Craving rich cheesecake flavor but want to avoid turning on the oven? No-bake caramel cheesecake jars are the answer. Not only are they simple to whip up, but they’re also perfect for planning ahead before that big get-together.
These jars are full of sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake goodness but without all the fuss. There is no setting up a water bath in your oven or worrying about the top of your cheesecake cracking. Just mix them up, refrigerate, and enjoy.
I’ll tell you a little secret: Cheesecakes make my heart sing, but they also test my self-control. That’s why I love these jarred versions. They’re like little portion-controlled bites of heaven!
And let’s be honest, it’s much easier to squeeze a few Mason jars into my packed fridge than a full-sized cheesecake. When you have a party invite, it is easy to transport a dessert in a jar.
In this post, I’ll share my simple, foolproof recipe for No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Jars. We’ll walk through the ingredients, the preparation, and even a few tips I’ve picked up. Who knew a jar could hold so much deliciousness?
Like the idea of desserts in jars? Check out these recipes for more individual treats: Pina Colada Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon Trifle, and no-bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake.
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🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Graham crackers: You can buy pre-crumbled graham cracker crumbs or take a rolling pin to a bag of graham crackers. A food processor also works to crumble them up.
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Cream cheese: Leave your blocks of cream cheese on the counter for an hour or so before you start to soften it.
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped topping: Like Cool Whip.
- Apples
- Caramel sauce: Buy a jar or make homemade caramel sauce.
- Candy: I used mini M&Ms and mini chocolate chips. Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate in their cheesecake?
Best Jars for Cheesecake Jars
I have a cupboard shelf full of Mason jars, so those are usually my go-to choice. They’re sturdy, sealable, and come in various sizes, perfect for individual cheesecake servings. These photos show the cheesecake in 8-ounce Mason jars, but 4-ounce jars also work well.
Weck jars are another great choice, and they have a more stylish design versus Mason jars’ rustic appeal. They have a nice wide mouth, which makes filling them easy.
Whatever you use, a jar with a tight, sealable lid is ideal. This will help avoid leaks when refrigerating or transporting your no-bake cheesecake jars.
🥣Whipping Up Your No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Jars
- Crumble the graham crackers. Melt the butter. Then, mix the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Press the mixture into the bottoms of your jars to create a crust.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until your mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold your whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. This is not the time for vigorous stirring. We want our filling to stay light and airy.
- Fill each jar halfway with your cheesecake mixture, then add a layer of caramel sauce. Top off with more cheesecake filling and pop the jars in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, dice up your apples, open those bags of mini M&Ms and chocolate chips, and add them to the jar, filling it to the top. Drizzle on some more caramel sauce for the final touch.
🍴Variations for Cheesecake Jars
You don’t have to finish these mini desserts off with apples. Use your favorite toppings to make these no-bake cheesecake jars your own! Here are some suggestions.
- Sprinkle on a little sea salt to enhance the caramel’s sweetness with a contrasting salty kick.
- Add toasted coconut and chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a delightful, crunchy texture.
- A different fresh fruit like sliced bananas or fresh berries can add a juicy contrast.
- Sprinkle on caramel popcorn to give a playful crunch and reinforce the caramel theme.
- Crushed pretzels provide the cheesecake with jars with a sweet and salty twist.
Are you a cheesecake lover? Try my recipes for Oreo cheesecake, blueberry cheesecake, or no-bake pumpkin cheesecake for more delicious treats.
💭Storing Your No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake
Your cheesecake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it tightly with a Mason jar lid or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
⭐Expert Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Use a classic topping like cherry pie filling instead of caramel sauce for a different twist on cheesecake jars.
- Or switch up the graham crackers for Oreos, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers.
- For the creamiest, dreamiest cheesecake, I recommend full-fat cream cheese.
- Using room-temperature cream cheese makes a world of difference. It ensures a smoother and creamier texture that’s worth a little waiting.
- Refrigeration is key. This isn’t a dessert you can whip up at the last minute. It needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set. It’s the perfect excuse to make it the day before and have one less thing to worry about when preparing for a gathering.
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No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 graham crackers
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 8- ounce blocks cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
Topping Ingredients
- 2 granny smith apples diced
- Caramel sauce
- Mini M&Ms
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Crumble the graham crackers with a food processor or by crushing with a rolling pin.6 graham crackers
- Melt the butter. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and butter until it resembles wet sand. Press the graham cracker crust into six 8-ounce jars.1/3 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.2 8- ounce blocks cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fold in the whipped topping until just combined.8 ounces frozen whipped topping
- Fill each jar halfway full of the cheesecake batter.
- Top with a layer of caramel sauce.
- Add another cheesecake layer. Leave a little room at the top to add toppings.
- Place the jars in the refrigerator to chill for at least four hours.
- When ready to serve, top each jar with diced apples, mini M&Ms, and mini chocolate chips, or your favorite toppings. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top.2 granny smith apples, Caramel sauce, Mini chocolate chips, Mini M&Ms
Notes
- Choose your own cheesecake toppings. Other topping options include toasted coconut, crushed pretzels, sea salt, or fresh fruit.
- Use cherry pie filling instead of caramel sauce for a different twist on cheesecake jars.
- Or switch up the graham crackers for Oreos, gingersnaps, or vanilla wafers.
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before starting.
- This recipe is written for 8-ounce Mason jars, but 4-ounce jars work too for smaller individual portions. Just add only one layer of cheesecake filling and caramel.
- Use jars with a tight, sealable lid. This will help you avoid leaks when refrigerating or transporting your no-bake cheesecake jars.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
