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No-Bake Cheesecake

Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • Filling:
  • 24 oz cream cheese 3 packages, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • cups heavy whipping cream cold
  • Topping:
  • Fresh berries fruit compote, chocolate, or caramel (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pulse graham crackers to fine crumbs or crush in bag
  • Mix crumbs, sugar, melted butter, salt until resembles wet sand
  • Press firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan, slightly up sides
  • Use glass to compact evenly
  • Refrigerate while making filling, at least 15 minutes
  • Beat softened cream cheese 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy
  • Scrape bowl frequently
  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, salt
  • Beat 2 minutes until smooth
  • Scrape bowl well
  • In separate clean bowl, beat cold heavy cream to stiff peaks
  • Add whipped cream to cream cheese in three additions
  • Fold gently with spatula after each using lifting motion
  • Don't stir vigorously
  • Should be light, fluffy, smooth with no streaks
  • Pour into chilled crust, spread evenly
  • Smooth top with spatula
  • Tap gently to remove air bubbles
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap
  • Refrigerate minimum 4 hours, overnight best
  • Run knife around edge, release springform ring
  • Slice with hot knife, wipe between cuts
  • Top with berries, sauce, or serve plain
  • Serve chilled

Notes

  • Cream cheese must be room temperature
  • Beat cream cheese thoroughly—no lumps
  • Cold cream essential for whipping
  • Fold gently—don't stir
  • Press crust firmly
  • Chill for a minimum of 4 hours—overnight best
  • Store 5 days refrigerated
  • Freeze up to 2 months
  • Hot knife for clean cuts
  • Full-fat cream cheese only
  • Add toppings before serving
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert