The Story & Intro
Hi 👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember the first time I created these Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups. It was a warm spring afternoon, and I wanted a dessert that felt indulgent but didn’t heat up the kitchen. Strawberries were in season, vibrant and fragrant, and I imagined them layered in creamy, sweet goodness. These dessert cups quickly became a staple in my home. Their bright red layers, silky filling, and crumbly gluten free base make every bite feel like a celebration.
Every time I make these cups, I think about how simple recipes can bring women and families together. A little dessert shared at the table sparks conversation, laughter, and sometimes, sticky little fingers dipping in for an extra bite. These Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups are proof that no-bake desserts can be both stunning and full of love.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love making these dessert cups because they’re effortless yet impressive. I don’t have to turn on the oven, which is a huge bonus during warm months. The layers of gluten free cookie crumbs, sweet strawberry puree, and creamy filling are visually stunning and taste divine.
It’s also flexible. I can make a batch for a dinner party, for the kids’ school treats, or just for a cozy afternoon at home. Each cup feels personal because I assemble them with care, adding a little extra strawberry slice on top for that final touch. The process reminds me that cooking isn’t just about following steps—it’s about infusing joy and warmth into every layer.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
For the base:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free graham cracker crumbs or gluten free digestive biscuits, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
For the strawberry layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the creamy filling:
- 1 cup dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Little Kitchen Secrets:
I like to chill the cups slightly before layering the strawberries. This helps the layers stay distinct. I also mash a few strawberries lightly to release juices—it creates a naturally sweet syrup that seeps beautifully into the creamy layer.
For the crumb base, I toast the crumbs lightly in a pan with coconut oil—it enhances the flavor and gives a gentle crunch.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Start by preparing the base. Mix crushed gluten free biscuits with melted coconut oil and maple syrup until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of individual serving cups. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to set.
- Prepare the strawberry layer by tossing sliced strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to macerate.
- While the strawberries macerate, whip together the dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream, coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer half of the creamy filling over the chilled base in each cup. Smooth with a spoon or spatula.
- Add a layer of strawberries on top of the cream. Press gently to cover the cream evenly.
- Top with remaining cream and finish with a few fresh strawberry slices for decoration.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.
How I Serve It at Home
I serve these dessert cups in clear glasses so everyone can admire the layers. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, casual family dinners, or spring and summer gatherings. I sometimes add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a mint leaf on top for a pop of color and texture.
Kids love them because they can grab their own cup, and adults love them because they feel indulgent without being overly sweet. They’re light, refreshing, and just the right size for a sweet treat.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
These dessert cups are best served chilled. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap or a lid.
The base may soften slightly if stored for more than a day, but the flavors intensify beautifully. Do not freeze; the strawberries release water when thawed, which can make the layers watery.
If you want to make them a few hours ahead, keep the cream layer separate and assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation.
100-Word Short Version
These Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups are light, refreshing, and easy to make. A crunchy gluten free base supports layers of creamy dairy-free filling and sweet, macerated strawberries. I love how they look in clear glasses perfect for spring and summer gatherings, family dinners, or casual treats. They require no baking, are simple to assemble, and feel indulgent without heaviness. Chilling the cups enhances the flavor and texture. These dessert cups are a celebration in every bite, showing that gluten free, no-bake desserts can be stunning, flavorful, and full of love.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
1 1/2 cups gluten free graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits, crushed
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream
1/2 cup coconut cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix crushed biscuits, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Press into serving cups. Chill 10–15 minutes.
- Toss strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice; set aside 10 minutes.
- Whip cream cheese, coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer half of cream over chilled base in each cup.
- Add strawberries on top of cream.
- Top with remaining cream and decorate with fresh strawberries.
- Chill 1 hour before serving.
📝 Notes
Chill cups before layering to keep layers distinct.
Can be made 24 hours in advance.
Do not freeze; strawberries release water when thawed.
Add pistachios or mint for garnish.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 0mg
Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: B
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups feature a crunchy gluten free base, creamy dairy-free filling, and sweet macerated strawberries. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, family dinners, or casual treats, they are simple, elegant, and full of love.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix crushed biscuits, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Press into serving cups. Chill 10–15 minutes.
- Toss strawberries with maple syrup and lemon juice; set aside 10 minutes.
- Whip cream cheese, coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer half of cream over chilled base in each cup.
- Add strawberries on top of cream.
- Top with remaining cream and decorate with fresh strawberries.
- Chill 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Chill cups before layering to keep layers distinct. Can be made 24 hours in advance. Do not freeze; strawberries release water when thawed. Add pistachios or mint for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion
Every time I make these Gluten Free Strawberry No-Bake Dessert Cups, I’m reminded that desserts don’t have to be complicated to feel special. These cups bring women and families together over sweet, colorful bites and create moments worth remembering. They are effortless, elegant, and full of love a dessert you can enjoy making as much as eating.