No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that doesn’t require any oven time. It’s made with a creamy, velvety cheesecake filling on a graham cracker crust, topped with sweet and tart cherry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a delicious, no-fuss dessert!
Here’s how you can make a simple and delicious No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake:
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers, crushed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries with sugar, if preferred)
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to balance the sweetness of the cherries)
Instructions:
1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture has a sandy texture.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or a springform pan to form an even crust. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down tightly.
- Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to set, or longer if you have time.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form (this should take about 3-4 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Optionally, fold in sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Once the crust is set, spread the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust evenly, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to firm up.
4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- Open the can of cherry pie filling and give it a quick stir to make sure the cherries are well coated with the syrup.
- If you prefer a little tang, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the topping to balance the sweetness of the cherries (this is optional).
- You can also use fresh cherries if you prefer. If using fresh, just pit and halve about 2 cups of cherries and toss them with sugar and a bit of lemon juice to create a syrup-like topping.
5. Top and Serve:
- After the cheesecake has chilled and set, spoon the cherry pie filling generously over the top of the cheesecake. You can cover the entire surface or just add a few spoonfuls of topping, depending on your preference.
- For extra flair, you can garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
6. Slice and Enjoy!
- Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the smooth, creamy cheesecake with the tart, sweet cherry topping.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This cheesecake is great for making ahead! It’s even better if allowed to set overnight in the fridge.
- Crust Variations: You can use other types of cookies for the crust, such as digestive biscuits, Nilla wafers, or shortbread for a different flavor. You can also add some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crust for extra texture.
- Topping Variations: If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can use other fruit toppings, like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. Fresh berries with a little sugar and lemon juice also work wonderfully as a topping.
- For a Firmer Filling: If you’d like the filling to be a little firmer, you can add 1 tbsp of gelatin (dissolved in 1/4 cup of warm water) to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the whipped cream. This step is optional but can give the cheesecake a slightly firmer texture.
- Garnish Ideas: Top with a little chocolate drizzle, or garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a cup of coffee, iced tea, or a glass of sweet wine like Moscato for a perfect dessert pairing.
- This No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake would be a great addition to a dessert table or as a special treat for holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings.
This No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet, with just the right balance of tangy and sweet from the cherry topping. It’s easy to make, looks stunning, and tastes even better than it looks!
