The Dreamiest Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe Ever

Sweet layers of creamy cherry cheesecake nestled in charming glass jars will make your dessert dreams come true.

Compact and portable, these delightful treats pack all the classic flavors into a perfectly portioned package.

Mason jar magic turns an ordinary cheesecake into something playful and Instagram-worthy.

Crumbly graham cracker bases provide a delicious foundation for silky cream cheese filling.

Rich vanilla notes mingle with tangy cherries, creating a balanced and irresistible combination.

Cold temperatures help these miniature desserts set beautifully, ensuring a smooth and decadent texture.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this delectable no-bake sensation that promises to impress at any gathering.

Why Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar Feels Special

• Create individual-sized treats that look stunning and taste incredible, perfect for impressing guests without complex baking skills.
• Swap cherry topping with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries, allowing personalization and creativity for different taste preferences.
• Serve these adorable jar desserts at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, ensuring easy transportation and individual servings that everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese (Softened): The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, silky texture.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy texture when whipped, making the filling fluffy and delicate.

• Cherry Pie Filling, Fresh Cherries: Adds a vibrant, fruity layer that provides a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

How to Layer Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

Step 1: Crush and Blend Crust Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and toss in graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

Stir everything together until the mixture looks uniform and slightly damp.

Use a spoon to distribute the crumbly goodness evenly across the bottom of mason jars or dessert cups.

Press down firmly with the back of your spoon to create a solid, compact crust layer.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat the softened cream cheese until it transforms into a silky smooth texture.

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until the combination looks dreamy and consistent.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms gorgeous stiff peaks.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, blending gently to maintain that light, airy consistency.

Step 3: Layer and Chill the Cheesecake

Carefully spoon the creamy cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in each jar.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating a picture-perfect surface.

Pop the jars into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This resting time allows the cheesecake to set and develop its incredible texture.

Step 4: Crown With Cherry Topping

Just before serving, generously spoon cherry pie filling over the chilled cheesecake layer.

If you’re feeling fancy, slice fresh cherries and artfully arrange them on top for an extra burst of fruity freshness.

Smart Tips for Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly into jar bottom to create a compact, sturdy base that won't become mushy under the creamy filling.
• Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form to ensure a light, airy texture that folds smoothly into the cream cheese mixture without deflating.
• Refrigerate cheesecake jars for minimum 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal set consistency.
• Swap cherry pie filling with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel for a personalized dessert that matches your taste preferences.
• Prepare jars up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for a stress-free dessert option perfect for entertaining.

Save and Reuse Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

• Store covered jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cherry topping separate until serving to prevent soggy crust.
• Wrap jars tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze plain cheesecake layers for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh cherry topping.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Pack individual jars in insulated lunch bags with ice packs for picnics or travel. Consume within 4 hours for best taste and food safety.

Tasty Pairings for Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar

• Pair Sparkling Wine: Choose a sweet, bubbly prosecco or champagne that complements the creamy cheesecake and bright cherry flavors, cutting through the richness with its effervescence.
• Enhance Dessert Contrast: Serve alongside a bitter espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint to the smooth, sweet cheesecake.
• Match Fresh Berry Drink: Create a cherry-infused iced tea or cherry-pomegranate mocktail that echoes the fruit topping and provides a refreshing, light accompaniment to the dessert.
• Complement Nutty Side: Add a small plate of toasted almond slivers or candied pecans to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that harmonizes with the graham cracker crust.

Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar Style Ideas

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Creamy Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and replace butter with coconut oil in the crust.
• Low-Sugar Delight: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free cherry compote as topping.
• Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Add cocoa powder to the crust and mix dark chocolate shavings into the cheesecake filling for a rich, decadent variation.

FAQs

• What are graham cracker crumbs and where can I find them?

Graham cracker crumbs are finely ground graham crackers. You can buy them pre-crushed in most grocery stores’ baking aisles or make your own by crushing whole graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.

• Can I use a different type of fruit topping?

Yes, absolutely! While cherry pie filling is traditional, you can substitute with other fruit toppings like strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves. Fresh seasonal fruits also work great as alternative toppings.

• How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

When whipping cream, it’s ready when stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beater, the cream stands up straight without falling over. Be careful not to overbeat, which can turn the cream grainy and start separating.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dessert?

No special equipment is required. You’ll need a mixing bowl, electric mixer, spatula, and mason jars or dessert cups. Most home cooks already have these basic kitchen tools.

Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth cherry cheesecake in a jar brings Italian dessert elegance to your table. Sweet layers of creamy mascarpone and tangy cherries create a perfect portable treat you’ll absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries)

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a crumbly foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly combined and moistened.
2. Press the mixture evenly and compactly into the base of mason jars, ensuring a solid and uniform crust layer.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
4. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the cream cheese filling becomes light and creamy.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until it develops stiff, voluminous peaks that hold their shape.
6. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining the airy texture while ensuring complete integration.
7. Carefully distribute the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust in each jar, using a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Chill the assembled desserts in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
9. Just before serving, generously top the chilled cheesecake with cherry pie filling or freshly sliced cherries for a vibrant and fruity finish.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Experiment with different fruit toppings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach compote for seasonal variations.
• Prepare jars in advance and store up to 3 days in sealed containers for convenient make-ahead desserts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg