Name: Blueberry Cheesecake Jars
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream or 1 1/2 cups whipped topping; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesecake jars are easy to make, mess-free to serve, and ideal for portion control. The individual jars are great for parties, picnics, or meal prepping a little something sweet for the week. The combination of tangy cream cheese and juicy blueberries delivers all the flavor of a traditional cheesecake without the need to bake.

Ingredients

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

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream or whipped topping
Fresh or frozen blueberries
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening blueberry compote)
Small jars or dessert cups for assembling

Directions

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Spoon a few tablespoons into each jar and press down to form the base layer.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, gently fold in whipped topping.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust layer in each jar.
In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries release their juices and begin to break down. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. If needed, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken the compote.
Let the blueberry mixture cool, then spoon it over the cheesecake layer in the jars.
Chill the jars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serve cold, optionally topped with more whipped cream or fresh blueberries.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 jars, depending on size.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Berry swap: Use strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of blueberries.
Lemon flavor: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a bright, citrusy touch.
Chocolate crust: Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a richer base.
Layered dessert: Alternate layers of cheesecake and blueberry compote for a parfait-style presentation.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream for a non-dairy option.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake jars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
These jars are not ideal for freezing as the texture may change.
No reheating is necessary—serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake jars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re ideal for making a day or two in advance and storing in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. No need to thaw them before cooking for the compote.

Do I have to cook the blueberries?

Cooking brings out a more intense flavor and creates a sauce-like consistency, but you can use fresh blueberries as a topping if preferred.

Can I use store-bought blueberry pie filling?

Yes, for a shortcut, use canned blueberry pie filling instead of homemade compote.

How long do these need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but longer chilling (even overnight) will help them set better.

Can I make these jars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

What size jars should I use?

4 to 8 oz jars work best. Mason jars or small dessert glasses are perfect.

Can I make these without whipped cream?

You can skip whipped cream if you prefer a denser filling, or use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.

Will these hold up at room temperature?

They should be kept chilled, but can sit out for up to 1 hour when serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients to make more servings.

Conclusion

Blueberry Cheesecake Jars are a simple yet stunning dessert that delivers classic cheesecake flavor in a fun and convenient format. Perfect for parties or personal treats, they’re easy to customize, make ahead, and serve. Whether you use fresh or frozen berries, this recipe is a refreshing and creamy crowd-pleaser.