Name: No Bake Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 740 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 graham crackers); ⅓ cup sugar (½ cup if using cocoa) (white or brown); 8 tbsp butter (melted); ⅓ cup cocoa powder (for a chocolate crust) (optional); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 24 oz cream cheese (full fat) (softened to room temperature); ¼ sour cream; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp salt; 2 cups whipped cream (for folding in at the end) ((16oz.) homemade or store-bought tub)

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A no bake cheesecake with a slice cut out onto a plate next to it.

This no bake cheesecake recipe is a creamy and decadent dessert, and the best part is that it’s super easy and quick to make!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time at all. It does best when chilled for several hours or overnight, so this makes the perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions! If making in fall, you may also want to try my no bake pumpkin cheesecake as well!

I love a good cheesecake recipe, but there are times, like in the middle of summer when turning on the oven is just not desirable. A no bake dessert is the perfect remedy for those extra hot days when you want to throw together a quick dessert!

Not only is this no bake cheesecake super easy to make but topped with caramel and chocolate sauce and sprinkled with pecans, you have an impressive dessert made with little effort at all!

A slice of cheesecake covered in syrup and pecans.

what you’ll need:

For this recipe, I recommend using a 9″ springform pan. It allows for a nice thick cheesecake that will most resemble a typical baked cheesecake. If you don’t have one though, no worries! You can always just use 2 smaller 9″ pie plates instead.

I also suggest a graham cracker crust, but you can feel free to substitute any favorite cookie for the crumbs of your crust, such as gingersnaps or even Oreos for a delicious Oreo cheesecake! Yum! We like to add cocoa to ours and make a chocolate graham cracker crust. There a so many possible yummy variations!

I also recommend using a food processor for making your own graham cracker crumbs using whole graham crackers. It makes the process so much faster and easier. If you don’t a food processor though, you can just place the crackers in a Ziplock bag and using a rolling pin to crush them up. It works just as well; it just takes a bit longer.

A cheesecake with a slice cut out and served on a plate.

Ingredients Needed:

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs
Sugar
Butter
Cocoa powder (optional)

Homemade Whipped Cream:

Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar

For the Cheesecake:

Cream cheese
Sour cream
Powdered sugar
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Salt
Prepared whipped cream (homemade or store bought)

How to Make a No Bake Cheesecake:

To Make the Crust:

First, you’ll need to place the graham crackers into a food processor to blend into crumbs. Or place in a baggie and use a rolling pin instead.

Then in a medium sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter until well combined.

Pour into a 9″ springform pan and gently but firmly press into bottom and sides using the bottom of a measuring cup.

Place crust in freezer for about 10-20 minutes to chill while you prepare the filling.

Making the Whipped Cream:

Whisk together the heavy cream and powdered sugar at high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Set aside while making the rest of the cheesecake filling.

For the Cheesecake:

Using a hand or stand mixer, whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.

Next, add in the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until well combined.

Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the prepared whipped cream until well combined.

Remove crust from freezer and pour filling over top of crust. Spread evenly using an offset spatula.

Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This will allow the ingredients to set up properly.

Use a knife to loosen the cheesecake around the edge of the springform pan and remove the rim of the pan.

Cut into slices and serve with your favorite toppings, such as caramel or chocolate syrup, pecans, and whipped cream!