Looking for a cool, creamy treat that skips the oven and the cookie crust? These No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust are just the thing! They’re rich, chocolatey, and perfectly portioned in cute little cups, ideal for summer parties, after-school snacks, or a make-ahead dessert for busy moms.
Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free (no crust to worry about!) and come together in minutes with simple pantry staples. If you’re craving a chocolate cheesecake no bake recipe that’s fuss-free and fun to serve, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust
Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Paper liners
- Electric beater
Ingredients
- For the Crust
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp butter
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Cocoa Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Line a standard muffin pan with 9 paper liners. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the crust mixture into each.
- Press firmly with a tablespoon or measuring cup to form an even crust. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Set aside.
- Whip heavy cream in a bowl using an electric beater until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Add the melted chocolate, cocoa, coffee (if using), vanilla, and salt. Beat until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream and mix until smooth.
- Divide mixture over the chilled crusts and smooth the tops.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat ⅓ cup heavy cream and butter until very hot. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Spoon ganache over each cheesecake and spread evenly. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make Cocoa Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe swirls on each cheesecake before serving. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.
Notes
Notes
- Crush graham crackers in a food processor or in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
- Let the cream cheese soften before using for a smoother filling.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor—Ghirardelli or Guittard are great options.
- This recipe uses a standard muffin pan, not a mini muffin pan.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust
These little cups of joy are everything we moms dream of in a dessert: easy, mess-free, and kid-approved! Here’s why they’ll be your new go-to treat:
- No Oven Needed: Keep the kitchen cool, these babies chill in the fridge!
- No Crust, No Problem: Skip the Oreo and go straight to the good stuff. It’s rich, smooth, and just as satisfying.
- Perfect Portions: Mini cups make them fun for kids and ideal for parties.
- Make Ahead Magic: Prep them the night before and have dessert ready-to-go.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No crust means one less thing to swap or substitute.
- Naturally rich in cocoa – A decadent flavor with antioxidant benefits [source].
They’re a win-win for busy days, special gatherings, or anytime chocolate cravings strike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with a short list of pantry and fridge staples — no fancy ingredients, just real chocolatey goodness you can whip up anytime. Here’s what you’ll need to make these no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups without Oreo crust:
- Cream Cheese: The rich and creamy base that gives these cups their cheesecake texture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melted down for a deep chocolate flavor that’s perfectly indulgent.
- Whipped Cream: Lightens the filling and keeps it fluffy and smooth — a dreamy combo!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, cozy backdrop every good dessert needs.
- Optional Instant Coffee: Totally optional, but a tiny pinch boosts the chocolate flavor in a big way.
No crust ingredients needed here — we’re skipping that step and diving straight into creamy, chocolate bliss.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust
This recipe is as easy as it is indulgent. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat that chills while you handle the rest of your busy day! Here’s a quick look at the steps:
- Mix the crust and press it into lined muffin cups—then pop it in the fridge to set.
- Whip up the chocolate cheesecake filling using cream cheese, melted chocolate, and whipped cream.
- Spoon the filling over the crusts, smoothing the tops for that bakery-style finish.
- Make the ganache and spread it over each cup for that glossy, chocolatey layer.
- Top with cocoa whipped cream, pipe it pretty, and chill until ready to serve!
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets here, just a few kitchen basics make these no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups without Oreo crust a breeze to whip up:
- Muffin Pan: Standard size, perfect for portioning 9 mini cheesecakes.
- Paper Liners: Keeps things tidy and makes for easy serving.
- Electric Beater: Speeds up the whipping and mixing—essential for that smooth, creamy texture.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise mixing, especially with cocoa powder and melted chocolate.
Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust
These little indulgences are pretty foolproof, but here are a few extra mom-tested tips to make sure they turn out just right every time:
- Chill Thoroughly: Give them at least 4 hours in the fridge (overnight is even better!) so they set up nice and firm.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: It makes a big difference in flavor. Look for brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard.
- Pack the Crust Tightly: A firm crust makes them easier to lift out of the liners without crumbling.
- Don’t Overbeat the Cream: Stop as soon as stiff peaks form to keep the texture light and airy.
- Decorate Before Serving: Pipe on the cocoa whipped cream just before serving for the freshest, prettiest look.
How to Store No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups Without Oreo Crust
Storing these little treats is a breeze — just another reason they’re a busy mom’s dream dessert!
- In the Fridge: Keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. I like to store them in a lidded container or cover the muffin pan with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and creamy.
- In the Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Once they’re fully set, pop the cups out and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tip: If you’re planning ahead for a party or summer gathering, make a batch early and freeze. You’ll be so glad you did when dessert is already done!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the crust entirely?
Yes! These no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups without Oreo crust are just as delicious with no crust at all. Just spoon the filling directly into paper liners and chill—perfect if you’re going gluten-free.
Do these mini chocolate cheesecake cups freeze well?
Absolutely. These mini chocolate cheesecake cups freeze beautifully. Once set, just pop them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these without a muffin pan?
Yes, but using a muffin pan keeps your no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups nicely shaped. You can also use silicone molds or ramekins for a fancier twist.
What can I use instead of instant coffee?
You can skip it! The instant coffee simply enhances the chocolate flavor in these cream cheese chocolate desserts—totally optional but delicious.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! These easy no bake desserts are fun-sized, mess-free, and perfect for little helpers. Let the kids decorate with sprinkles or chocolate curls!
Final Thought
Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or just need a sweet escape from the summer heat, these no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups without Oreo crust are pure magic. They come together with minimal effort, chill quietly in the fridge, and disappear even faster once served. From one busy mom to another — this is the kind of recipe that makes summer feel just a little bit easier (and a whole lot more delicious). 💛
Looking for your next no-bake treat? Check out Fruit-Sweetened No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites (No Sugar Added) and 3-Ingredient No-Bake Brownie Bites (Nut-Free & Refined Sugar-Free) — both are hits!
