Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups

Name: Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup champagne; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp champagne; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp sugar

Highlighted under: Sweet Craft

I absolutely love making Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups for special occasions. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and the effervescence of champagne makes for an indulgent yet light dessert. Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and flavors, set against a buttery graham cracker crust. These little cups are not only beautiful to present but also incredibly easy to make, allowing me to enjoy the party as much as my guests do. It's a dessert that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:58:12.273Z

When experimenting with desserts, I wanted to elevate a classic cheesecake by incorporating champagne. The bubbles add a unique flair, and the strawberries create a fresh, vibrant flavor that beautifully contrasts the richness of the cheesecake base. This combination has become a personal favorite at gatherings, and I love how each layer can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together.

One of my favorite tips for these cups is to let the cheesecakes chill overnight if possible. This extra time allows the flavors to develop fully and enhances the creaminess, resulting in a dessert that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to prepare. A touch of whipped cream on top adds the final, delightful flourish!

        Why You'll Love These Cups
        Decadent cheesecake combined with a festive champagne twist
Beautiful presentation in individual servings
Fresh strawberries add a vibrant pop of color and flavor

      

The Importance of Chilled Ingredients

Using chilled ingredients, especially cream cheese, is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. When cream cheese is softened but still cool, it can blend seamlessly with the powdered sugar and heavy cream, resulting in a luscious texture without lumps. If the cream cheese is too warm, it can become oily and difficult to incorporate with the other ingredients. Aim to let it sit out for about 30 minutes at room temperature before mixing, while keeping the other ingredients, like heavy cream and champagne, refrigerated until you're ready to use them.

In addition to cream cheese, chilling your mixing bowl can further enhance the texture of the whipped cream. I often place my mixing bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes before I start whipping the cream. A colder bowl helps the cream whip up quicker and increases volume, resulting in a light and airy cheesecake filling that contrasts beautifully with the dense graham cracker crust.

Mastering the Crust

For the graham cracker crust, ensuring the right texture is key for a perfect base. The crumbs should be finely ground, resembling sand; this not only helps them hold together better but also creates a smoother mouthfeel. If you don’t own a food processor, you can place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine. Additionally, the ratio of butter to crumbs is essential; too little butter will result in a crumbly crust, while too much can make it overly greasy. A good rule of thumb is a 1:4 ratio of butter to crumbs.

After pressing the crust mixture into the cups, bake it at 350°F for about 7-8 minutes until it’s set and begins to turn golden. This not only adds a rich, toasty flavor but sets the crust firmly so it can uphold the cheesecake filling. Once baked, let it cool completely at room temperature before adding the filling; this prevents condensation that could make the crust soggy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups:

For the Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup champagne
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp champagne

For the Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp sugar

Enjoy your ingredients fresh, and be sure to incorporate the champagne in both the filling and the strawberries for a truly delightful experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delightful cheesecake cups:

Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of small cups or dessert glasses to form the crust.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, champagne, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well-combined.

Assemble the Cups

Spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and champagne. Set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the strawberries to macerate.

Serve

Once the cheesecake has set, top each cup with the macerated strawberries and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups!

For best results, remember to chill the prepared cups to enhance the flavors before serving!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider using different fruits in place of strawberries, or try flavored champagne for a unique variation.

Make-Ahead Tips

These Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cups can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for parties. After assembling the cups, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the strawberry topping separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the strawberries from becoming mushy. When stored correctly, the cheesecake filling retains its creamy texture and rich flavor, allowing you to prepare in advance and enjoy the festivities.

If you're looking to save time on the day of the event, consider preparing the graham cracker crust a day earlier. Simply store it in an airtight container after it has cooled completely. This step can save you valuable minutes and ensures the crust is ready to go when you make the filling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an extra touch, garnish each cup with a sprig of mint or a light dusting of confectioners' sugar right before serving. This not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds a freshness that complements the strawberries and creamy cheesecake. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of indulgence.

If you want to switch things up, try incorporating different fruits like raspberries or blueberries into the topping for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a splash of orange liqueur can be added to the champagne for a unique twist. Experimenting with these variations can keep the recipe exciting for multiple occasions or tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-alcoholic champagne?

Yes! Non-alcoholic champagne or sparkling cider can be used as a substitute.

→ How long do these cheesecake cups last in the fridge?

They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but are best enjoyed within 1-2 days.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance and assemble the cups right before serving.

→ What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can use any cookie crumbs, such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, as an alternative for the crust.