3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk are one of those magical little desserts that feel way fancier than the effort you put in. Whether you’re prepping a cool treat for a summer picnic or need a last-minute dessert for picky eaters, these 3-ingredient no-bake cheesecake cups without condensed milk are always a hit.
I love that you can throw these together in minutes — and they chill beautifully while you get everything else done. Plus, the portions are perfect for kids (and let’s be honest, for moms sneaking a quiet bite too ).
This recipe is part of our full roundup of no-bake desserts busy moms will love.
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
3 Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk
Ingredients
- For the Crust optional but recommended:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- For the Cheesecake Filling 3 ingredients:
- 16 oz 452g full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temp
- ½ cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prep the Crust (Optional)
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press about 1½ tablespoons into each cupcake liner. No need to bake — just chill while making the filling.
- Whip the Cream
- In a chilled bowl, beat cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside.
- Make the Cheesecake Base
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Combine
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix — keep it airy and light.
- Assemble
- Spoon or pipe the filling over each prepared crust. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
- Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Serve as-is, or top with fruit, jam, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Notes
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.Topping Ideas (Optional)
- Fresh berries or berry jam
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed Oreos or graham crumbs
Mom Tip
Want a naturally sweet version? Swap powdered sugar for ¼ cup maple syrup and adjust to taste!Why You’ll Love 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk
Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute gathering or just want a cool treat after dinner, 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort.
- No condensed milk required – Perfect if you’re out or just avoiding that extra sugar.
- Only 3 ingredients – No grocery trip needed; you probably have everything on hand.
- No oven, no fuss – Ideal for summer or anytime you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Single-serve and kid-approved – Little hands love their own cup (and moms love the portion control!).
- Customizable – Top with fruit, jam, or a cookie crumble and make it your own.
Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute gathering or just want a cool treat after dinner, these mini cheesecakes deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort.
These 3-ingredient no-bake cheesecake cups are ultra-smooth and creamy thanks to the cream cheese — a classic dessert base with just the right amount of tang. According to Wikipedia, cream cheese has been used in sweet recipes for over a century and remains a staple in American-style cheesecakes [source].
Ingredients You’ll Need
These creamy little cheesecake cups are made with just three pantry-friendly ingredients — no condensed milk, no baking, and absolutely no stress. It’s the kind of easy no-bake dessert that busy moms dream about, especially on hot days when turning on the oven is not happening.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show — soft, tangy, and gives that classic cheesecake texture.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Adds sweetness and that light, fluffy finish without needing sugar or cream.
- Graham crackers (or cookies): Crushed into a quick crust layer — buttery, crunchy, and just the right base for your cups.
That’s really it! No fancy steps, no fussy ingredients — just chill, spoon, and enjoy.
How to Make 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk
This recipe is as simple as it gets — seriously, it’s a stir, scoop, and chill situation. No baking, no gelatin, and no condensed milk needed. Here’s the big-picture view of how it comes together:
- Crush the graham crackers and press them into the bottom of each cup to make a quick crust.
- Whip together the cream cheese and whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into the cups over the crust.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour — or overnight if you want to make them ahead.
That’s it! Sweet, simple, and totally do-able even on the busiest weeknight.
Topping Ideas for 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk
One of the best parts about these 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk? You can dress them up any way you like — sweet, fruity, crunchy, or totally kid-approved. Here are some mom-favorite topping ideas to try:
- Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a juicy burst and pretty color.
- Spoonful of jam or fruit compote – A quick way to make them feel fancy without extra work.
- Mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate – Because cheesecake + chocolate = always yes.
- Crushed cookies or graham cracker crumbs – Add a little crunch on top to match the crust.
- Whipped cream and sprinkles – Perfect for birthday parties or little hands that love to decorate.
Toppings are totally optional, but honestly? They’re half the fun — and a great way to get the kids involved in dessert prep.
Tips for the Perfect 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk
- Whip the Cream First: For that light and fluffy texture we all love, beat your cold heavy cream until soft peaks form before folding it into the cream cheese. This adds volume and helps the cheesecake filling set just right — almost like a mousse, but with zero extra effort. (Yep, it’s basically unsweetened whipped cream!)
- Stick with Block Cream Cheese: Use the full-fat bricks of cream cheese — not the spreadable kind in tubs, and definitely not low-fat. The blocks hold their shape better and give you that firm, creamy finish we’re after. I say the same thing when making fruit pizza frosting!
- Fridge, Not Freezer: It might seem quicker to toss these into the freezer, but that shortcut backfires. The crust will freeze before the filling sets, leaving you with a weirdly crunchy bottom and a half-frozen center. Let them chill gently in the fridge for the best texture.
These tips make all the difference — and they’ll help your 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk turn out perfectly every time.
Can’t get enough of no-bake snacks? These two are worth a try: Mini Strawberry Cheesecake (No Bake) and No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap the whipped topping for homemade whipped cream?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use freshly whipped cream (just beat cold heavy cream until it holds soft peaks). Just know it may not stay as stable for as long as Cool Whip-style topping.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
You can, but stick to full-fat brick-style. Flavored varieties like strawberry can add a fun twist — just avoid the whipped or spreadable kinds sold in tubs.
Can I make these no-bake cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These 3-Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake Cups Without Condensed Milk are a dream for prep-ahead desserts. Make them the night before and store covered in the fridge — they’ll be even creamier the next day.
Are these safe to leave out at room temp?
Like most dairy-based desserts, they’re best kept chilled. If you’re serving them at a party, try to keep them on a tray of ice if they’ll be out for more than an hour.
Can I freeze these cheesecake cups?
Technically yes, but the texture can get a little icy. For best results, chill in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days.
Final Thoughts
These 3-ingredient no-bake cheesecake cups without condensed milk are proof that dessert can be simple, satisfying, and totally fuss-free. Whether you’re short on time, avoiding extra sugar, or just love a creamy treat with minimal cleanup, this recipe delivers every time.
Keep a few in the fridge for unexpected guests, busy weeknights, or that one sweet tooth moment we all have.
Can’t get enough of no-bake snacks? These two are worth a try: Mini Strawberry Cheesecake (No Bake) and No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars.
