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Perfect Stars and Stripes No-Bake Cheesecake Cups

no-bake cheesecake cups - featured image

A quick, easy, and festive no-bake cheesecake dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries and blueberries arranged in a patriotic stars and stripes pattern.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • Optional: a few fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about 2 tablespoons (30 g) firmly into the bottom of each cup to form an even crust layer. Chill while preparing the filling (approx. 10 minutes).
  2. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes on medium speed).
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Fold the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions, using a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy.
  5. Assemble the cups: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in each cup, filling about ¾ full. Smooth the surface gently.
  6. Add the stars and stripes: Arrange sliced strawberries on one side of the cup to create the red stripes; place blueberries on the other side for the blue star section. Optionally add small white dots with whipped cream to mimic stars.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the filling set and flavors meld.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

Softening cream cheese to room temperature is key for smooth blending. Chill the bowl and beaters for whipping cream to achieve better peaks. Fold whipped cream gently to keep the mixture airy. Pat berries dry before layering to prevent watery filling. Chill at least 2 hours for best texture; avoid freezing. Optional lemon zest can brighten the filling. For gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or nuts. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July dessert, cheesecake cups, summer dessert, easy cheesecake, berry dessert