Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake recipe is a dream come true for anyone seeking a delightful treat with minimal effort. It requires no oven, making it perfect for any time of year. Get ready to create a creamy, fruity masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy and absolutely delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
This simple no-bake cherry dessert is truly a game-changer. It combines classic flavors with incredible ease.
- No Oven Required: Keep your kitchen cool, especially during warm weather.
- Quick Preparation: You’ll spend minimal time in the kitchen creating this treat.
- Classic Flavor: The timeless combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries is always a hit.
- Light & Refreshing: Enjoy a wonderfully creamy and cool texture that’s perfect after any meal.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is straightforward, ideal for new bakers to master.
- Feeds a Crowd: A 9×13 pan makes enough to share generously with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ready to make this delightful No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake? Gather these simple ingredients for a perfect dessert every time.
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ – 2 cups (from about 12 large graham crackers)
- Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup
- Melted salted butter: 9 Tbsp
For the Filling:
- Softened cream cheese: 1 (8 oz) package
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp
- Thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip): 1 (8 oz) tub
For the Topping:
- Cherry pie filling: 1 (21 oz) can
Notes & Substitutions
You can typically use 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, but add up to 2 cups if you prefer a thicker or sweeter crust. For the whipped topping, Cool Whip works perfectly and simplifies the process; if you use homemade whipped cream, ensure it is stabilized to prevent weeping. Learn more about how to properly soften cream cheese for a lump-free filling.
Feel free to swap the cherry pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, or peach for a different flavor. For a thicker, more decadent cream cheese layer, consider doubling the cream cheese and powdered sugar. A pinch of cinnamon in the crust adds a lovely warm note. Remember, powdered sugar is also known as icing sugar, ensuring your filling is smooth.
Equipment
You don’t need much to create this easy no-bake cherry dessert.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for the base.
- You’ll need a medium and a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- An electric hand mixer makes the filling wonderfully smooth and lump-free.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- A rubber spatula or spoon helps with mixing and spreading the layers.
How To Make No-Bake Cherry
Creating your perfect No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is incredibly simple with these step-by-step instructions.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and granulated sugar. Stir until combined. Add the melted butter. Mix well until all crumbs are coated with butter and the mixture sticks together when pressed. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Press the graham cracker crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Set aside and chill the crust while you prepare the filling for your no-bake cherry delight.
Make the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese slightly before adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat for one minute or until there aren’t any lumps and the mixture is smooth. Next, add half of the thawed Whipped Topping and mix until there are no lumps. Add the rest of the Whipped Topping and mix until well-blended. The mixture will be a little thick, which is perfect for your creamy no-bake cherry cheesecake.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Evenly space dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust. Then, gently spread and evenly smooth out the filling with the back of a soup spoon over the entire crust. Spreading the mixture in this manner will help keep the crust from pulling up, ensuring a beautiful base for your no-bake cherry dessert. Once the cream cheese layer is evenly spread on top of the crust, add the cherry pie filling.
Spoon it out slowly and evenly over the whole cheesecake. This careful technique will help keep the cherry topping layer from mixing into the cream cheese layer. It also evenly spaces the cherries out, so they’re not all on one side of the dessert. After placing the topping on, cover your dessert with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Achieve cheesecake perfection with these simple tips for your no-bake cherry creation.
- Always ensure your cream cheese is very soft; this prevents lumps in the filling.
- Use thawed, not frozen, whipped topping for the smoothest possible mixture.
- Gently spread the cream cheese filling to avoid lifting or disturbing the crust layer.
- Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling to maintain distinct layers.
- Chill the cheesecake adequately for at least two hours for the best set.
- For clean slices, warm your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve your delightful No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake chilled for the best texture and taste experience. For storage, keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the un-topped cheesecake for up to 1 month; just add the cherry topping after thawing. Explore other fruit pie fillings like apple or blueberry for delicious variations. Try different crusts using crushed Oreo cookies or vanilla wafers. You can also serve individual portions in small ramekins for a fancy touch. A dollop of extra whipped cream on top is always a welcome addition.
For those interested in making stabilized whipped cream from scratch, various techniques exist to prevent it from deflating.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Nutrition Information
Enjoying a slice of this delicious no-bake cherry dessert is a wonderful treat. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient calculations and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different size pan for this no-bake cherry recipe?
You can use a 9-inch round springform pan, but the cheesecake will be thicker and may require longer chilling. Adjust crust and topping amounts if needed.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, but you will need to stabilize homemade whipped cream with gelatin or cornstarch to prevent it from deflating and weeping. Cool Whip offers convenience and stability.
How long does this cheesecake need to chill?
For the best firm set, chill your no-bake cherry cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours. An overnight chill is even better.
Can this cheesecake be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it one or two days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the crust from sticking?
Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper before pressing in the graham cracker crust. This helps with easy removal and clean slices.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is truly a testament to how simple and rewarding baking can be. You created a gorgeous, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert with minimal effort and no oven time. It’s perfect for busy parents, beginner bakers, or anyone craving a quick and impressive treat. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy every refreshing bite of this classic. Don’t forget to share your experiences and how much you loved making this easy No-Bake Cherry delight!
Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine crushed graham crackers and granulated sugar in a medium bowl; stir until combined.
- Add melted butter to the crumb mixture and mix thoroughly until all crumbs are coated and stick together.
- Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray, then press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat for one minute until smooth and lump-free.
- First, add half of the Whipped Topping and mix until smooth, then add the remaining Whipped Topping and mix until well-blended. The mixture will be thick.
- Evenly space dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the crust, then gently spread and smooth it with the back of a soup spoon to prevent the crust from pulling up.
- Slowly and evenly spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer to prevent mixing and ensure even distribution of cherries.
- Cover the dessert with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
