By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 20, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 128 votes.
Creamy, vibrant, and irresistibly pretty, No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars are the kind of dessert that stops the scroll and steals the show. With layers of silky vanilla cream, bright raspberry compote, and tender cookie crumbs, this no-oven treat is easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
What It Is
No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars are chilled layered desserts served in small glasses or jars. They combine a smooth vanilla cream base with a lightly sweetened raspberry layer and a soft crumb for texture.
Why It Works
The contrast is everything. Tangy raspberries balance the creamy vanilla layer, while the crumbs add structure so every spoonful feels complete. Because it is no-bake, flavors stay fresh and bright.
When To Make It
This recipe shines in spring and summer, but it is also perfect for holidays, baby showers, brunch tables, or make-ahead dinners when oven space is limited.
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No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 6 jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars are creamy, bright, and beautifully layered with vanilla yogurt cheesecake-style cream, quick raspberry compote, and cookie crumbs. Zero baking, big wow factor, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining or a quick family-friendly treat.
Ingredients
Raspberries, fresh or frozen: 2 cups (250 g)
Honey or maple syrup, for berries: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
Cornstarch (optional, for thicker compote): 1 tsp (3 g)
Water (only if using cornstarch): 1 tbsp (15 ml)
Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz (225 g)
Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla: 1 cup (240 g)
Honey or maple syrup, for cream: 3 tbsp (45 ml)
Vanilla extract: 2 tsp (10 ml)
Fine salt: 1 pinch
Graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs: 1 cup (120 g)
Butter, melted (optional): 1 tbsp (15 g)
Fresh raspberries and mint (optional): as needed
Instructions
1. Make the raspberry layer: Add raspberries, 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring gently, until berries break down and the mixture looks glossy.
2. Optional thickener: If you want a firmer compote, stir cornstarch with water, then whisk into the berries. Simmer 30 to 60 seconds until lightly thickened.
3. Cool completely: Transfer compote to a bowl and cool to room temperature, then chill for 15 to 20 minutes so layers stay clean.
4. Make the vanilla cream: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until completely smooth. Add Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and lump-free.
5. Prep crumbs: Crush graham crackers or vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter if you want a richer, more cohesive crumb layer.
6. Assemble jars: In 6 small jars (about 6 to 8 oz each), add 2 tbsp crumbs, then 3 tbsp vanilla cream, then 2 tbsp raspberry compote. Repeat once more, finishing with raspberry on top.
7. Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) until set.
8. Serve: Top with fresh raspberries or mint right before serving. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
Sweetness tip: Taste your berries first. Very tart raspberries may need an extra 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) sweetener.
Clean layers: Always cool the raspberry compote fully before assembling so the vanilla layer stays bright and defined.
No saucepan option: You can mash fresh raspberries with sweetener and lemon for a quick raw layer, but it will be looser and less jammy.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cookies or certified gluten-free grahams for the crumb layer.
Dairy-free: Swap in dairy-free cream cheese and thick coconut yogurt.
Make-ahead: Best within 24 hours for the cleanest layers, but keeps well up to 4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Why You’ll Love It
- No baking required at all
- Make-ahead friendly and stress free
- Beautiful layered presentation
- Family friendly and customizable
- Light, creamy, and not overly sweet
Key Ingredients & Notes
Raspberries
Fresh raspberries give the brightest flavor, but frozen work beautifully too. Frozen berries release more juice, which actually helps create a silky compote. According to Healthline, raspberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them a smart dessert choice when you want something lighter.
Greek Yogurt
Use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for thickness and protein. Full-fat creates the creamiest texture, but low-fat also works well.
Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese adds structure and richness. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with no lumps.
Sweetener
Honey or maple syrup both work. Honey gives floral notes, while maple syrup adds warmth. Adjust sweetness depending on how tart your berries are.
Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract is essential here. It rounds out the cream layer and makes the dessert taste bakery worthy. King Arthur Baking notes that high quality vanilla dramatically improves no-bake desserts.
Cookie Crumbs
Graham crackers or vanilla wafers are classic. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free cookies or oat-based crumbs.
Lemon Juice
Just a small splash brightens the raspberry layer and prevents it from tasting flat.
How to Make No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars
Step 1. Make the Raspberry Layer
In a small saucepan, add 2 cups raspberries (250 g), 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30 ml), and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml).
Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring gently, until berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2. Prepare the Vanilla Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces cream cheese (225 g) until smooth.
Add 1 cup Greek yogurt (240 g), 1 third cup honey or maple syrup (80 ml), and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml).
Mix until creamy and fully combined.
Step 3. Make the Crumb Layer
Crush 1 cup graham crackers or vanilla cookies (120 g) into fine crumbs.
For a richer base, stir in 1 tablespoon melted butter (15 ml), optional.
Step 4. Assemble the Jars
In each jar or glass, layer
- 2 tablespoons crumbs
- 3 tablespoons vanilla cream
- 2 tablespoons raspberry compote
Repeat layers once more, finishing with raspberry on top.
Step 5. Chill
Cover jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always cool the raspberry layer completely before assembling to keep layers clean.
- Use clear jars for maximum visual impact.
- Taste berries before sweetening since some batches are more tart.
- Beat cream cheese thoroughly to avoid grainy texture.
- Chill longer for firmer layers if serving at an event.
- Add fresh raspberries on top right before serving for color.
- Use a piping bag for ultra neat cream layers.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Lower Sugar: Sweeten with monk fruit or stevia blend to taste.
- Berry Swap: Strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries all work.
- Protein Boost: Stir vanilla protein powder into the yogurt layer.
- Crunchy Layer: Add chopped nuts or granola instead of cookies.
If you love layered no-bake treats, you may also enjoy No-Bake Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Cups or Strawberry Protein Yogurt Bark (3 Ingredients!), both perfect companions for this dessert spread.
Serving & Storage
Serving
Serve straight from the fridge. Garnish with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, or white chocolate shavings for a bakery-style finish.
Refrigeration
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze without the crumb layer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add crumbs before serving.
Reheating
No reheating required. Serve chilled only.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Raspberry Vanilla Dessert Jars prove that easy desserts can still feel elegant and special. With creamy layers, bright fruit, and zero baking, this recipe belongs in your go-to dessert rotation. If you love simple sweets, pair these with 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies (No Sugar Added) or Healthy Apple Crisp Cups (Simple & Cozy) for a stunning dessert table.
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FAQs
Can I make these dessert jars ahead of time?
Yes, they are ideal for making ahead. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance for best texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw first. Just cook a minute or two longer to reduce excess liquid.
Are these dessert jars healthy?
They are lighter than traditional desserts thanks to Greek yogurt and fruit. For more nutrition insights, BBC Good Food highlights yogurt-based desserts as balanced sweet options.
How do I keep the layers clean?
Use a spoon or piping bag and wipe the jar edges between layers if needed.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, this is a great no-bake recipe for kids since there is no oven and minimal stove time.
