There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings the scent of spices and warm treats straight to our kitchens. One of my favorite holiday desserts is a No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cup. Picture this: a creamy cheesecake filling, layers of spiced gingerbread goodness, and topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect indulgence for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings, or even as a delightful dessert to impress family and friends. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven!
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a festive celebration in a cup, combining the traditional flavors of gingerbread with the velvety texture of cheesecake. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal treat for those busy holiday moments when you want something special without the fuss. These cheesecake cups are also incredibly versatile; whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, they are sure to please.
“These No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups were the star of our holiday gathering! I love how easy they were to make, and everyone raved about the flavor!” – A satisfied holiday host.
Preparing No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Let’s dive right into how this delicious dessert comes together. The no-bake aspect means you’re just a few simple steps away from this dreamy treat! You’ll create a crunchy gingerbread crust, whip up a creamy filling spiced just right, and assemble it all in charming cups. Ready to get started? Here’s how to do it!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to make your No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups:
- 1 1/2 cups gingerbread cookies (crushed) – This will form the crust and provide those beloved gingerbread flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) – Necessary for binding your crust.
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese (softened) – The creamy base of your cheesecake filling.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – A blend of spices brings the gingerbread character to your dessert.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks) – Makes your filling light and airy.
- Whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies, mini gingerbread men cookies, ground cinnamon (for dusting) – These are for decoration and adding that extra festive flair.
Directions to follow
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to assemble your No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups:
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Create the cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon or pipe the cookie mixture into the bottom of serving cups, then layer with the cheesecake filling.
- Chill: Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.
- Decorate: Before serving, top with additional whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies, and garnish with mini gingerbread men and a dusting of cinnamon.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving your No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups is all about presentation! Consider these fun ideas:
- Layer them in clear glasses so the beautiful layers are visible.
- Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch of richness.
- Pair with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or your favorite holiday beverage for a festive experience.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your cheesecake cups fresh, store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. These desserts will stay delicious for about 4-5 days. If you need to prepare these in advance for an event, they can be made up to two days ahead of time. Just wait to add decorations until you’re ready to serve.
Helpful cooking tips
- Quality ingredients matter: Use high-quality cream cheese and real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, which will make it easier to whip and create a smooth filling.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks: This prevents your cheesecake filling from being too loose, ensuring it holds up beautifully in the cups.
Creative twists
Feel adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap out some of the cream cheese for pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving for a decadent touch.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream as substitutes for a dairy-free option.
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The preparation time is roughly 20 minutes, plus a few hours to chill the cups to perfection.
Can I use store-bought gingerbread cookies?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cookies can save time and still yield delicious results.
How long can I store the cheesecakes?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep them covered to maintain freshness.
This No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cup recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite during the holiday season, perfect for anyone who loves a fusion of creamy and spiced flavors. Enjoy every delightful bite!

No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups gingerbread cookies (crushed) This will form the crust.
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter (melted) Necessary for binding your crust.
For the cheesecake filling
- 1.5 cups cream cheese (softened) The creamy base of your cheesecake filling.
- 0.5 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the filling beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves Brings the gingerbread character.
- 1.25 cups heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks) Makes your filling light and airy.
For decoration
- Whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies, mini gingerbread men cookies, ground cinnamon These are for decoration.
Instructions
Prepare the crust
- In a bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Create the cheesecake filling
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
Fold in the whipped cream
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.
Assemble the cups
- Spoon or pipe the cookie mixture into the bottom of serving cups, then layer with the cheesecake filling.
Chill
- Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.
Decorate
- Before serving, top with additional whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies, and garnish with mini gingerbread men and a dusting of cinnamon.
