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This classic no-bake cheesecake boasts a thick layer of light, fluffy filling on top of a classic graham cracker crust. 

No-bake cheesecake topped with cherry pie filling on a white plate, with more slices of cheesecake in the background.
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One of the absolute easiest recipes you can make for summer entertaining is No-Bake Cheesecake. 

It’s super easy to throw together, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect if you make it the night before you plan on serving. 

I’m all for dessert recipes that need a little time to marinate overnight – like this brownie trifle and homemade lemon bars. I can whip them together the night before and then I don’t have to worry about making a dessert the day we’re hosting family or friends. 

You can serve no-bake cheesecake plain, with fresh summer berries, or put out a variety of toppings to create a little cheesecake topping bar!

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Ingredients for no-bake cheesecake filling arranged on a marble countertop.

My Classic No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

I’ve made so many cheesecake recipes over the years that you would think eventually I would run out of variations on my favorite dessert.

But it hasn’t happened yet and honestly, I don’t think it’s going to any time soon.

As much as I love making different types of cheesecake, from coconut cheesecake to strawberry white chocolate cheesecake, sometimes I just keep coming back to the classics: recipes like vanilla cheesecake, classic cheesecake bars, chocolate cheesecake, and this no-bake cheesecake.

No-bake cheesecake is one of the best inventions ever. I mean, what’s better than a fluffy, creamy cheesecake without ever having to turn on the oven?

That also means that it’s a great recipe for kids or beginner bakers to make. 

And because the filling is so classic, you can top this cheesecake however you like to make it your own!

No-bake cheesecake filling in a white mixing bowl.

How to Make No-Bake Cheesecake

Where baked cheesecake is dense, rich, and super creamy, no-bake cheesecake is light and fluffy. They’re both delicious, but so different from each other!

Let’s talk through how to make this no-bake wonder.

No-bake cheesecake filling in a white bowl next to a graham cracker crust in a springform pan.

Ingredients you’ll need

Another benefit of this no-bake cheesecake recipe (besides being able to avoid using the oven) is that it only requires a small handful of ingredients.

To make your no-bake cheesecake filling, you’ll need:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Yeah, you read that right. The filling has just 4 ingredients! 

No-bake cheesecake filling spooned into a graham cracker crust.

I throw together a simple no-bake graham cracker crust, but you could swap that out for any cheesecake crust you like. 

Try the pretzel and pecan crust from my strawberry pie or even the almond-graham cracker crust from my lemon cheesecake.

You could even just use a store-bought graham cracker crust if you want!

Make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft before you start on this cheesecake. If you forget to set it out ahead of time, you can check out my tips for how to soften cream cheese to speed up the process.

Assembled and chilled no-bake cheesecake next to a bowl of cherry pie filling.

Making this recipe

If you’re making the crust as written in this recipe, you’ll mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar.

Press this mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup to help make sure the crumbs are really evenly distributed and nicely packed.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Slices of no-bake cheesecake on white plates next to a bowl of cherry pie filling.

Use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and the vanilla extract. Make sure this is nice and smooth.

Grab another bowl and use the mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

Once the filling is well combined, gently spread it into the crust and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving. This will give the filling time to set up so you can cut perfect slices!

Two white plates with slices of no-bake cheesecake, one topped with caramel sauce and the other topped with cherry pie filling.

Topping Suggestions

There are so many ways to top this no-bake cheesecake. You can add a topping to the entire cheesecake just before serving or let everyone pick the topping they’d like for their individual slices.

Some of my favorite options are:

This cheesecake is also delicious enough that you can dig into it without any topping at all. It’s all up to you!

Front view of a slice of no-bake cheesecake topped with cherry pie filling on a white plate.

More No-Bake Cheesecake Recipes

If this easy no-bake cheesecake is one that you love, try branching out and trying other flavors! Below are some of my favorite no-bake cheesecake recipes to get your creativity flowing – there’s a little something for everyone here!

Slice of no-bake frozen cheesecake plated on a white plate, topped with mixed fresh berries. Additional slices of cheesecake are in the background

No-Bake Frozen Cheesecake

No-Bake Frozen Cheesecake is the perfect way to celebrate summer. A sweet and salty crust combines with a layer of smooth cheesecake filling and fresh berries to create a delicious dessert for summer entertaining.
View Recipe
Mini cranberry cheesecake in glass dishes topped with whipped cream and a slice of orange

No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecakes

No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecakes are perfect for the holiday season. Tart cranberry sauce paired with creamy no-bake cheesecake base makes for a delightful seasonal bite!
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Slice of no bake oreo cheesecake topped with cherry pie filling on a white plate with a 2nd slice and a bowl of cherry pie filling in the background

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake combines pretty much all your favorite things in one sweet, no-bake dessert. Easy, a total crowd pleaser, and hello – Oreos!
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Shot glasses filled with creamy no-bake strawberry lemonade cheesecakes and topped with berries and lemons

No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecakes

No-Bake Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecakes are a burst of summer in one sweet bite. Delectable berry and citrus flavors make these individual desserts impossible to resist!
View Recipe
Overhead view of three bowls of no-bake raspberry lemon cheesecakes garnished with fresh raspberries and mint on a marble countertop

No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake

Fresh raspberries and bright lemon are folded into this No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake for an easy dessert everyone will love.
View Recipe
No-bake cheesecake bar with cracked sugar topping on a white plate with a bottle of corn syrup in the background

No-Bake Cheesecake Bars with Cracked Sugar Topping

Sweet, creamy no-bake vanilla cheesecake with a cookie crust and topped with cracked sugar topping is reminiscent of creme brulee, but without any baking required! No-Bake Cheesecake Bars with Cracked Sugar Topping is a dessert you’ll want to make throughout this holiday season.
View Recipe
Slice of no-bake cheesecake topped with cherry pie filling on a white plate.
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No-Bake Cheesecake

By: Jamie Lothridge
5 from 2 ratings
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10
This classic no-bake cheesecake boasts a thick layer of light, fluffy filling on top of a classic graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cup finely ground graham cracker crumbs about 9 sheets / 1 sleeve
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the filling:

Instructions 

  • In a bowl, mix together the graham crackers with melted butter and the 3 tablespoons sugar.
  • Press into a 9 inch springform pan (bottom and sides). Place in refrigerator until ready for use.
  • In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, use the mixer to whip the cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into cream cheese mixture. Gently spread the filling into the crust.
  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Makes 1 9-inch cheesecake.
  • Enjoy this simple cheesecake as-is or top it with your favorite fresh fruit, pie filling, or sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 546kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 42g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 121mg, Sodium: 343mg, Potassium: 149mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 1578IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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41 Comments

  1. Jackie C. says:

    Tried it out for my friend’s BBQ yesterday…so good, everyone raved about it and the best thing is: I didn’t have to sweat it out in the summer heat with the oven on! Thanks a bundle!

  2. S says:

    Made this yesterday in an 8×8. People liked it! Thanks for sharing the recipe! This one’s a keeper.

  3. designjr says:

    wow, I did not know where to start with all the delicious ideas on here but this might just be the one – looks amazing! :)

  4. Nachiketa says:
  5. hello-emma says:

    It looks really really good! The most good looking cheesecake I've ever seen! :D and so simple ingredients! I'm going to make this for sure :)

  6. Stephanie says:

    I just used this recipe to make individual (cupcake size) egg nog cheesecakes for my husband's birthday. I just swapped out the whipping cream for egg nog & whipped it in with the cream cheese, sugar & vanilla and used ginger snaps in place of the graham crackers. He says they came out really good, so I guess I didn't ruin it by tweaking the recipe. :) Thanks for sharing!

  7. rookie baker says:

    the recipe is so easy.. it great for me who live in indonesia where the summer is never saying goodbye :)

  8. CaSaundraLeigh says:

    I never even knew cheesecake was a Mediterranean food! It looks divine!

  9. Maria says:

    My brother loves no bake cheesecake. He used to choose it every year for his birthday!

  10. Jelli Bean says:

    This looks like a winner! I've noticed a lot of no-bake cheesecakes in the blogosphere lately. I wish I'd seen your post earlier, as my kitchen wouldn't be quite as hot from the 2 cheesecakes I just finished baking for a church bake sale. Thanks for sharing.