Cold Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

In the world of desserts, few combinations are as delightful as strawberries and cheesecake. The Chilled Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Cups bring together a creamy cheesecake filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a vibrant strawberry topping, creating an indulgent yet refreshing treat perfect for warm days or special occasions. This article explores the art of crafting these delicious cups, detailing the ingredients, preparation steps, and the delightful flavor profiles that make this dessert a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned chef, this guide will equip you with everything you need to create these stunning treats at home.

Cold Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Chilled Strawberry Dream Cheesecake Cups! This easy-to-follow guide takes you through the process of creating creamy cheesecake layers with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with vibrant, marinated strawberries. Perfect for warm days and special gatherings, these individual servings are not only visually appealing but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Elevate your dessert game and impress guests with this beautiful treat!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

For the Strawberry Topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the granulated sugar until well combined.

- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each individual serving cup. Press down firmly with your fingers or a small cup to create an even, compact layer. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is creamy and smooth.

- Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and there are no lumps.

- Stir in the vanilla extract.

- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream using a mixer until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions, ensuring it remains light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cups:

- Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, filling them about three-quarters full.

- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the tops for a nice finish.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

- In a small mixing bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss the strawberries until they are evenly coated.

- Allow the strawberry mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes, letting the strawberries release their natural juices and create a syrup.

Top the Cheesecake Cups:

- Once the strawberries have marinated, generously spoon them over the cheesecake filling in each cup, allowing some of the syrup to drizzle down the sides for added flavor.

- If desired, garnish each cup with fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Chill:

- Place the assembled cheesecake cups in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or until you're ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve these delightful Chilled Strawberry Cheesecake Cups straight from the fridge. Revel in the cool, creamy goodness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the buttery crust!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours 20 minutes | 6 servings