Are you looking for the best no bake cheesecake recipe? This is an easy, creamy recipe that’s quick to pull together!
I enjoy my baking recipes… But especially as the days get hotter, I enjoy my no-baking recipes even more!
This easy cheesecake recipe comes together in a snap. My family goes crazy for it! I love garnishing with extra whipped cream and fresh berries. Not only pretty, but also very appropriate for a patriotic summer party – think Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day…
You could also garnish with just strawberries for Valentine’s Day, or with shaved chocolate for that cheesecake craving on a random Tuesday 😉 Any way you serve this, it’s sure to be a total hit!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Graham crackers: Feel free to use a different cookie for the base. Vanilla Wafers or Chocolate Digestives are also delicious!
- Cream: If you’d rather use whipped topping, feel free to skip the heavy whipping cream, icing sugar, cornstarch and vanilla extract. Instead, use one 12-oz container frozen whipped topping (thawed).
- Sour cream: Can substitute plain yogurt if you prefer.
Step by step photos
1) Add ingredients for crust to a bowl and 2) combine well. 3) Press into lined pan.
4) Beat cream cheese for filling, then 5) add cornstarch, icing sugar, vanilla and heavy cream.
6) Beat until fluffy, then 7) fold in sour cream and spread on crust. Chill well.
I like to garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries and more whipped cream – such a neat look!
Recipe tips
- Cheesecake base: The base may seem too dry/crumbly, but if you press it firmly into the pan, it will set well in the fridge.
- Cream: It’s important to use heavy whipping cream. Make sure the carton says “heavy whipping cream”! Also, chill it very well right up to using it; otherwise it will not whip.
- Beating the filling: The filling needs to be beaten well on high speed, around 3-4 minutes. If you don’t beat it enough, you’ll be eating a brick of plain cream cheese mixed with runny cream. Use a spoon to scrape a little filling out of the bowl to test – it should sound and look whipped and lightly fluffy.
- Cornstarch? Weirded out by that ingredient in the filling? Don’t worry, the filling will NOT come out chalky because of it. Instead, it helps to stabilize the whipped cream, yielding a cheesecake that holds up and slices better. You can absolutely not taste it in the finished cheesecake!
Storage tips
Keep the cheesecake refrigerated at all times. It will “melt” a little if it gets too warm. Keep the cheesecake for no longer than 2 days in the fridge.You can also freeze any leftovers well wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and eat immediately once it’s defrosted. Do not keep, do not re-freeze.
More no bake desserts
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Easy No Bake Cheesecake
Recipe details
Ingredients
Cheesecake base
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs around 14 full sheets
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter melted
Cheesecake filling
- 3 (8-oz) blocks full fat cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream well chilled
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream OR Greek yogurt
Garnish
- whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
- Prep: Line the bottom of a 7-8 inch springform pan with baking parchment.
- Base: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter well in a mixing bowl. Add to the prepared pan and press into the bottom and a little up the sides (press firmly, or the base will not hold together). Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add heavy whipping cream, icing sugar, cornstarch and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until thick and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add sour cream (or yogurt); carefully fold in.
- Finish: Spread filling evenly in prepared crust. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, better overnight. To finish, carefully remove the outer ring of the pan (run a hot knife along the side if it's stuck). Garnish as you like and serve chilled.
Notes
Tips
- the base may seem too crumbly, but press it well into the pan and it will set in the fridge
- it’s important to use heavy whipping cream. Make sure the carton says “heavy whipping cream”! Also, chill it very well right up to using it; otherwise it will not whip.
- beat the filling until it’s thick and fluffy, otherwise the cheesecake won’t be as airy as it should be
- Cornstarch? Weirded out by that ingredient in the filling? Don’t worry, the filling will NOT come out chalky because of it. Instead, it helps to stabilize the whipped cream, yielding a cheesecake that holds up and slices better. You can absolutely not taste it in the finished cheesecake!
Ingredient substitutions
- Graham crackers: Feel free to use a different cookie for the base. Vanilla Wafers or Chocolate Digestives are also delicious!
- Cream: If you’d rather use whipped topping, feel free to skip the heavy whipping cream, icing sugar, cornstarch and vanilla extract. Instead, use one 12-oz container frozen whipped topping (thawed).
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