No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

The Perfect No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

My creamy no bake cherry cheesecake recipe promises a delightful dessert without turning on the oven.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with sweet graham cracker crust for an irresistible treat.

Chilled ingredients create a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Each spoonful brings a burst of fruity cherry goodness that feels like pure indulgence.

Summer gatherings or quiet evening desserts become special with this simple yet elegant dish.

Rich layers of flavor combine effortlessly, making you look like a professional pastry chef.

You’ll definitely want to bookmark this foolproof recipe for your next sweet adventure.

Everything You Need For Cherry Cheesecake

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and creates a fluffy, airy texture to the filling.
Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and vibrant topping that adds a burst of fruity flavor and beautiful color to the cheesecake.

Steps To Make No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the crust is packed tightly and evenly to create a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In another bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a light and airy texture that will make your cheesecake irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Cheesecake

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to ensure an even distribution, creating a beautiful, smooth surface that will make your dessert look professionally made.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 4 hours. This cooling time allows the flavors to meld together and helps the cheesecake firm up to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Add Cherry Topping

Just before serving, generously top the chilled cheesecake with vibrant cherry pie filling. The bright red cherries will create a stunning contrast against the creamy white cheesecake, making it a showstopping dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips For A Creamy And Stable No Bake Cheesecake

  • Crush graham crackers finely for a smoother, more compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky, lump-free filling with maximum creaminess.
  • Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a lighter, more airy cheesecake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle, complementary taste.

Tasty Twists On Cherry Cheesecake Flavors

  • Chocolate Berry Bliss: Replace cherry pie filling with a mix of chocolate ganache and fresh mixed berries for a decadent upgrade.
  • Tropical Paradise: Swap cherry topping with mango or passion fruit puree, adding toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
  • Lemon Lavender Dream: Infuse cream cheese mixture with lemon zest and lavender extract, topping with lemon curd instead of cherries.
  • Nutty Caramel Classic: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle chopped roasted almonds or pecans for a rich, textured finish.

What To Pair With No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

  • Harmonize Sweet Cherry Bliss: Pair this creamy no-bake cheesecake with a crisp Riesling that balances the dessert's rich sweetness with its light, fruity notes.
  • Contrast with Coffee Companions: Serve alongside a bold espresso or cappuccino, which cuts through the cheesecake's creaminess and enhances the cherry's deep flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Complement: Match with a chilled moscato or prosecco, whose bubbling lightness provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, smooth cheesecake texture.
  • Enhance with Nutty Sidekick: Add a garnish of toasted almond slivers or serve with amaretto liqueur, introducing a subtle crunch and warm, nutty undertone that beautifully complements the cherry and cream cheese.

How To Store Cherry Cheesecake Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing quality.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs About No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

  • Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers for a similar texture and flavor.

  • Is it possible to make this cheesecake without whipped cream?

No, whipped cream is essential for creating the light and creamy texture of the no-bake cheesecake.

  • How long can I keep this cheesecake in the refrigerator?

The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days while maintaining its fresh taste and creamy consistency.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar syrupy consistency as pie filling.

Why No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Is So Simple And Delicious

  • Craft Quickly: No oven needed, making this dessert perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious treat without complex baking steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Cherry cheesecake appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its classic sweet and creamy flavor combination.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples like graham crackers, cream cheese, and cherry pie filling, allowing anyone to create a stunning dessert without hunting for rare ingredients.
  • Prepare Ahead Pleasure: Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
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No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy no bake cherry cheesecake brings summer’s sweetest memories to your dessert table with minimal effort. Smooth cream cheese, tangy cherries, and a buttery graham cracker crust combine for a delightful treat you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whipped cream
  • 1 can cherry pie filling

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Flavoring Ingredient:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers and combine with sugar and melted butter, creating a uniform crumbly mixture that firmly packs into the bottom of a rectangular dish, forming a solid foundational crust.
  2. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then gently incorporate whipped cream to create a light, airy filling.
  3. Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the prepared graham cracker base, ensuring an even, smooth surface that covers the entire crust.
  4. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the filling to set and develop a firm, sliceable texture.
  5. Just before serving, generously top the chilled cheesecake with vibrant cherry pie filling, creating a glossy, colorful finish that adds a burst of fruity sweetness to the creamy dessert.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
  • For a fresh twist, replace canned cherry pie filling with homemade cherry compote using fresh seasonal cherries.
  • Enhance texture by adding a light sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 379 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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