Have you ever had an appetizer that makes you stop mid-bite and say, “Wait…what is this magic?” That’s exactly what happened the first time I made this Pear Cheesecake with Prosciutto. It’s creamy, buttery, sweet, salty, and just the right amount of fancy. And let me tell you something – this isn’t just a pretty dish. It tastes like something you’d find on the menu of your favorite wine bar.

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Round white plate with the no-bake cheesecake with pear and prosciutto on top

This recipe is easy enough to whip up on a whim but elegant enough to serve at your next gathering. It’s basically the lovechild of a cheese board and a no-bake cheesecake. If that doesn’t pique your curiosity (and appetite), just wait until you try the combo of cream cheese, ripe pear, and prosciutto. Seriously – this appetizer is unforgettable.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it, share my best tips for serving, and explain why this recipe is quickly becoming one of my go-to’s for entertaining. By the end, you’ll be ready to make your own mini pear cheesecakes and wow your guests – or just yourself. 😉

Why You’ll Love This Pear Cheesecake with Prosciutto

No-bake and stress-free – no oven required, and it’s ready in under an hour.
Make-ahead magic – prep it in advance and simply garnish before serving.
Sweet and salty flavor explosion – pear, cream cheese, and prosciutto play so beautifully together.
Perfectly portioned – it’s made in a 6” mold, ideal for a small gathering or intimate dinner party.
Sophisticated but simple – easy ingredients, elevated flavors.

A Little Backstory (Because Food Is Always Personal)

Let me paint the scene for you.

Last spring, I hosted a few friends for a patio picnic. The weather was just right, the wine was chilled, and I was determined to serve something beyond the usual charcuterie board. I had some pears that were begging to be used and a leftover block of cream cheese in the fridge. I remembered a whipped goat cheese and fruit tart I once saw in a magazine, and that sparked the idea: what if I made a cheesecake-style appetizer with pear and prosciutto?

I played around with the concept, and what came out of it was this dreamy little dish: buttery Ritz cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese with a touch of honey, juicy D’Anjou pear, and delicate torn slices of prosciutto draped on top. A little lime zest sealed the deal.

That day, my friends didn’t just like it – they raved about it. One even asked for the recipe before the last bite. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. The list is short, but every component brings something special to the table:

Cream cheese: the creamy, tangy base that holds everything together.
Plain Greek yogurt: adds a touch of brightness and keeps the texture light.
D’Anjou pear: sweet, juicy, and perfect for pairing with salty flavors.
Honey: a little drizzle adds subtle sweetness.
Lime zest: provides a fresh pop that brightens up the whole dish.
Ritz crackers: buttery and crisp – perfect for a quick and flavorful crust.
Butter: because every crust needs a little fat to bring it to life.
Prosciutto: salty, silky, and the ultimate contrast to the creamy filling.

This combination creates a bite that’s just as pleasing in texture as it is in taste. Smooth, crunchy, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once.

How to Make Pear Cheesecake with Prosciutto

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This is a no-bake appetizer, which means no oven, no fuss. You’ll just need a food processor or blender, a mixing bowl, and a 6” mold or ring to form the cheesecake. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Crust
Add Ritz crackers to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add in the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 6” mold, smoothing it out evenly. Let it chill in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prep the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey, and lime zest until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the diced pear gently, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Assemble the Cheesecake
Spoon the cream cheese and pear mixture onto the chilled crust. Smooth out the top and place it back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
Garnish & Serve
When you’re ready to serve, gently remove the mold. Tear the prosciutto into soft ribbons and drape them over the top. Finish with a touch more honey and a pinch of fresh lime zest for extra sparkle.

Tips for Success

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing – it will blend much more easily and give you that velvety texture.
Use a ripe but firm pear so it doesn’t turn mushy in the filling.
Chill it well! The cheesecake needs at least 30 minutes to firm up properly, but you can absolutely make it a few hours (or even a day) ahead.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want an herby twist – it pairs beautifully with pear and prosciutto.
Serve with small crackers or crostini if you’re going the shared-appetizer route!

Serving Suggestions

This appetizer is perfect for:

A wine and cheese night
Holiday entertaining
Bridal or baby showers
Mother’s Day brunch
Or honestly… Tuesday.

Pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine to bring out the pear’s sweetness and balance the saltiness of the prosciutto. Add some marcona almonds or fig jam on the side for a complete, elevated experience.

Variations You’ll Want to Try

Swap the pear for fresh figs or thinly sliced apple.
Use whipped goat cheese or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a different vibe.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of honey for a richer, tangy flavor.
Make individual mini versions in muffin tins for bite-sized party apps!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than this Pear Cheesecake with Prosciutto. It’s sweet, savory, creamy, and full of flavor contrast in every bite. Plus, it’s shockingly easy to make.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, this little showstopper is worth a spot in your recipe rotation. I hope you give it a try – and when you do, I’d love to hear what you think.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it, share it, or leave a comment below. Your feedback always makes my day – and helps others find their new favorite appetizer too!