No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar takes just a few minutes to whip up the creamy filling that has a rich, tangy flavor. Then simply layer it with your favorite toppings for a fun dessert that is easy to serve.
Place the cookies or graham crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them in with a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs. You can also crush the wafers using a food processor.
1 ¼ cups cookie crumbs
Combine crumbs with the butter and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
¼ cup butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar
Beat the cream cheese and ⅓ cup of powdered sugar on medium-high speed using an electric mixer, until it is smooth.
8 ounces cream cheese, ⅔ cup powdered confectioner's sugar
Use a stand or hand mixer to whip the heavy cream, remaining ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed in a large mixing bowl until you get stiff peaks. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups heavy cream, ⅔ cup powdered confectioner's sugar
Assembly
Portion about ¼ cup of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the six jars. Gently press the mixture into an even layer.
Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on top of the crumbs. (If you are using a sauce filling, add some of the cheesecake filling on top of the crumbs. then add the sauce, and top with more cheesecake. That will help prevent a soggy crust.)
1 cup sliced fruit
Put the cream cheese filling into a piping bag and pipe the mixture into the jars. You can also use a spoon to scoop the filling into the jar. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, top the cheesecake filling with additional whipped cream and cookie pieces.
Notes
Cookie Crumbs: Depending on the flavor of cheesecake, you can choose from a variety of cookies to use. Graham crackers are traditional. I used Vanilla wafers. Oreo cookies, shortbread, and gingerbread snaps work great too!Storage:
For best results, chill the filling for at least 3 hours before serving. It can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Store the cheesecake jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Filling Ideas:
Fresh fruit is an easy and delicious filling.
You can also use pie filling.
See the recipe post for additional flavor variations and filling ideas.