Whether you’re prepping for a party, brunch, or just want a fridge full of indulgent bites for your Tuesday night self-care ritual — these no-bake mini cheesecakes in cups are the creamy, dreamy answer. Best part? No oven required. With a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious cream cheese filling, these handheld cheesecakes are endlessly customizable, soft as a cloud, and dangerously easy to eat.

We’re giving you two glorious variations today:

• Classic mini cheesecakes with a fruit or jam swirl topping

• Rich, creamy chocolate swirl no-bake cheesecakes

Both versions feature Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, which gives the filling that gourmet bakery-quality flavor you can taste.

Whether you lean fruity or chocolatey, this is the only no-bake mini cheesecake recipe you’ll ever need.

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🍓 No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes with Fruit or Jam Swirl

These individual cheesecake cups are perfect for spring, summer, brunches, or anytime you need a sweet treat without the heat. They feature a light graham cracker crust and a whipped cream cheese filling, topped with your favorite fruit jam or preserves.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7–8 whole crackers)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

For the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ¾ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1½ tsp Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Topping:

• 10 tsp fruit jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.)

• Optional: Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Blend graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and powdered sugar. Press 1–2 tbsp into the base of each cup. Chill while preparing the filling.

2. Whip the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

3. Assemble: Spoon or pipe filling into each crust-lined cup. Top each with a teaspoon of jam and swirl lightly with a toothpick.

4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

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🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Swirl Mini Cheesecakes

If you’re a chocolate lover, this version is your best friend. A cocoa-enhanced crust and smooth chocolate-infused filling make these decadent but still light enough to eat two (or three… we won’t tell).

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for added richness)

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

For the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• ⅓ cup melted chocolate (semi-sweet or dark, cooled slightly)

• 1½ tsp Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Topping:

• Melted chocolate drizzle or chocolate syrup

• Optional: Chocolate shavings or chips

Instructions

1. Make the crust: Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Press into cups and chill.

2. Whip the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and cooled melted chocolate. Fold in whipped heavy cream (soft peaks).

3. Assemble: Spoon or pipe into cups. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or swirl melted chocolate on top.

4. Chill: Refrigerate 2+ hours until set.

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💡 Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cheesecakes in Cups

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.

• Chill the cheesecakes for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better.

• Want them firmer? Add 1 tsp of gelatin bloomed in warm water to the filling.

• Serve in mini mason jars, shot glasses, or cupcake liners for easy presentation.

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🍽️ Why These Mini Cheesecakes Are a Party Favorite

These mini no-bake cheesecakes are:

• Make-ahead friendly

• Easy to portion

• Customizable with toppings (think caramel, nuts, lemon curd… go wild!)

• Perfect for holidays, birthdays, bridal showers, or as a weekly fridge staple

They also make a killer dessert for potlucks or school events. Everyone gets their own little cup of heaven, no slicing required.

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🛒 A Note on Ingredients

For best results, use Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla — its rich, smooth flavor really elevates the creaminess and sweetness of the filling. And don’t skip the lemon juice — it adds just enough tang to cut through the richness without being overly citrusy.

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🧁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making the fruit version or going all-in on chocolate, these no-bake mini cheesecakes are easy enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for a celebration. They’re light, fluffy, and loaded with creamy flavor — plus, there’s just something about mini desserts that makes them extra irresistible.

So get those graham crackers out, let that cream cheese soften, and treat yourself (and your guests) to the most manageable little bites of joy.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.