Description
This no-bake cheesecake is a creamy, luscious dessert that’s incredibly easy to make without an oven. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy cream cheese filling, it’s perfect for warm days or when you want a quick yet elegant sweet treat. Customize the topping with fresh berries, fruit compote, or whipped cream for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
For the Topping (optional):
- Fresh berries
- Fruit compote
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the cream cheese and continue beating until fully combined and fluffy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Fold Cream into Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches, using a spatula to blend until the mixture is smooth, light, and airy without deflating the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Chill to Set: Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and achieve the perfect texture.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and top with your choice of fresh berries, fruit compote, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream. Slice and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For a flavored variation, incorporate fruit purée, cocoa powder, or crushed cookies into the filling before folding in the whipped cream.
- The cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t skip chilling time to achieve the proper texture and firmness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
