Our favorite no-bake cheesecake recipe requires just minutes of prep and just a handful of simple ingredients!
A rich and decadent cheesecake filling is tucked into a buttery graham cracker crust and refrigerated. It’s super creamy, sweet & tangy.
A perfect go-to dessert for any occasion or holiday. No oven is required!
Why I Love This No-Bake Cheesecake
A rich dense baked cheesecake with blueberry sauce is my absolute favorite dessert but I’ll happily eat any form of cheesecake. I do love the simplicity of a no-bake dessert like this one.
- This easy no bake cheesecake recipe is rich and decadent.
- It has all of the flavors of a classic cheesecake recipe with no baking, no water bath, and no worries about cracking!
- I love it in a homemade graham cracker crust (also no bake!) but a store-bought crust can be used.
- Prep ahead for holidays and parties since it needs to be chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight!
- It can be prepared and frozen. Once thawed it tastes just as good as the day it was made.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling – I find full fat Philadelphia cream cheese sets up the best for a rich creamy texture. Depending on the brand, light or low-fat versions don’t seem to set as well.
Heavy whipping cream is decadent and rich and when folded into the cream cheese, it creates the perfect consistency. I prefer heavy whipping cream but in a pinch, cool whip or whipped topping can be used. A splash of vanilla extract and some powdered sugar add sweetness and flavor (but you can add other extracts if you’d like).
Graham Cracker Crust – A graham cracker crust is easy to make. With just 3 ingredients, no baking is required.
Worth the Effort!
Making a homemade crust is worth the effort. It takes less than 5 minutes and it’s thicker than a store-bought crust and holds up better. I find store-bought crusts can be too thin and crack when served.
You can swap out the graham crackers for another cookie in the crust if you’d like.
Toppings for Cheesecake
Top this simple cheesecake with your favorite sauce like cherry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or even chocolate sauce. Or keep it light and top with fresh fruit like raspberries or blackberries.
How to Make No-Bake Cheesecake
No-bake cheesecake is crazy easy to make in just a few simple steps!
- Prep Crust: The ingredients together and press them into a pie plate or springform pan per the recipe below.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla.
- Fill & Chill: Make whipped cream and fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Spread filling in graham cracker crust, cover. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Feeling Fancy?
Scrape the seeds out of a fresh vanilla bean and add to the cream cheese mixture for a French Vanilla style look.
Kitchen Tips
No-bake cheesecake is a cinch to make, but a few tips will ensure a perfect result every time!
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- The heavy whipping cream should be very cold for the best results. Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form ensures that the cheesecake will set properly.
- When combining the cream cheese and the whipped cream, over folding.
- Do not use low-fat dairy in this recipe.
- We add vanilla extract. Other extracts or a tablespoon or so of lemon juice can be added.
More Cheesecake Favorites
Did you love this No-Bake Cheesecake? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs*
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, graham crumbs, and sugar in a bowl with a fork until well combined.
- Press into the bottom and 1 ½ inch up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or an 8-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while you make the filling.
- Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until combined. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream on low until for 1 minute. Add cornstarch and turn mixer onto high and beat an additional 3-4 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cheesecake filling into prepared crust and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Cheesecake adapted from Strawberry Cheesecake Pie (No Bake)
Best cheesecake recipe ever…it’s easy to make, uncomplicated directions, super delicious with basic ingredients. The perfect combination anyone can make it. I didn’t do a water bath and baked it at 350 for the full 45-50 minutes and had one short and shallow crack, no big deal and not saying it wouldn’t have happened anyway. Just remember to use a tray under your springform pan to prevent an oven mess as if your pan doesn’t seal perfectly, you may have a little oil from the graham butter crumb crust weep through. No big deal.
I am so happy to hear you loved this recipe Deana! Thank you for your tips.
Let me start with the fact that people have different taste, right?
For me, personally, its below average. The consistency is off and its way too sweet.
The filling reminds me more of, like, a mousse than cheesecake.
With that being said, I’m sure there are folks out there that’ll love it.
Just give it a try
Delicious! Easy to make! Already made it two times! Husband loves it and would like me to make it often! Looks like it is from a bakery!
My daughter wanted to make a cheesecake and I found your recipe. So easy and delicious! Thanks!
So glad you loved it Heather!
Can I use Cool Whip-instead of having to whip-up cream? If so, how much do I fold into the cream cheese mixture?
Hi Angelina, I have not made this recipe with cool whip so I am not sure if it will hold up as well as whipped cream. But if you do we would love to hear how it turns out! One cup of heavy cream makes about 2 cups of whipped cream if that helps!
Do you have a recipe for the wafer crust for the no bake Cheesecake?
Yes, you can find my graham crust recipe here.
I love to bake
Looks great
Thank you Cynthia! Enjoy the recipe.
You are my favorite recipe girl! Love the choices and tips you always give, thank you for such great ideas!! Stay healthy
Thank you for your kind comment! I love to hear that we give great tips and options.