Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is perfect when you want something elegant, sweet, and comforting without turning on the oven. The mousse is light and creamy, infused with strawberry flavor, balanced by a bit of tang from cream cheese, and topped with a satisfying crunchy cookie layer. Making them in mini servings (cups or small jars) adds charm and makes portioning easy. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings, or even just to treat yourself.
Ingredients Breakdown
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Here are the components and what each brings:
- Cream cheese (softened to room temperature) – Gives richness, creaminess, and that classic cheesecake tang. Softening ensures smooth, lump-free texture. Delicetreats+2Facebook+2
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens without grittiness; dissolves smoothly into the filling. Delicetreats+1
- Heavy whipping cream – Whipped to create airy texture; folded into the cream cheese base to lighten the mousse. Delicetreats+1
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and rounds out the flavors. Delicetreats+1
- Strawberries (fresh, puréed or chopped) – Provides the fruity flavor; purée for swirl or mix-in, plus fresh pieces give texture and brightness. Chenée Today+1
- Cookie crumbs (crunch layer; e.g. Golden Oreos, vanilla sandwich cookies, or graham crackers) – For the crunchy base or topping; contrasts with the creamy mousse. Delicetreats+1
- Butter (melted) – To bind the crumbs for the crust/crunch layer. Facebook+1
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to put it together:
- Prepare the Crunch/Crust Layer
- Crush your choice of cookies (Golden Oreos, vanilla sandwich cookies, or graham crackers) into fine crumbs.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press a layer of this mixture into the bottoms of small cups or jars (and optionally up the sides a little) for a base. Some versions also reserve extra crumbs for topping. Delicetreats+1
- Make the Cheesecake Mousse Filling
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Delicetreats+1
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Delicetreats+1
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture so as not to deflate the airy texture. Chenée Today+1
- Add Strawberry Flavor
- Purée some fresh strawberries (or chop well for bits) and fold into a portion of the cheesecake mousse mixture, depending on how much strawberry flavor you want. Some recipes layer a strawberry layer and a plain layer. Chenée Today
- Assemble the Mini Mousse Cups
- In each cup/jar: add a base of the cookie crunch, then a layer of mousse (can alternate plain and strawberry mousse for visual effect), then more mousse to fill.
- If you have reserved cookie crumbs or extra crunch topping, sprinkle on top. Also you could add chopped fresh strawberries for garnish.
- Chill to Set
- Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, ideally overnight, so mousse firms up and flavors meld. Delicetreats+1
- Serve & Garnish
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or pieces, and extra cookie crumbs for crunch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6-8 mini cups depending on size.
- Prep time: ~ 15-20 minutes (crushing crumbs, making mousse, puréeing strawberries, assembling)
- Chill time: ~ 2-4 hours minimum; overnight gives best texture.
- Total time: ~ 2½-5 hours including chilling.
Variations and Customizations
- Use different cookies for crunch: swap Golden Oreos for vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even a gluten-free cookie.
- Adjust strawberry intensity: use more strawberry purée or even a strawberry compote between layers.
- Make it layered: alternate plain cheesecake mousse and strawberry mousse for pretty visual contrast.
- Add flavors: a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest brightens the cheesecake base.
- Use freeze-dried strawberries crushed for crunchy topping instead of fresh, for extra texture. Baker’s Secret+1
- For lighter version: reduce sugar, use lower-fat cream cheese, or replace part of heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes—just thaw them well and drain excess liquid so the mousse doesn’t become watery.
What if my cream cheese is not softened?
Make sure you let cream cheese sit at room temperature. Otherwise lumps or grainy texture result.
How do I avoid deflating the whipped cream?
Fold gently when combining with the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and cut/fold in rather than stirring vigorously.
How long will these hold in the fridge?
Stored covered, these mini mousse cups are good for 3-4 days. Crunch topping may soften over time.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze assembled mousse cups (without fresh fruit garnish) and thaw in fridge before serving. Texture might shift slightly.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Mini Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Mousse cups are a delightful, easy dessert with layers of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. Great for when you want something beautiful and indulgent without baking. If you like, I can send a version with metric measurements or adjusted for more or fewer servings?
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