A system and method for partitioned snapshot creation of caches in a distributed data grid is provided. The system and method enables a snapshot to be created in a running system without quiescing a cache service. Moreover for each particular partition, execution of read/write requests are not blocked during the period that a snapshot creation task is being performed for the particular partition. The cache service thread continues to execute read requests for all partitions with write requests for the partition under snapshot experiencing delayed response. The system and method reduces the period of time for which partitions are unavailable during a snapshot process and increases the availability of cache services provided by a distributed data grid compared to prior snapshot systems.