Description

A refreshing, no-bake summer dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and macerated berries in individual mason jars. Perfect for hot days as it requires zero oven time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup heavy cream, cold
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for berries)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Wash and hull berries. Slice strawberries if large. Toss berries with 1 tablespoon sugar and lemon zest. Let sit at room temperature for maceration.
Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt until resembling wet sand.
Press 2-3 tablespoons of crust mixture firmly into the bottom of each mason jar. Refrigerate jars.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the cream.
Spoon cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each jar, filling halfway to two-thirds full.
Top with macerated berries and their syrup.
Cover jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
Serve chilled, garnished with extra berries and mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Use cold bowls and beaters for whipping cream to ensure stiff peaks. Do not freeze, as the texture will become grainy. Best stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 jar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 180
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 11
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, berry dessert, summer recipes, mason jar desserts, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free options