Description
This creamy no-bake cheesecake dessert is a luscious treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, fluffy cream cheese filling. Perfect for summer parties or as an easy make-ahead dessert, it requires no oven time and sets beautifully in the refrigerator. The optional fresh fruit or pie filling topping adds a burst of freshness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Topping (Optional)
- Fresh fruit or pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing well to create a uniform filling.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating it is light and airy.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to maintain the light texture and fully incorporate both components.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the combined filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set properly.
- Add toppings and serve: Prior to serving, optionally top the cheesecake with fresh fruit or your favorite pie filling for added flavor and decoration. Slice and enjoy your no-bake cheesecake dessert.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- To vary the crust flavor, substitute graham crackers with crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits.
