Description
This Easy No-Bake Cheesecake recipe is a creamy, luscious dessert that requires no oven time. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, whipped cream cheese filling, it’s perfect for warm days or when you want a quick and impressive treat. Topped with fresh fruit and optional drizzles of chocolate or caramel, it’s sure to delight at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Topping
- Fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, etc.)
- Chocolate sauce (optional)
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
- Pie filling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand, ensuring the butter coats the crumbs evenly.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a solid base. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling to help it set.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a silky texture.
- Flavor the Filling: Add the vanilla extract and optional lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the flavors evenly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the cheesecake a light and airy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, taking care to maintain the airiness for a fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust in the springform pan, smoothing out the top.
- Chill: Cover the assembled cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan once set. Decorate with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or drizzle with caramel sauce as desired for added taste and presentation.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing and delicious dessert.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Cold heavy cream whips better when the bowl and beaters are chilled.
- You can customize toppings to your preference with various fruits, sauces, or pie fillings.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Optional lemon juice adds brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal; alternatively, line a regular pan with parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
