No-Bake Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s easy, creamy, and downright delicious? No-Bake Cheesecake Jars are the perfect answer. They combine the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the practicality of individual servings. Whether it’s a party, a picnic, or just a cozy night at home, these jars are a showstopper.

And the best part? You skip the oven! Instead, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients like cashews, coconut cream, and fresh raspberries. It’s a dessert that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and completely customizable. Oh, and did I mention it’s so easy to make?

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s the rundown:

• Total time: About 2.5 hours (most of that is chilling).
• Prep time: 25 minutes.
• Servings: 8 big jars (6 oz jars) or 12 small ones (4 oz jars).

You’ll need:

• A high-speed blender for the creamy cheesecake layer.
• A food processor for the crumb crust.
• A saucepan for the raspberry topping.
• Mason jars (or even small glasses/ramekins if you don’t have jars).

The result? A crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes indulgent but feels light. Plus, you can make parts of it ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling in the kitchen. The jars stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe has three layers:

Raspberry Topping

• Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• Tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
• Coconut sugar (or maple sugar)
• Water Think of it as a tangy-sweet sauce that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake.

Crumb Crust

• Walnuts or pecans
• Almond flour
• Coconut sugar
• Cinnamon
• Melted refined coconut oil No graham crackers here! This nutty mixture is gluten-free and packed with flavor. (But you can use graham crackers if that’s your style.)

Cheesecake Layer

• Raw cashews (soaked)
• Refined coconut oil
• Coconut cream (chilled)
• Maple syrup
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt Smooth, creamy, and completely dairy-free. The soaked cashews are the real MVP here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Topping

Start by preparing the raspberry topping. In a small bowl, whisk tapioca starch with water until it’s fully dissolved—this helps prevent clumps when cooking. In a small saucepan, combine fresh or frozen raspberries with coconut sugar and the tapioca mixture. Cook everything over medium heat, stirring constantly. After about 7–8 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture thickening and taking on a glossy finish. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. As it cools, the sauce will thicken further, making it perfect for layering. If you’re strapped for time, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the mixture in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Crust

For the crumb crust, grab a small food processor. Add the walnuts (or pecans), almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse the ingredients together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, similar to the texture of graham cracker crumbs but with a nuttier, richer flavor. Next, stir in the melted refined coconut oil. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers—this ensures it will form a stable base for the jars. Divide the crust mixture evenly among your jars, using about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per jar. Gently press it down to create an even layer. This will form a firm base for the creamy filling above.

Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Layer

Now it’s time to create the star of the show: the cheesecake layer. In a high-speed blender, combine all the filling ingredients—soaked cashews, refined coconut oil (solid), chilled coconut cream, maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend the mixture on high until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender, this could take anywhere from 1 to 4 minutes. Be sure to pause occasionally to scrape down the sides, ensuring everything gets evenly incorporated. Once the filling is velvety smooth (with no grainy bits from the cashews), transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will allow the cheesecake filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to layer later.

Step 4: Assemble the Jars

Finally, it’s time to put everything together! Start with the prepared crumb crust at the base of each jar. Use a spoon to add about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture to the bottom and press it down gently to create a flat, even layer. Next, scoop or pipe the chilled cheesecake filling on top of the crust. Aim for around 1/4 cup of filling per jar, or adjust based on the size of your jars. To achieve clean, precise layers, using a piping bag (or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) works wonders. Finish with a generous dollop of the cooled raspberry topping, spreading it evenly over the cheesecake layer. The vibrant red topping against the creamy filling creates a beautiful visual contrast. Once all the jars are assembled, cover them with lids and refrigerate for at least an hour. This extra chill time allows the layers to set fully and gives the flavors time to meld.

Fun Ways to Customize

Feel like switching things up? Try these ideas:

• Nut-free version: Use silken tofu or vegan cream cheese instead of cashews. (Heads up—it’ll change the texture a bit.)
• Switch the fruit: Raspberries not your thing? Swap them for strawberries, peaches, or even cherries. Cranberries work great for a holiday twist!
• Add some flair: Garnish with edible flowers, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of crushed nuts. Perfect for dinner parties!

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve these jars cold with small dessert spoons. Trust me, the layers look stunning in the jars!
• Leftovers? No problem. Just seal the jars tightly and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days.

One thing to keep in mind: freezing isn’t the best idea here. It can mess with the texture, especially in the cheesecake layer. So stick to chilling and enjoy them fresh.

These No-Bake Cheesecake Jars are the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Creamy, tangy, and so easy to customize, they’re sure to impress—whether it’s a quiet night in or a big celebration. Go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in!

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