Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

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I’m fairly certain that I’ve discussed my lack of love for the great outdoors, so it’s safe to say you’ll never hear me writing about long hikes in the woods or camping anywhere other than on a deck chair at a five star resort (Hey, I can dream, right?). Not to say that I am not fond of the fresh air and scenery, I just like to keep a screen between me and the bugs.

Needless to say, I don’t last long at picnics in the park or anywhere outdoors for that matter. Usually an annoying fly or buzzing bee will send me into a fit within 20 minutes and I’ll sit there contemplating my escape route or the idea of eating in my air conditioned vehicle.

Problem is, I am a big pan of picnic food. Hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, and No Bake Cookies rank pretty high on my hierarchy of good eats, so I’ll usually suffer through it as long as I am armed with cold bottle of water and a fly swatter.

Then, a couple of friends came up with the idea of a virtual picnic. A Virtual Picnic for the Planet was totally doable because well, it doesn’t require me hanging outside! Plus, I think our planet is pretty rocking and I totally dig the idea of coming together to make a difference.

The Nature Conservancy has a website that is devoted to Picnic for the Planet. They have a Meet Up page which allows you to connect with people in your area to plan your Picnic for the Planet. They also describe 5 Easy Actions that are good for the Earth and help you to reduce your impact on the Earth.

Eat Smart

Be proactive, know where your food comes from and who it impacts.

Eat Local

Take advantage of your farmer’s market. Try to purchase food that is in season and locally grown.

Eat Sustainably

Eat sustainable seafood — one of the only things that we eat that we still get from the wild.

Eat Green

Eat more fruits and vegetables — it’s good for your health and the planet’s

Eat Out

Join us in the Picnic for the Planet!

For today’s Virtual Picnic for the Planet, I have made Cheesecakes in a Jar with fresh mixed berries. These Cheesecakes in a Jar are simple, portable, decadent and truly couldn’t be any more adorable.

I simply scooped my cheesecake batter into small canning jars, baked them in a water bath and topped with fresh berries. The lids allow these individually portioned desserts to be placed into a cooler, so it makes them the perfect picnic dessert to wow a crowd!

I would love to hear about your plans for this Earth Day. Will you be picnicking?

Make sure to check out the Virtual Picnic for the Planet link up below to see all the great recipes my fellow picknickers came up with. You’ll have your Picnic for the Planet menu figured out faster than you can say bug spray!

Simple Bites | Pressed Sandwiches
My Baking Addiction | Mixed Berry Cheesecakes in a Jar
Bluebonnets & Brownies | Nanny’s Potato Salad
Gourmande in the Kitchen | Honey Ginger Lemonade
Dine & Dish | Sangria
Add A Pinch | Herbed Tortellini Salad
Bakers Royale | Fruit Recipe Roundup
Three Many Cooks | Black and White Caviar
Food for My Family | Homemade Potato Chips and Avocado Ranch Dip
Sugarcrafter | Apple Hand Pies
Tickled Red | Tangy Potato Salad
What’s Cooking with Kids | Kale Chips
Confessions of a Cookbook Queen | Mini Lemonade Cakes
TidyMom | Picnic Pies in a Jar

Cheesecake in a Jar

Yield: 4-6 servings depending on size of jars used

Print Recipe

Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2)

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • zest of one lemon
  • 2 packages cream cheese, 8 oz each; room temperature
  • 2 large eggs; room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh berries

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Begin to boil a large pot of water for the water bath.
  3. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with your paddle attachment, combine the sugar and lemon zest and mix until the sugar is moistened and fragrant.
  4. Add in the cream cheese and cream together until smooth.
  5. Add eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Make sure to scrape down the bowl in between each egg.
  6. Add heavy cream and vanilla and mix until smooth.
  7. Pour batter into canning jars until about ¾ of the way full.
  8. Place jars into a larger pan and pour boiling water into the larger pan until halfway up the sides of the jars.
  9. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, the edges will appear to be set, but the center will still have a little jiggle to it.
  10. Carefully remove the cheesecake jars from the water bath and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. Once the cheesecakes are completely cooled, place them into the refrigerator for at least 5 hours.
  12. Top will fresh berries and serve.

Notes:

  • For glossy berries, simply add 1 tablespoon of hot water to ¼ cup apricot preserves. Blend until combined and thinned out. Place the berries in a bowl and gently brush and toss the berries with the apricot and water mixture.
  • If you are not a fan of lemon, simply omit the zest.
  • If you are missing the graham cracker crust, serve with graham sticks.
  • The jars pictured above are Weck (7.4 ounce) Tulip Jars.

All images and text © for My Baking Addiction

Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!

Cheesecake in a Jar Recipe | My Baking Addiction (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between baked cheesecake and set cheesecake? ›

The differences in ingredients and preparation methods are what create the texture. Both may be smooth and creamy but not in the same way. A baked cheesecake usually has a silky consistency and firmer texture. A no-bake cheesecake will have a lighter, softer, almost fluffy texture, often more like a pudding or mousse.

Is cheesecake an unhealthy dessert? ›

It's high in calories, sugar, and fat, so it's important to limit cheesecake in your diet, just as you would any dessert. However, there's nothing wrong with enjoying this dessert from time to time as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet.

What is the difference between baked and raw cheesecake? ›

They both are great in their own way. It all narrows down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy dense and velvety cake, a baked cheesecake is the one for you. Or if you crave some light and airy dessert post-dinner, go for the no-bake one.

How do you preserve homemade cheesecake? ›

Before you can freeze cheesecake, you must let it cool completely at room temperature and then fully set and chill in the fridge overnight. If you're making a no-bake cheesecake, make sure it's chilled long enough to fully set. Once your cheesecake is chilled, you can wrap it and freeze it as is.

What makes New York cheesecake different than regular cheesecake? ›

New York cheesecake is heavy on the cream cheese which is why it's so dense and rich. Extra cream cheese isn't the only thing that makes New York cheesecake so special. It also includes extra eggs and egg yolks to provide and smooth consistency.

Are supermarket cheesecakes baked? ›

Product Description. A baked creamy vanilla flavour cheesecake with a digestive biscuit base.

What is the most unhealthy dessert? ›

Today, the average restaurant serves desserts that are heavily laden with saturated fat and sugar and that range between 800 to 1500 calories
  • Cheesecake.
  • Carrot cake.
  • Banana split.
  • Molten lava cakes.
Feb 17, 2016

When should you not eat cheesecake? ›

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

What is the most unhealthy dessert at cheesecake Factory? ›

Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

"With white chocolate, chocolate peppermint bark, white chocolate mousse, and topped with more peppermint candy, it's no wonder this decadent dessert is extremely unhealthy," says registered dietitian Lorraine Chu, MS, RDN, CDN.

Is it better to overbake or underbake cheesecake? ›

Avoid Overcooking

DON'T overbake. Overbaking a cheesecake can cause cracks on the surface. The center of the cheesecake should still be a little wobbly, the filling still pale, and the outer ring slightly puffy and firm. It will continue to cook as it cools and maintains that smooth and rich texture.

Which baking method is best for cheesecake? ›

Classic Cheesecake Recipe. Look no further for a creamy and ultra smooth classic cheesecake recipe! Paired with a buttery graham cracker crust, no one can deny its simple decadence. For the best results, bake in a water bath.

Is it better to overcook or undercook cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is a custard, and custards can overcook easily. Overbaked cheesecake will crack and the texture will be dry and gritty. Egg proteins become quite firm and tightly coiled when cooked quickly at a high temperature, but can be silky-smooth and creamy when cooked gently at a low temperature.

Can I eat 2 week old cheesecake? ›

Prepared cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, per USDA food safety recommendations. We suggest storage in an airtight container, so it doesnt absorb any fridge odors.

Can you freeze cheesecake to keep it fresh? ›

Place the cheesecake on a cardboard round. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month for optimal flavor, 2 months is the max. Thaw in the fridge, on the counter, or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze my homemade cheesecake? ›

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake. And if you go to all the work of making one of these beautiful desserts and have leftovers, you should freeze cheesecake.

What does set mean in baking cheesecake? ›

Belinda Payne. Author has. · Jan 24, 2023. "Bake until just set" means that the cake is done when it still has a little bit of wiggle. This means the cake will continue to cook through the cooling stage and will become too dry if you take it out too soon.

What does set mean for cheesecake? ›

If the cheesecake looks nearly set and only a small circle in the center jiggles slightly, it's done. You might worry a runny middle means raw cheesecake, but it's totally safe and normal. The center will firm up as it cools on a cooling rack, resulting in the smooth surface you want.

What is the difference between baked and cold set cheesecake? ›

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between no-bake and baked cheesecake. No-bake cheesecakes are quick, easy, and perfect for those who prefer a lighter, chilled dessert. On the other hand, baked cheesecakes require more time and effort but offer a more classic, rich, and decadent experience.

What are the two types of cheesecake? ›

New York cheesecake uses a larger portion of cream cheese. It is rich and dense. Regular cheesecake uses more cream and has a creamier texture. There is typically a crust made of graham crackers, but sometimes other cookies like shortbread are used.

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