Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
If your graham crackers aren’t already crumbs, place them in a food processor and pulse until fine. Alternatively, place them in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have uniform crumbs.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pinched.
Divide the crust mixture evenly among your 8 jars, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small tamper to create a compact base. Set the jars aside.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is completely smooth and lump-free. This is a crucial step—scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed initially to incorporate the sugar (so it doesn’t fly everywhere), then increase to medium until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
In a separate, clean, dry bowl, pour the cold heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when you lift the beaters out and the cream holds a firm, upright peak.
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and a slow, deliberate folding motion to incorporate them without deflating the air you just whipped into the cream.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layers
Spoon or pipe the creamy cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar. Divide the filling evenly among the 8 jars.
Gently tap the jars on the counter a few times to settle the filling and remove any air bubbles.
Cover the jars with their lids or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up perfectly.
Step 4: Create the Fresh Mango Topping
(You can do this while the cheesecake is setting or right before serving for the freshest taste.)
Place about 1 ½ cups of the diced mango into a blender or food processor. Add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and the lime juice. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
Stir in the remaining ½ cup of diced mango into the puree. This gives the topping a wonderful chunky texture. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.
Step 5: The Final Assembly and Serving Creamy
Just before you are ready to serve, spoon the mango topping over the set cheesecake layer in each jar.
Garnish with a small fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy the blissful, creamy, no-bake perfection!
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
Room Temperature is Key: Ensuring your cream cheese is truly soft at room temperature is the #1 secret to a silky, lump-free filling. Take it out of the fridge at least 1-2 hours before you start.
Get Creative with Crusts: Don’t have graham crackers? Digestive biscuits, Biscoff cookies, or even crushed vanilla wafers make excellent alternatives.
Fruit Flexibility: Not a mango fan? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap the mango topping for a strawberry puree, blueberry compote, or even a simple lemon curd.
Make-Ahead Marvel: These jars are the ultimate make-ahead dessert. They can be prepared (without the final fruit topping) up to 2 days in advance. Add the mango topping the day you plan to serve them.
Nutrition Information
Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes
Serving Size: 1 jar
Calories: 518
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 298mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 36g
Protein: 6g
A Final Word:
This No-Bake Mango Cheesecake Jar recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the fact that the most impressive dishes are often the simplest. It delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal with minimal effort, freeing you up to enjoy the party, or simply put your feet up and savor every creamy, dreamy spoonful. Happy no-baking