If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that’s creamy, fruity and easy to prepare, these Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Cups are a lovely choice.
Made with a golden biscuit base, a smooth strawberry yogurt mousse and fresh strawberries, these individual cheesecakes are light, refreshing and full of flavour.
They’re perfect for family gatherings, weekend treats, dinner parties or whenever you’re craving something sweet without making a heavy dessert.
The best part? The creamy strawberry filling doesn’t need baking, and the cheesecakes can be prepared ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Cups
There are so many reasons to love this simple strawberry dessert:
- Light and creamy: Made with fat-free strawberry yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Perfect individual portions: Served in four pretty dessert glasses.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for preparing the day before serving.
- Fresh strawberry flavour: A lovely combination of creamy mousse and juicy strawberries.
- Great for entertaining: An attractive dessert that looks beautiful without complicated decoration.
Whether you’re making dessert for your family or preparing something special for guests, these strawberry cheesecake cups are sure to impress.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 35 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 7–9 hours, including chilling
- Servings: 4
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Oven for the biscuit base; no-bake mousse filling
Ingredients
For Biscuit Base
- 6 digestive biscuits, finely crushed
- 1 large egg white, lightly whisked
For Strawberry Mousse
- 525g fat-free, no-added-sugar strawberry yogurt (3 × 175g pots)
- 6 sheets leaf gelatine (approximately 10g total)
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- A few drops of pink food colouring, optional
- 1 level teaspoon granulated sweetener, or to taste
- 100g fresh strawberries, hulled and finely diced
- 6 tablespoons just-boiled water
Decoration
- 8 small fresh strawberries
- 4 small sprigs of fresh mint
- 1 level teaspoon icing sugar, optional
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Cups
Follow these simple steps to create delicious individual strawberry cheesecakes with a creamy mousse filling.
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan / Gas Mark 4).
Line a baking tray with baking parchment.
Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and blend until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, place them in a food bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
Transfer the biscuit crumbs to a mixing bowl.
Lightly whisk the egg white, then gradually stir enough of it into the crumbs to create a slightly damp mixture that holds together when pressed.
Divide the mixture into four portions and press each into a small, flat disc on the prepared baking tray.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, until lightly golden and firm.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.
Once cooled, break the biscuit discs into small crumbs and divide evenly between four dessert glasses.
Gently press the crumbs into the bottom of each glass.
Step 2: Soften the Gelatine
Place the gelatine sheets in a shallow bowl of cold water.
Leave to soak for approximately 10–12 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until softened.
Carefully lift the softened gelatine from the water and squeeze out any excess liquid.
Transfer it to a heatproof bowl and add 6 tablespoons of just-boiled water.
Stir until completely dissolved.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, but do not let it begin setting.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Mousse
Place the strawberry yogurt in a blender or large mixing bowl.
Add the vanilla extract, granulated sweetener and optional pink food colouring.
Blend or whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the dissolved gelatine while mixing continuously.
This helps distribute the gelatine evenly throughout the yogurt mixture.
Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries.
The mixture should be smooth, creamy and lightly pink.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Cups
Arrange four dessert glasses on a tray.
Spoon the strawberry mousse mixture evenly over the prepared biscuit bases.
Smooth the tops gently using the back of a spoon.
Leave a little space at the top of each glass for decoration.
For the prettiest presentation, wipe away any mousse from the inside edges of the glasses.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Cover the dessert glasses carefully and transfer them to the refrigerator.
Chill for 6–8 hours, or until the mousse is completely set.
For best results, prepare the cheesecakes the evening before serving.
The chilling time allows the gelatine to set the strawberry mousse, creating a smooth and delicate cheesecake texture.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Once the strawberry mousse cheesecakes are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator.
Decorate each glass with two small fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint.
If desired, finish with a very light dusting of icing sugar.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake
1. Use Thick Strawberry Yogurt
A thick, smooth yogurt works best for this recipe.
If your yogurt is particularly runny, the mousse may have a softer texture.
2. Dissolve the Gelatine Completely
Make sure the gelatine has fully dissolved before adding it to the yogurt.
Any undissolved pieces can create lumps in the finished mousse.
3. Don’t Skip the Chilling Time
The cheesecakes need several hours in the refrigerator to set properly.
For the best texture, allow at least 6 hours before serving.
4. Use Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, colour and a lovely fruity flavour.
Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best results.
5. Prepare the Desserts Ahead
These cheesecake cups are ideal for making the day before a family meal or special occasion.
Simply keep them refrigerated and add the fresh decorations shortly before serving.
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Variations
This strawberry mousse cheesecake recipe is easy to customise.
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cups: Replace some of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.
Vanilla Strawberry Cheesecake: Add a little extra vanilla extract for a more pronounced vanilla flavour.
Raspberry Mousse Cheesecake: Use raspberry yogurt and fresh raspberries instead of strawberries.
Biscuit-Free Strawberry Mousse: Leave out the biscuit base for a simple strawberry yogurt mousse dessert.
Extra Fruity Cheesecake: Add a few extra diced strawberries to the mousse mixture before chilling.
Remember that changing the ingredients may affect the texture, nutritional values and setting time.
How to Store Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Cups
Refrigerating
Keep the cheesecake cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For the freshest presentation, add the strawberry and mint decorations just before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Freezing is not recommended because yogurt-based mousse containing gelatine may change texture after thawing.
For the best results, enjoy these cheesecakes freshly chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Without Cream Cheese?
Yes! This recipe uses strawberry yogurt and gelatine to create a creamy, mousse-like cheesecake dessert without traditional cream cheese.
It’s a lighter alternative to classic cheesecake.
Can I Make These Cheesecake Cups Without Baking?
The strawberry mousse filling doesn’t require baking.
However, the biscuit base in this recipe is baked briefly because it contains egg white.
For a completely no-bake version, you would need to use a different biscuit base that doesn’t contain raw egg.
How Long Does Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Take to Set?
Allow approximately 6–8 hours in the refrigerator.
The exact setting time depends on the size of your dessert glasses and the gelatine used.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture.
If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the mousse.
Can I Make This Dessert the Night Before?
Absolutely!
These strawberry mousse cheesecake cups are perfect for preparing the night before.
Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake a Good Make-Ahead Dessert?
Yes. Because the mousse needs several hours to set, this recipe is especially convenient for entertaining.
Prepare the cups in advance and decorate just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Mousse Cheesecake Cups are a wonderful way to enjoy a creamy, fruity dessert made with simple ingredients.
With their golden biscuit bases, delicate pink strawberry mousse and fresh strawberry toppings, they look beautiful and taste delicious.
They’re easy to prepare, ideal for making ahead and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, a special family dinner or simply fancy something sweet, this easy strawberry cheesecake recipe is definitely worth trying.
Creamy, fruity, refreshing and absolutely delicious! 🍓❤️