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No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert Cups

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These no-bake cherry cream cheese dessert cups are an easy, no-oven spring treat with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping. Perfect for Easter brunch, baby showers, or any spring gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 12 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
  • Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Transfer to a medium bowl, add sugar and salt, then pour in melted butter. Stir until every crumb is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each of 6-8 small glasses or dessert cups. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small shot glass to form a compact, even layer. Place cups in the refrigerator while preparing the next layer.
  3. Pour cold heavy cream into a chilled bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
  4. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, then beat for another 30 seconds until no lumps remain.
  5. Take about one-third of the whipped cream and stir it into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream with a spatula until no white streaks remain.
  6. Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture over the crust in each cup, filling each about halfway. Smooth the tops gently.
  7. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. If cherries are large, give them a rough chop first.
  8. Cover cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Just before serving, garnish each cup with a fresh cherry and a tiny mint leaf if desired.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the flavor. Press the crust firmly to prevent sogginess. Chilling for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) allows the layers to set and flavors to meld. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers. For a lower-sugar option, use sugar-free cherry pie filling and reduce powdered sugar to ¼ cup.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake dessert, cherry dessert, cream cheese dessert, spring dessert, easy dessert, no-bake cheesecake cups

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/no-bake-cherry-cream-cheese-dessert-cups-easy-spring-treat/