King Arthur Cheesecake in a Jar: A Perfectly Portable Delight

I remember one sweltering summer afternoon when my grandmother decided we were going to bake a cheesecake. The humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife, and the thought of a traditional oven bake felt daunting. Instead, she pulled out her trusty slow cooker, a method I initially scoffed at. Yet, as the aroma of creamy vanilla filled the air and we later savored those perfectly portioned cheesecakes in jars, I was converted. The slow cooker method creates the most unbelievably moist and tender cheesecake. Years later, this King Arthur recipe brought that memory flooding back, proving some traditions are worth revisiting, especially when they’re this easy and delicious.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling)
• Servings: 7
• Yields: 1/2 pints
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy, eggs)

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Filling:

• 2 lbs cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup cream, half & half or 3/4 cup whole milk

Equipment Needed

• 7 (1/2 pint) canning jars, such as Mason jars
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• 7- to 8-quart slow cooker

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
2. Portion the crust: Place 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each of the seven 1/2-pint canning jars.
3. Press the crust: Gently press the crumb mixture down in each jar to form a compact crust. Set the jars aside.
4. Soften the cream cheese: Place the softened cream cheese into the bowl of your mixer.
5. Aerate the cream cheese: Beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2 minutes, to aerate it and remove any lumps. Be sure to scrape down the bowl at least twice during this process.
6. Add dry ingredients: Stop the mixer, scrape the bowl, and add the sugar and cornstarch.
7. Combine dry ingredients: Beat on medium speed for 2 more minutes, ensuring the sugar and cornstarch are fully incorporated.
8. Incorporate wet ingredients: Stop the mixer again, scrape down the bowl, and add the vanilla, eggs, and cream (or milk).
9. Mix the batter: Beat the mixture for 2 more minutes on low speed until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing to prevent incorporating too much air.
10. Prepare the slow cooker: Set up your 7- to 8-quart slow cooker for baking.
11. Fill the jars: Place the crust-filled jars into the slow cooker pot. Carefully fill each jar 3/4 full of cheesecake batter, taking care not to drip any batter down the outsides of the jars. Clean any drips with a damp cloth.
12. Cover loosely: Place a canning lid lightly on each jar. This helps prevent condensation from dripping into the cheesecakes while they cook.
13. Add water to the slow cooker: Carefully pour warm water into the slow cooker around the jars. The water level should come about 3/4 of the way up the sides of the jars.
14. Remove lids: When you’re done pouring in the water, remove the jar lids and set them aside. You won’t need them again until the cheesecakes are cooled.
15. Cook the cheesecakes: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours. All slow cookers vary in their cooking intensity, so the cooking time may differ.
16. Check for doneness: The cheesecakes are done when the centers are no longer jiggly or wobbly. A knife inserted into the cake about 1/2″ from the edge should come out clean.
17. Cool slightly: Turn off the slow cooker and allow the cheesecakes to rest inside for about 20 minutes to cool slightly before handling. This gradual cooling prevents cracking.
18. Cool completely: Remove the jars from the slow cooker and place them on the counter to cool for another hour.
19. Seal and chill: After the hour of counter cooling, seal the jars with their lids. Place the cheesecakes in the fridge to chill for several hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly.
20. Serve and enjoy: To serve, simply open a jar, top with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, chocolate chips, hot fudge, or whipped cream, and dive in with a long-handled spoon. These are very rich cakes, so one jar can easily feed two people. Leftovers can be refrigerated for serving later.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter and prevents curdling.
• Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecakes to puff up and then collapse.
• Water Bath Alternative: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake these in a water bath in the oven. Place the jars in a baking pan, fill the pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the jars, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until set.
• Preventing Cracks: The slow cooker’s gentle heat helps prevent cracks. Allowing the cheesecakes to cool gradually also minimizes cracking. If any cracks do appear, simply cover them with your favorite toppings.
• Flavor Infusion: Get creative by infusing the cream or milk with citrus zest, coffee beans, or spices before adding it to the batter.
• Graham Cracker Crust Alternative: You can use other types of cookie crumbs for the crust, such as chocolate wafers, gingersnaps, or shortbread.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cheesecakes chilled, straight from the jar, for a rustic and charming presentation. Top them with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.

These cheesecakes will stay fresh in their jars in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. They are best enjoyed cold; reheating is not recommended.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	802.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	494 g	62%
Total Fat	54.9 g	84%
Saturated Fat	30.6 g	153%
Cholesterol	224.4 mg	74%
Sodium	504 mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	69.1 g	23%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	57.5 g	229%
Protein	10.9 g	21%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or other gluten-free cookies for the crust.
• Dairy-Free: While this recipe relies heavily on dairy, experimenting with vegan cream cheese alternatives and coconut cream might yield interesting results, though texture and taste may differ.
• Flavored Cheesecakes: Add a tablespoon or two of lemon zest, cocoa powder, or peanut butter to the batter for a flavored cheesecake.
• Swirls: Swirl in fruit preserves, melted chocolate, or caramel sauce after filling the jars for a marbled effect.
• Seasonal Adaptations: Use seasonal fruits like peaches in the summer, cranberries in the fall, or blood oranges in the winter.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different size jar?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and filling amount accordingly. Keep an eye on the cheesecakes to ensure they are cooked through without overbaking.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, these are best made a day in advance to allow them to chill and set properly.

Q: My cheesecakes cracked. What did I do wrong?
A: Cracking can happen if the cheesecakes are exposed to sudden temperature changes. Allowing them to cool gradually in the slow cooker helps prevent this.

Q: Can I freeze these cheesecakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A: You can bake these in a water bath in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until set.

Final Thoughts

These King Arthur Cheesecake Jars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience, perfect for picnics, parties, or simply a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature version. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations. And don’t forget to pair these with a strong cup of coffee or a dessert wine for the ultimate indulgence. Happy baking!