Easy No-Bake Ricotta Cheesecake

Why to Love About This Ricotta Cheesecake

A few months ago, a reader asked me if she could substitute ricotta cheese in our incredibly popular no-bake cheesecake. As I always do, I began testing, and this recipe is the result. And oh my, is it delicious!

Here’s what I love about this cheesecake:

• Lime Cheesecake: If you’ve ever tasted a lime cheesecake, you know what I mean. There is something incredibly yummy about the sweet and tangy combination. For lime dessert lovers, our baked easy lime bars is a great option too!
• Ricotta Cheesecake: Not only do we add lime juice and zest to the recipe, but we’re making it with Italian ricotta cheese, which gives this no bake dessert a light, creamy, and delicious texture and flavor.
• It’s easy: When you’re looking for a simple dessert that you and your family and friends will love, but that is also incredibly simple, no-bake cheesecake is a perfect choice! In about 10 minutes, the dessert is ready for chilling.

Lime Ricotta Cheesecake Ingredients

You will find the ingredient measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s what you need:

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• Graham Crackers: You can crush your graham crackers in a food processor or in a zipped bag with a rolling pin or measuring cup. You can also buy graham cracker crumbs at the market.
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Lime zest

For the Ricotta Cheesecake

• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk will give you the best flavor and texture. It’s important that it’s also at room temperature and drained of any excess moisture.
• Powdered sugar
• Lime juice
• Vanilla extract

How to Make No-Bake Ricotta Cheesecake

The recipe card at the bottom of this post also provides step-by-step instructions, but here is an overview of how to make this easy cheesecake.

Let the ricotta and cream cheese come to room temperature before making the filling. I like to begin by making the graham cracker crust. If you prefer, you can also use ready-made graham cracker crusts. I believe the filling would make two 8 or 9-inch cheesecakes.

Step 1: Make the graham cracker crust

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and lime zest. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are coated and are like wet sand. Press the crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using a spatula or your hands. Refrigerate until ready to fill.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Cheesecake filling

Combine the room-temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ricotta cheese, vanilla, and lime juice and continue beating until the filling is light, about 2-3 minutes more.

Step 3: Fill the pan and chill

Transfer the filling to the springform pan and pour over the crust. Use a spatula or offset spatula to smooth the top of the cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but I prefer to chill it overnight.

How to Remove No-Bake Cheesecake from a Springform Pan

Once the no bake ricotta cheesecake has been completely chilled, use a sharp, thin knife or offset spatula and run it around the edge of the cheesecake and crust to loosen it.

Then, carefully open the clip on the side of the springform, stopping if you see it sticking to the sides. If so, run your knife in that area to loosen it. Then, carefully unhook the latch and remove the sideband.

How to Garnish

This no-bake ricotta cheesecake is delicious as is. If you want to garnish the top, I like to whip heavy whipping cream or use ready-made whipped topping (like Cool Whip) and pipe dollops using a pastry bag and an open star tip (like Wilton 1M).

No Bake Ricotta Cheesecake Tips

If you love no-bake cheesecake

If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you are a fan of no-bake cheesecake recipes. I am, too, as are so many of our readers. We have many no-bake dessert recipes here, including no-bake cheesecakes for all seasons.

From a three-ingredient no-bake chocolate pie to pumpkin cheesecake in the fall and a no-bake lemon pie in the spring. Because I live and breathe the holidays, we even have a Peppermint No Bake Cheesecake for Christmas.