Strawberry Lemonade Jello Cheesecake (Print)

Creamy lemon cheesecake layered with strawberry gelatin in individual chilled cups for a light, fruity treat.

# Components:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Layer

04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream

→ Strawberry Jello Layer

10 - 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
11 - 1 cup boiling water
12 - 1/2 cup cold water
13 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

→ Garnish

14 - Optional: whipped cream
15 - Optional: lemon zest or thin lemon slice
16 - Optional: sliced strawberries

# Directions:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture firmly into the bottom of each serving cup.
02 - Beat cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly. Add heavy cream and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust in each cup and smooth the surface.
04 - Place the cups in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the gelatin layer.
05 - Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in cold water and allow to cool to room temperature without setting.
06 - Scatter chopped strawberries over the chilled cheesecake layer. Gently pour the cooled gelatin over the strawberries, filling each cup.
07 - Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 2 hours or until the gelatin is fully set.
08 - Top with optional whipped cream, lemon zest or a slice of lemon, and additional sliced strawberries before serving chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You'll feel like a dessert magician when people dig their spoons in and hit that perfect tangy-creamy-fruity combination.
  • No-bake and make-ahead means less time sweating and more time enjoying your summer guests.
02 -
  • If you rush the jello before it’s fully cooled, you’ll end up with sunken berries and a runny mess—patience pays off here.
  • I learned that chopping the strawberries finely means every bite gets that juicy punch, so don’t go too chunky with the fruit.
03 -
  • Using a piping bag for the cheesecake keeps the cups looking tidy (and saves your sleeves from stray batter).
  • Letting the jello cool completely before pouring ensures those clean, crisp layers that make every cup look special.
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