No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and cherry lovers who want an impressive treat without turning on the oven! In just 10 minutes of prep time, plus a quick chill, you can create these elegant layers of chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, luscious cherry topping, and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ideal for parties, special dinners, or satisfying a late-night chocolate craving, this dessert is easy to assemble, visually striking, and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dive into why these cheesecake cups are sure to steal the spotlight at your table!
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups
- Effortless Elegance – No baking required! These cups come together quickly and look gourmet.
- Perfectly Portable – Individual servings mean no messy slicing; guests love the convenience.
- Classic Flavor Combo – Rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and juicy cherries in one bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Chill overnight to save time and intensify flavors.
- Customizable – Easy to tweak with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make 8–10 decadent cups of cheesecake bliss:
- 2 cups (480 mL) cold milk
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 sleeve chocolate graham crackers (about 8–10 crackers), crushed
- 2.03 oz (about 57 g) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 21 oz (595 g) cherry pie filling
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for garnish
Tip: Soften your cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting, ensuring a silky smooth cheesecake layer.
Step-by-Step: How to Make No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups
- Prepare the pudding base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups cold milk and 2 oz instant chocolate pudding mix. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high for 2 minutes, until thickened. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to set. - Whip the cream cheese:
In a separate bowl, beat the 8 oz cream cheese on medium-high for 1 minute until light and fluffy. - Blend pudding and cream cheese:
Add 1 cup of the chilled chocolate pudding to the cream cheese mixture.
Next, beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds, until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Then, gently fold in the rest of the pudding until the mixture is fully blended. - Assemble the cups:
Spoon the crushed chocolate graham crackers into the base of each dessert cup (about 2–3 tablespoons per cup).
Top with a generous layer of the cheesecake-pudding mixture.
Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of each layer.
Repeat layers if you have space—ending with cherries. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for texture and chocolatey flair. - Chill:
Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes to firm up, though they’re even better after a few hours or overnight chill.
Helpful Tips
- Crust crunch: Mix 1 tbsp melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs to help them hold together.
- Creamier texture: Add a splash of heavy cream or cool whip to the filling if you prefer ultra-light and fluffy cups.
- Neat layers: Use a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped for precise filling.
- Avoid sogginess: Chill cups on a flat tray to prevent uneven settling during refrigeration.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cookie swaps: Try crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers for the crust.
- Flavored puddings: Experiment with vanilla or banana pudding for a twist on the classic.
- Fruit alternatives: Substitute cherry pie filling with strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry pie filling.
- Liqueur boost: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Kirsch, cherry brandy, or Amaretto into the filling for an adult version.
- Vegan or lactose-free options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk; make sure the pudding mix is vegan-friendly.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze option: Freeze cups for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Separate storage tip: For maximum freshness, store crushed cracker layers and cheesecake filling separately, then assemble just before serving.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per serving; yields 8 servings)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Nutritional details are approximate and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish flair: Garnish each cup with fresh cherries, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.
- Ice cream duo: Serve alongside a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
- Beverage pairing: Perfect with black coffee, espresso, cream liqueur, or even a chilled cherry dark beer.
- Dessert platter: Add these cups to a dessert board with brownies, fruit tarts, and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cups improve in flavor as they chill. You can prepare them a few hours ahead or even the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Can I use homemade cherry topping instead of pie filling?
Yes! In fact, stovetop cherry sauce made with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch is a delightful swap. Just let it cool before layering.
What’s the best way to serve without mess?
Mini mason jars, clear plastic cups, or short glass tumblers work beautifully as they showcase the layers and are easy to eat from. Provide small spoons for convenience.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Just maintain the proportions and assemble in larger containers or more cups. For large gatherings, presentation in mini cups means easy serving and portion control.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making these cozy, indulgent No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups! I absolutely adore the balance of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and sweet-tart cherries—all without the fuss of baking. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family dinner, a special event, or just a sweet-tooth evening at home, I hope they bring joy and flavor to your table. Enjoy every luscious bite and happy cheesecake making!
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No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake Cups are a fast and flavorful dessert layered with creamy cheesecake, chocolate pudding, cherry pie filling, and crunchy chocolate graham crackers. No oven needed—perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime sweet cravings hit!
Ingredients
2 cups (480 mL) cold milk
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
1 sleeve chocolate graham crackers (about 8–10 crackers), crushed
2.03 oz (57 g) instant chocolate pudding mix
21 oz (595 g) cherry pie filling
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups cold milk and 2 oz instant chocolate pudding mix. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high for 2 minutes, until thickened. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to set. - Whip the cream cheese:
In a separate bowl, beat the 8 oz cream cheese on medium-high for 1 minute until light and fluffy. - Blend pudding and cream cheese:
Add 1 cup of the chilled chocolate pudding to the cream cheese mixture.
Next, beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds, until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Then, gently fold in the rest of the pudding until the mixture is fully blended. - Assemble the cups:
Spoon the crushed chocolate graham crackers into the base of each dessert cup (about 2–3 tablespoons per cup).
Top with a generous layer of the cheesecake-pudding mixture.
Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of each layer.
Repeat layers if you have space—ending with cherries. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for texture and chocolatey flair. - Chill:
Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes to firm up, though they’re even better after a few hours or overnight chill.
Notes
Add 1 tbsp melted butter to crumbs if you prefer a firmer base.
For lighter texture, mix in 2 tbsp whipped topping with the cream cheese.
Use a piping bag for cleaner layers.
These cups taste even better after chilling overnight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes + Time (Chill): 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 6g