Easy No Bake Cheesecake
If you're looking for a creamy, foolproof no-bake cheesecake, this easy recipe has only 10 minutes of prep, a simple graham cracker crust, and a smooth, tangy filling that chills into beautiful slices. It's the kind of make-ahead dessert you'll love for summer gatherings, holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want cheesecake without turning on the oven.
This recipe has become a longtime reader favorite on 31Daily, with hundreds of thousands of visits and more than 140 reader ratings. It was also featured in The Pancake Princess no-bake cheesecake bake-off, where it was recognized for its easy prep, flavor payoff, and soft, creamy filling.
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Why This No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe Works
- Only 10 minutes of prep: The filling comes together quickly, then the refrigerator does the rest.
- No oven or water bath: No baking, no eggs, no cracking, and no complicated cheesecake steps.
- Make-ahead friendly: It needs time to chill, which makes it perfect for entertaining.
- Creamy, tangy, and sliceable: The filling is light and smooth but still sets up beautifully.
- Reader-loved and bake-off recognized: This recipe has received more than 140 reader ratings and was included in The Pancake Princess no-bake cheesecake bake-off.
This cheesecake was also included in The Pancake Princess no-bake cheesecake bake-off, where 9 popular no-bake cheesecake recipes were tested side by side. Among recipes from Southern Living, Sally's Baking Addiction, Preppy Kitchen, Natasha's Kitchen, Simply Recipes, and others, this 31Daily cheesecake was recognized as one of the easiest recipes for the best flavor payoff and one of the best soft and creamy fillings.
What is No-Bake Cheesecake?
No-bake cheesecake is an easy way to enjoy classic cheesecake flavor without turning on the oven. Instead of baking, the creamy filling is mixed, spooned into a graham cracker crust, and chilled until set.
Much like my No-Bake 3-Ingredient Chocolate Pie, this dessert is made with simple ingredients and a little refrigerator time. It's cool, creamy, beautiful, and perfect for days when you want homemade cheesecake the easy way.
No-Bake Cheesecake Ingredients
You'll need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy no-bake cheesecake. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Cream cheese softened to room temperature (see methods of softening cream cheese below).
- Graham cracker crust: You can use a prepared crust or make your own with graham cracker crumbs, a bit of sugar, and melted butter.
- Sour cream: This simple ingredient mimics a baked cheesecake recipe in the most delicious way!
- Powdered sugar for the perfect consistency and the right amount of sweetness
- Vanilla extract for flavor
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
How to Make It In 3 Easy Steps
We will begin by making the cheesecake filling, then pour it into the graham cracker crust and chill it in the fridge until set.
Step 1: Make the cream cheese mixture
With a spoon or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Fold in the whipped topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping. Then, pour the cheesecake filling into a ready-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top with an offset or rubber spatula.
Step 3: Chill
Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to set. Before serving, add toppings of choice!
Tips for Making a Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake
This classic No-Bake Cheesecake is incredibly easy to make. Here are some tips to make it foolproof:
Cream Cheese
- Be sure to use pure cream cheese and not cream cheese spread.
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature (see methods below). This will help provide a smooth and velvety texture.
- Using chilled cream cheese will result in a lumpy cheesecake.
Sugar
- I prefer powdered sugar (or confectioners' sugar) to granulated sugar because it helps give the cheesecake a smoother texture. Either works, though.
Mixing the Filling
- Fold the ingredients together by hand, or carefully use a hand mixer. The more the ingredients are worked, the softer the cheesecake texture will be.
Chilling
- When making this no-bake cheesecake, allow it to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight (chilling step) for the cleanest slices. In fact, I prefer to make it the day before I plan to serve it.
Toppings
There are several ways to serve this cheesecake, but topping it with pie fillings and fresh fruit is delicious!
As you know, toppings are optional and can be adapted to changing seasons. In the summer months, I love adding a blueberry topping like the canned blueberry pie filling I'm using here. Cherry pie filling is a classic cheesecake topping, as is a strawberry sauce.
You can also serve it with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. This reminds me of another super easy summer dessert I love that also features fresh berries-the Simple Berry Trifle Recipe!
Can I Substitute Whipped Cream for Whipped Topping?
Absolutely. However, for the best results, be sure to use cold, heavy whipping cream with at least 35% fat. I like to use heavy cream with 40% fat. Beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This step is essential as it gives the cheesecake structure and thickness. If the cream isn't whipped until stiff peaks form, it will not set as it should.
How to Bring Cream Cheese to Room Temperature
There are a couple of ways to bring cream cheese to room temperature.
Here are a few methods that work:
- Warm Water Method: Place cream cheese in its foil wrapping in a bowl. Cover with warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and set it on a plate-microwave on high for 15 seconds. Flip over and test the middle. Continue microwaving in 10-second increments until softened. Err on the side of caution; it's better for the center to be a bit cool than melted.
- Cube method: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let them sit on the counter until they reach room temperature. By cubing it, more surface area is exposed to air, helping the cream cheese soften more quickly than a whole block.
Can You Freeze a No-Bake Cheesecake?
A no-bake cheesecake freezes really well, whether you freeze the entire cheesecake or even in slices.
Here are a few tips:
- Freeze the cheesecake without topping.
- Use an airtight container for a firm foundation for the cheesecake.
- If not using an airtight container, freeze on a cake board and double wrap in plastic and foil.
- It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw a frozen no-bake cheesecake, refrigerate it overnight.
No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese full fat at room temperature (2 8 oz. pkgs)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 8 ounces whipped topping like Cool Whip
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust 8-9 inch
Instructions
- With a spoon or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping. Then transfer the cheesecake filling into a ready-made graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to set. Before serving, add toppings of choice!
Video
Notes
- Recipe Notes: Use block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the smoothest filling. A ready-made graham cracker crust does not need to be pre-baked; simply fill and chill.
- Chilling & Storage: Chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without toppings, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Substitutions: Homemade whipped cream may be used in place of whipped topping, but be sure to beat cold heavy cream to stiff peaks so the cheesecake sets properly. Different crusts, such as Oreo, shortbread, or nut crusts, can also be used.
- Topping Ideas: Top with blueberry or cherry pie filling, fresh berries, strawberry sauce, lemon curd, caramel or chocolate sauce, and a piping of whipped cream or whipped topping before serving.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More No-Bake Recipes You May Also Enjoy
- No Bake 3 Ingredient Chocolate Pie
- Easy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- 10 Minute No Bake Mini Cheesecake
- 10 Minute Peppermint No Bake Cheesecake
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you love easy no-bake desserts, you might also enjoy this Strawberry Lady Charlotte Cake, a pretty make-ahead cake with ladyfingers, strawberries, and lemon Chantilly cream.
- Strawberry Lady Charlotte Cake
- Honey-Sweetened Strawberry Fool with Yogurt
- Easy Pumpkin Trifle
- Honey Lavender Ice Cream (Naturally Sweetened)
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
I loved the texture and taste. I made my own crust and used heavy whipping cream. Forget the Cheesecake Factory this was easy and affordable. The topping can be so many things, I did a toasted coconut.
Dusty Rose, thank you so much! I’m thrilled you loved both the texture and flavor. And homemade crust with heavy whipping cream sounds absolutely delicious. I also love your toasted coconut topping idea—what a beautiful twist! So happy this was easy, affordable, and cheesecake-worthy for you!
Чизкейк без выпечки 10 минут
I made this no bake cheesecake recipe for the first time and it was a hit with my family. I was actually able to make 2 cheesecakes out of the filling which was such a bonus. Will definitely be making this again. I just may add a touch less cool whip, but otherwise so so good.
Hi Tricia-- It's go great when you get two for one! I'm so glad your family enjoyed it.
Made it while visiting in-laws, it was the first time I've ever made a no-bake cheesecake & it turned out sooo delicious- everyone loved it!
Made this 10 minute no bake cheesecake as a Memorial Day Dessert as was looking for something very easy to make. Had made other recipes cheesecakes of this type in the past however this one was the easiest to make. It was the most delicious of the others that I had tried. Was so thick and rich with just the right amount of sweetness. Made the night before and instead of a blueberry topping used a cherry topping. Guests loved it. This has become my favorite and go to recipe that I will be using again the next time that I need to make a no bake cheesecake.
Hi Sue! I’m SO happy you enjoyed the cheesecake! I love using a cherry topping, especially for Memorial Day— thank you for trying it and letting me know how it worked for you!
I like using the Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling to just make individual cheesecake desserts, Going to try your recipe to see if just the filling is Fluffy enough to do what I need. Will update.
Thank you! Would love to hear. You may also want to check out my 10 Minute No Bake Mini Cheesecake recipe too!
it was an easy recipe to follow!