No-bake Mini Cheesecakes in a pretzel crust that's shaped into a cup are easy and festive! Dress them up with blueberries and strawberries for a patriotic, red, white and blue dessert! Or, come up with your own creation using the tips below.
This no-bake cheesecake recipe is for cheesecake lovers who:
- Need the convenience of a 3 ingredient recipe. There's no need to plan ahead, just keep a few items on hand and the cheesecake "fix" can be satisfied very quickly.
- Don't have time to make a real cheesecake. Real cheesecake is the best (in my humble opinion.) But, it takes time and talent to make a cheesecake that doesn't crack or in some way turn out just the way it should. On the other hand, it's very hard to mess up this recipe.
- Want to make dessert ahead of time. You can freeze this recipe! We did it all the time at our meal assembly kitchen.
- Want to control the ingredients. Depending upon the products used, this recipe can be low-cal, low-fat, vegan and sugar-free.
We make no-bake Key Lime Dip and Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries for the very same reasons!
The basic filling is perfect for trifles, full-sized cheesecakes or dip. Or, fill up a pretzel crust "cup" that has been healthified by swapping out butter for applesauce!
No-Bake Cheesecake Tips
The no-bake filling is made by combining softened cream cheese, sugar, and whipped topping, such as Cool Whip.
Using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar until it's light and fluffy Next, fold in the whipped topping. I usually give it a short whirl with the mixer again after this step just to be sure everything was well combined.
The filling thickens as it rests in the refrigerator. We suggest waiting at least an hour. Or, it can be made several days ahead of time.
Alternative: Fruit or other toppings can be folded into the filling at this point too!
Product Variations
The nutritional information in the recipe card below is for full-fat ingredients. But, this basic recipe works for low-fat products, fat-free products, and even vegan substitutes.
For sugar substitutions, we recommend using a baking blend that substitutes one for one with sugar because of the bulk that is added. Other options may work but the yield will be much smaller.
If you're used to a certain type of product, such as low-fat, then you will love the result. If you want a closer variation of the real deal, then stick to full-fat products.
Pretzel Crust "Cups"
We took a recipe for standard, buttery (and yes...very delicious) pretzel crust, such as this one by Southern Living and replaced the melted butter with apple sauce. It worked!
It's less sweet and a just a tad chewier than the traditional version. But, it's a very nice base for the creamy no-bake mini cheesecakes.
To make the little cups, press about 2 Tablespoons of the mixture into a cupcake tin coated with cooking spray. Bake the cups and allow them to harden before adding the cheesecake filling.
Toppings Ideas
The fun thing about making mini-sized cheesecakes is that you don't actually have to commit to a topping. Put out a topping bar, much like you would for an ice cream party. Some toppings to try:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Crushed candy
- Crushed cookies, like Oreos
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
We added strawberries and blueberries for this recipe which makes the recipe perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day!
How to Freeze
The no-bake filling can be stored in the refrigerator after adding it to the cups. When you're ready to serve, place the mini cheesecakes in the refrigerator for several hours to defrost. For best results, add fresh fruit toppings just before serving.
Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see and SHARE what you are cooking up!
📋 Recipe
No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes in Pretzel Crusts
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups finely ground pretzels Measure after chopping
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping
Topping
- 2 cup Your favorite berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, washed and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
- Combine pretzels pieces and brown sugar in bowl.
- Add applesauce to the dry mixture and stir to thoroughly incorporate.
- Place about 2 Tablespoons of the mixture in the well of a muffin tin that has been coated with cooking spray.
- Press mixture firmly to the bottom and sides.
- Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes or until cups begin to firm up and are slightly browned.
- Allow pretzels cups to rest in the muffin tin for several minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool.
- To make the filling, add cream cheese and sugar to a large bowl.
- Using a hand mixer, beat and combine the cream cheese and sugar until it is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Fold in whipped topping and stir to thoroughly incorporate.
- To assemble, spoon creamy mixture into cups and top with berries.
- Keep dessert cups refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition
christine
Great twist w/ the pretzel crust!
Amanda ( The Kitcheneer)
This looks amazing! Love the pretzel cups! So cute! This would make a great 4th of July dessert with red white and blue colors!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Pretzel crust? I'm in! These look awesome!
The Food Hunter
what a great idea
Julie
What an adorable idea! Perfect for picnics and dinner parties!
Ginny McMeans
I love the no bake directions for this recipes. Really sounds delicious.
Kim Beaulieu
I adore no bake recipes, and this one is absolutely perfect. Love the pretzel crust, the cups are way too cute.
Rose | The Clean Dish
These pretzel cupcakes are so cute!! What a neat idea! I love no-bake recipes 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds
I am loving the pretzel cups! So cute!
Paula - bell'alimento
Pretzel cups FTW! Yes.
[email protected] Mom
What a cute idea for cups! A perfect portion too!
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I love cheesecake, it is my favorite dessert. I am intrigued, I have never had it with a pretzel crust.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious
Sweet + Salty is one of my favorite flavor combinations, so I'm totally loving these. And I love them even more for being low fat!
Nancy [email protected]
I love anything no bake right now! This is such a great idea using pretzels!
Sarah Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
Sounds delightful! I love the sweet/salty flavor combo too. And the fact that there's less guilt? That's totally awesome.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
Love the blueberries and strawberries together! Yum!
[email protected] Cooking on the Front Burner
I love the combo of sweet and salty - great recipe for summer Marjory Pinned!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
Anything No Bake has my name on it and this looks delicious- Yum! Thanks Marjory!
Marjory
Thank you so much!
Linda @ Food Huntress
I'll be making these. Looks so delicious!
Marjory
I hope you enjoy them!
Janel from NellieBellie
These look amazing and anything that I don't have to bake is a winner winner in my book!! Yummy!
Marjory
Thank you! I love a no-bake recipe too!
Amanda Finks
I love how easy and yummy this recipe is. The salty sweet combo is the best!
Marjory
Thank you!
Nellie Tracy
I didn't have to try these to know I would love them, but WOW they seriously are amazing and my new favorites!
Marjory
I'm so glad you like them!