No Bake Coconut Cheesecake Jars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This No Bake Coconut Cheesecake in a jar is a fun, individual-sized dessert that packs a lot of flavor. The creamy coconut cheesecake filling is rich and velvety, while the sweet and slightly tart strawberry layer adds a burst of freshness. The coconut crust provides the perfect crunch, making this dessert a perfect balance of texture and taste. Not only is it easy to make, but it also doesn’t require any baking—so you can whip it up in no time and enjoy a refreshing, decadent treat!

Ingredients

Coconut Crust

• 4 ½ Graham crackers (about 20 g)
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut (about 25 g)
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Coconut Cheesecake

• 1 lb cream cheese
• ½ cup coconut milk (from a can)
• ⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tsp organic coconut extract

Strawberry Layer

• 1 lb hulled strawberries, divided into half
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 – 2 tbsp lemon juice or ¼ tsp citric acid
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 ½ tsp gelatin (about ½ packet)

Blue Whipping Cream

• ¼ cup whipping cream
• ¾ tsp butterfly pea powder
• ¾ cup whipping cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Coconut Crust:

• In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they are finely crushed.
• Add the desiccated coconut and melted butter to the crumbs and pulse again until everything is well combined.
• Spoon the crust mixture into the bottom of serving jars or glasses. Press it down firmly to form an even layer. Place the jars in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other layers.

2. Make the Coconut Cheesecake:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the coconut milk, confectioner’s sugar, and coconut extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
• Spoon the coconut cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust in the jars. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure even layers. Return the jars to the fridge to chill while you prepare the strawberry layer.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Layer:

• Cut half of the hulled strawberries into small pieces and set aside. Blend the remaining half of the strawberries with sugar, lemon juice (or citric acid), and water until smooth.
• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
• Gently heat the gelatin mixture until it becomes liquid (you can do this in the microwave or over low heat). Once it’s dissolved, stir it into the blended strawberry mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
• Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer in each jar. Add the chopped strawberries on top for extra texture and flavor. Return the jars to the fridge and let the layers set for at least 2 hours.

4. Make the Blue Whipping Cream:

• In a mixing bowl, whip ¾ cup of whipping cream until soft peaks form.
• In a separate small bowl, dissolve the butterfly pea powder in ¼ cup of whipping cream. Once dissolved, gently fold this into the whipped cream to create a beautiful blue hue.
• Spoon the blue whipping cream on top of the strawberry layer just before serving, adding a little decorative swirl if you’d like.

5. Serve:

• Serve the jars chilled and enjoy the vibrant, creamy layers of coconut, strawberry, and whipped cream!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your jars. It takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time to set the layers.

Variations

• Fruit Toppings: You can use other fruits like mango, raspberries, or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
• Flavored Extracts: For a unique twist, try adding a few drops of vanilla extract or almond extract to the coconut cheesecake filling.
• Crust Variation: For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour.
• No Butterfly Pea Powder: If you can’t find butterfly pea powder, you can simply top the cheesecake with regular whipped cream or any other color you prefer.

Storage/Reheating

These No Bake Coconut Cheesecake Jars should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They are best served cold and do not need to be reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cheesecake jars ahead of time. In fact, they need to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but you can prepare them the day before and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit you like, such as mango, blueberries, or raspberries, to top the cheesecake jars instead of strawberries.

3. Can I skip the gelatin in the strawberry layer?

Yes, you can skip the gelatin if you prefer a more fluid strawberry layer. The gelatin helps the layer set and hold its shape, but you can also opt for a looser texture if desired.

4. Can I use non-dairy substitutes for the coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. Make sure to use full-fat varieties for the best texture.

5. Can I use sweetened coconut flakes instead of desiccated coconut?

Yes, you can use sweetened coconut flakes instead of desiccated coconut, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the crust to avoid making it too sweet.

6. What is butterfly pea powder, and can I use something else?

Butterfly pea powder is a natural plant-based powder that gives a vibrant blue color to food. If you can’t find it, you can use any food coloring, or simply omit it and use regular whipped cream.

7. Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, store-bought whipped cream can be used instead of making your own. Just make sure to whip it to soft peaks if you prefer a firmer topping.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover coconut cheesecake jars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

9. Can I freeze these cheesecake jars?

While the individual layers can freeze, the texture may change once thawed, especially for the whipped cream. For best results, enjoy the jars fresh.

10. Can I use other types of gelatin?

Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. The quantity might vary, so follow the instructions on the package for the appropriate amount.

Conclusion

No Bake Coconut Cheesecake Jars are a stunning and delicious dessert that combines creamy coconut cheesecake with the fresh brightness of strawberry and the delicate sweetness of coconut. The layered presentation makes these jars not only tasty but also a beautiful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or looking for a fun dessert to share, these jars are a must-try. Enjoy the indulgence of coconut and strawberries, all without the need for baking!

Print