No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert is the ultimate treat for summer gatherings and special occasions. This creamy, effortless dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cheesecake filling and a vibrant cherry topping—all without turning on the oven!
This recipe brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where desserts weren’t just sweet treats—they were moments of pure joy. Her signature no-bake cheesecake was the centerpiece of every celebration, and now you can bring that same delight to your table.
With just 20 minutes of prep time, minimal ingredients, and no baking required, this dessert is perfect for any skill level. It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Table of Contents
Before diving into the steps, it’s useful to understand some key techniques for no-bake desserts. if you’re wondering how to soften cream cheese correctly—a crucial step—you can check out how to soften cream cheese effectively.
Ingredients and Equipment for Cherry Cheesecake 🛒
Making a delicious no-bake cherry cheesecake needs the right ingredients and tools. It’s important to pick quality items. Each ingredient plays a key role in the dessert’s taste and texture.
Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups finely ground vanilla wafer or shortbread cookies
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
These ingredients make a crunchy, tasty base. The melted butter holds the crumbs together. Sugar and cinnamon add sweetness and spice.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese
- 1 vanilla bean or ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Make sure all dairy is at room temperature. This helps the filling be smooth and creamy.
Kitchen Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate or springform pan 🎂
- Electric mixer 🔌
- Chilled mixing bowl (glass or metal) ❄️
- Measuring cups and spoons 📏
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect No Bake Cherry Cheesecake 🥣
Making a no bake dessert like this cheesecake is simple. Just a few steps and you’ll have a creamy treat that wows everyone.
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush 9 graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs.
- Combine with ½ cup melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pan to form an even layer.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Soften 16 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice; mix well.
- Gently fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip to keep the filling light.
3. Assemble and Chill
- Spread the creamy filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Top with 21 ounces of cherry pie filling, spreading it smoothly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours (overnight is best for optimal firmness).
- Slice and serve chilled!
Storage and Serving Recommendations 🧊
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cheesecake (without the cherry topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh cherries, mint leaves, or whipped cream rosettes for added flair.
- Serve chilled on a warm summer day for the ultimate refreshing treat.
For more breakfast-inspired sweet treats, check out our Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for another delicious option.
Variations and Substitutions 🌈
Exploring cheesecake variations can turn your classic no-bake cherry cheesecake into a fun journey. You don’t have to stick to one style for your dessert presentation. There are many ways to make it unique and beautiful.
Try these delightful cheesecake variations to elevate your dessert experience:
- Swap cherry pie filling with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a lighter taste
- Create individual cheesecake cups for personalized serving
- Experiment with different graham cracker crust alternatives
- Add decorative elements like chocolate shavings or whipped cream rosettes
“The beauty of no-bake cheesecake is its versatility and ease of customization!” – Professional Pastry Chef
For an elegant dessert presentation, consider garnishing your cheesecake with:
- Mint leaves for a fresh touch
- Edible flowers
- Drizzled chocolate sauce
- Toasted almond slivers
When exploring cheesecake variations, remember that creativity knows no bounds. Your dessert can show off your personal style and taste while keeping the delicious core recipe.
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake ⭐
- Room Temperature Dairy: Allow cream cheese and other dairy ingredients to soften for smooth mixing.
- Chilled Tools: Use a chilled bowl for whipping cream to achieve stiff peaks more quickly. ❄️
- Patience Pays Off: Let the cheesecake chill for a minimum of 4-6 hours to firm up properly.
FAQ ❓
Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
- Absolutely! Fresh fruit or homemade compotes work wonderfully as toppings.
How do I get clean slices?
- Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for smooth, even slices.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the cheesecake up to 24 hours before serving.
Can I freeze a no-bake cheesecake?
- Yes, freeze the cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Add the cherry topping before serving.
Conclusion 🏁
Making this easy no-bake cherry cheesecake is a foolproof way to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or need a quick dessert for a casual gathering, this recipe has you covered. With its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and vibrant cherry topping, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences, creating endless variations. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor the results of this delightful dessert adventure! 🍒🍰
For more recipes like this, explore our Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake and other no-bake desserts on our site.
No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert
This Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert is the perfect summer treat! A buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping come together in this no-bake recipe that’s ready in minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ⅓ cups finely ground vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese
- 1 vanilla bean or ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Cherry Topping:
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Crush 9 graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs.
- Combine with melted butter and sugar, mixing well.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate or springform pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and goat cheese until smooth.
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture.
-
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, for best texture.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh cherries and mint leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Swap the cherry topping with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
- Let the cheesecake chill overnight for a firmer texture.
Keywords: No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Easy No Bake Cheesecake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe No Bake Dessert
12 thoughts on “How to Make an Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert”