No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups

Name: No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed graham crackers; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipped cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Treats from the Oven

I absolutely love making No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups because they're a sweet treat that comes together in no time. With layers of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy base, these cups are perfect for any occasion. The best part is that there's no oven required, making them ideal for warm weather. Whenever I serve these at gatherings, they vanish quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist the delightful combination of flavors and textures in these cups!

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:46:14.851Z

Creating these No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups was a joyful experience filled with bright flavors and refreshing textures. I experimented with different bases and landed on a combination of crushed cookies and butter that perfectly supports the creamy filling and fresh strawberries. The simplicity of the no-bake method allows the strawberries' natural sweetness to shine through, making them a hit every time I serve them.

One tip I found essential was to let the dessert chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This short wait allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the cups a firmer texture. When I finally serve them, they're not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying!

You'll Love These Reasons
Layers of creamy cheesecake filling with a fruity burst from fresh strawberries
No baking required – a quick and easy dessert for warm days
Customizable with various toppings like whipped cream or chocolate shavings

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality cream cheese is crucial for achieving that smooth and creamy filling. I recommend opting for full-fat cream cheese, as it provides a richer flavor and a better texture compared to lower-fat alternatives. Look for products without added stabilizers for the best taste experience in your dessert.

Fresh strawberries are the star ingredient of this recipe, so choosing ripe, sweet berries is essential. When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm, and free of blemishes. This will ensure a fantastic burst of flavor in every bite. If strawberries are out of season, you could substitute with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!

Perfecting the Layers

Pressing the graham cracker base tightly is key to creating a sturdy dessert cup. I use the back of a measuring cup to help achieve an even and compact layer. This ensures that each cup holds together well while you serve. Allowing the base to chill briefly before assembling can also help it firm up, enhancing the overall texture.

When assembling the dessert, take care to layer each component properly. Start with a good mound of your cream cheese filling before adding the strawberries on top. This creates a beautiful presentation and ensures that each spoonful delivers a balanced mix of flavors, with creamy filling and tart strawberry goodness.

Chilling and Storing Your Dessert Cups

Chilling the dessert cups for at least one hour is essential for allowing the filling to set properly. This not only helps bind the layers together but also cools the dessert for an enjoyable texture. If you're preparing them ahead of time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, which makes them a great make-ahead option for parties.

If you have leftovers, consider covering each cup with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. While these desserts are best enjoyed within a couple of days, they can stay good for up to three days. However, if using whipped cream as a topping, it’s best to add it closer to serving time to maintain its fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups:

For the Base

1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start assembling your dessert cups for a smooth process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups:

Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture tightly into the bottom of serving cups to form a sturdy base.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Then fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until combined.

Assemble the Cups

Spoon the cream cheese filling over the prepared base in each cup. Top generously with sliced strawberries.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert cups for at least 1 hour to set. Garnish with mint leaves if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delightful creations and watch them disappear!

Pro Tips

Feel free to use other berries or fruits in place of strawberries for a different flavor. You can also layer additional toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate for extra texture!

Serving Suggestions

These No Bake Strawberry Dessert Cups can be dressed up for a special occasion with a drizzle of chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. You might also consider adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra crunch. Each serving can easily be customized to your guests' preferences by setting up a dessert bar with different toppings.

For a fun twist, try using different flavors of cream cheese, such as strawberry or vanilla bean, to complement the fresh strawberries. You can also switch up the layer base by using cookie crumbles or even a blend of different graham crackers, like chocolate or cinnamon, for added flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cream cheese filling appears lumpy after mixing, ensure you’re using softened cream cheese that’s at room temperature. If needed, beat it alone for a minute to smooth it out before adding the powdered sugar. This will prevent any lumps from making their way into your delicious dessert.

When forming the base, if you find it too crumbly, try adding a touch more melted butter until the mixture holds together. Conversely, if it feels overly wet, incorporate a few more crushed graham crackers. These adjustments will help ensure a perfect crust that balances well with the creamy filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best freshness.

→ Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Yes, you can incorporate lemon zest or even chocolate chips for a twist on the classic flavor.