Name: Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Simple Mills vanilla crackers, crushed; 1/2 cup salted pretzels (gluten free if needed), crushed; 1 1/4 cup cottage cheese (2% low fat, Good Culture preferred); 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp arrowroot powder; 1 tbsp water; 1/4 tsp almond extract; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

If you’re craving a dessert that feels indulgent yet light, this Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Creamy, tangy, and topped with a luscious cherry compote all nestled on a crunchy pretzel crust—what’s not to love?

The image shows five small clear glass jars filled with layered desserts arranged on a wooden surface. Each jar has a bottom layer of white creamy yogurt or pudding, topped with a layer of deep red cherry sauce mixed with whole cherries. There is a sprinkle of light brown crushed crumbs on top of the sauce, and a dollop of white whipped cream beside the crumbs. Each jar is garnished with a whole dark red cherry with the stem attached. Surrounding the jars are a few fresh cherries and a shiny golden spoon. In the background, there is a white knitted cloth and some light tan thin breadsticks on the right side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of these jars—they’re perfectly portioned, fresh tasting, and the texture combo is spot on. Whether you’re making a quick treat after dinner or prepping for guests, these jars impress every time.

No-bake and fuss-free: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort—perfect for busy days.
Balanced flavors: Tangy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt blend beautifully with sweet cherries and salty pretzels.
Individual servings: Presented in jars, so no slicing or plating fuss. Great for parties or on-the-go snacking.
Customizable and wholesome: Use gluten-free pretzels or swap sweeteners easily to suit your preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, aim for quality ingredients that bring out layers of flavor. For example, choosing good-quality cottage cheese and fresh cherries makes all the difference. Also, grabbing a crunchy pretzel and a subtly sweet cracker keeps the crust balanced perfectly.

Flat lay of a small pile of crushed vanilla crackers, a handful of salted pretzels, a mound of fresh cottage cheese, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white bowl of deep red fresh cherries (pitted), a small white bowl of clear lemon juice, a small white bowl of white arrowroot powder, a whole vanilla bean, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Simple Mills vanilla crackers: Adds a gentle sweetness and sturdy texture to the crust without overpowering.
Salted pretzels: Brings a delightful salty crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling beautifully.
Cottage cheese (2% low fat): The creamy base with a slight tang; I love using Good Culture for its smooth texture.
Plain Greek yogurt: Enhances creaminess and adds protein, balancing richness with brightness.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Lends warm aromatics that elevate the cheesecake filling.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that harmonizes with both the filling and cherry topping.
Fresh or frozen cherries: The star fruit for that sweet-tart punch—frozen work fine if fresh aren’t available.
Lemon juice: Boosts brightness and helps balance the cherry’s sweetness.
Arrowroot powder: Thickens the cherry topping to that perfect luscious consistency. You can substitute cornstarch or tapioca flour if needed.
Almond extract: Adds a subtle, cozy note to the cherry topping that’s unexpected and wonderful.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re craving a bit more tartness or want to keep things fully gluten-free, there’s a way to tweak it to match your taste and dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Twist: I swap regular pretzels for gluten-free ones with great results—still crunchy, salty, and perfectly balanced with the sweet crust.
Seasonal Spin: While cherries are a star here, I love switching it up with fresh blueberries or raspberries when cherries aren’t in season for a vibrant flavor change.
Dairy-Free Version: For vegan or dairy-free needs, plant-based cottage cheese and Greek yogurt alternatives work nicely, though expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup adds a warm depth, but if you prefer, honey or agave nectar are seamless substitutes that keep it natural and delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe

A white saucepan with a gold handle contains a thick, dark red sauce with visible whole cherries. The sauce clings to the sides of the pan, staining it deep red, with a glossy and chunky texture in the center. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with light beige veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Perfect Sweet-Salty Crust

Start by crushing ½ cup of Simple Mills vanilla crackers and ½ cup of salted pretzels until you get fine, even crumbs. I usually pop them in a sealed bag and use a rolling pin—easy and mess-free! Mixing these crumbs well ensures each bite has that ideal blend of sweet and salty crunch. This crust forms the delicious base and adds a satisfying texture contrast to our creamy cheesecake layers.

Step 2: Whip Up the Silkiest Cheesecake Filling

In your blender or food processor, combine 1 ¼ cups cottage cheese, ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste for extra aroma), and ¼ cup maple syrup. Blend everything until perfectly smooth—no lumps here! This step takes just a couple of minutes, and the result is a light, tangy, and creamy filling that’s the heart of these cheesecake jars.

Step 3: Cook and Thicken the Cherry Topping

Next, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cherries soften and release their juices. Then, stir a slurry made from 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder mixed with 1 tablespoon water into the cherries. Keep cooking and stirring gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a luscious, jam-like consistency. Once off the heat, mix in ¼ teaspoon almond extract and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost, then let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cheesecake Jars

Time to build these beauties! Evenly divide the crushed crust mixture into six 4-ounce jars, pressing down gently to create a firm base layer. Then spoon the luscious cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar, smoothing the surfaces. Finally, top each jar with the thickened cherry mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the jars into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and the layers to set perfectly. When you’re ready, enjoy a refreshing, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s just the right balance of textures and flavors—a true crowd-pleaser in individual servings!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements in your Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe every time. Small tweaks can make a big difference!

Balancing the Crust: I always crush the vanilla crackers and pretzels finely but keep a bit of texture so the crust has a delightful crunch without being too gritty.
Smooth Filling Magic: Blending the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt thoroughly is key. I learned that using a good blender or food processor eliminates lumps and creates that luscious, silky texture.
Thickening Cherry Topping: When adding the arrowroot slurry, stir gently and keep an eye on the heat. Overcooking can make it too thick or gluey, so removing it right when it thickens to the perfect consistency makes a big difference.
Chill Time is Essential: Don’t skip the 30-minute refrigeration before serving—it gives the flavors time to meld and the layers a chance to set nicely, making each bite more satisfying.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe

The dessert is in a clear glass jar with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown crumbly texture like crushed cookies, the middle layer is thick white creamy filling, and the top layer is deep red cherry sauce with whole cherries on it. A woman's hand is lifting a spoonful from the jar, showing a mix of the white cream and red cherry sauce. The jar sits on a wooden surface with other jars blurred in the background and a single cherry nearby. The background is softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, top your jars with a few whole fresh cherries or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels to echo the salty-sweet crust. A small mint leaf or a dusting of cinnamon can also add a lovely fresh aroma and eye-catching detail.

Side Dishes

These jars shine as a standalone dessert, but if you want to serve alongside something else, fresh fruit salads, light lemon bars, or a simple green tea make for refreshing companions without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cheesecake jars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars in the refrigerator covered tightly with lids or plastic wrap. They keep best for up to 2 days to maintain their fresh, creamy texture and vibrant cherry topping.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for these jars due to the creamy cottage cheese and yogurt base, you can freeze the cherry topping separately in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating gently and serving.

Reheating

Because this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, it’s best served cold. Avoid reheating. If you’ve frozen the cherry topping, gently warm it on the stovetop before spooning over the chilled cheesecake layers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking to get the best texture and flavor in your cherry topping.

Is there a substitute for arrowroot powder in the cherry topping?

Yes, you can use cornstarch or tapioca flour as alternatives to arrowroot powder for thickening the cherry topping. Use the same quantity for either substitute.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular ones. The Simple Mills vanilla crackers are generally gluten-free, but double-check your package to be sure.

Can I prepare these jars ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the jars and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining with minimal day-of effort.

Final Thoughts

The Cottage Cheese Cherry Cheesecake Jars Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels indulgent without being heavy, blending creamy cottage cheese with a bright, fruity cherry topping and a satisfyingly salty-sweet crust. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a charming dish for guests, it’s simple to make yet impressive to serve. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen and table as it has to mine—enjoy every delicious, spoonful!