture in the refrigerator while preparing the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Melt the butter in the microwave.
In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Jars
Divide the graham cracker crust mixture evenly between six 125 ml mason or jam jars. Press gently to form the base layer.
Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
Tap the jars lightly on the counter to settle the filling.
Top each jar with the cooled cherry topping.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
You can serve immediately, but for best texture refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cheesecake layer to set.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for the cherry topping.
For an even healthier version, use honey instead of maple syrup if preferred.
These mini cheesecakes are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
