For the days where you don’t feel like turning on the oven, fussing over a water bath, worrying about cracked edges or waiting all night for things to set in the fridge, my no bake cheesecake has you covered. Made with simple ingredients (and no gelatin or condensed milk), this has all the flavor and texture of the classic version you’re used to. Includes a how-to video tutorial.
A No Bake Cheesecake to Rival All Others
I take cheesecake, including no bake cheesecake, seriously here. I demand a smooth, creamy (but sturdy!) texture, the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, a graham cracker crust with just the right amount of crispy crumble, and a texture that’s sturdy enough to handle a fun topping like a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of strawberry sauce.
The internet abounds with recipes for no bake cheesecakes, but they’re sometimes fussier than the real (baked) thing, using ingredients like gelatin (can be tricky to keep the texture lump-free!) or even condensed milk, which just doesn’t ring true for flavor. I developed my version years ago specifically for the home baker who wants true-tasting results without a lot of fuss. It’s been one of my top recipes for nearly 8 years, and while I wanted to update the photos and add a new video, the recipe itself has stood the test of time and needed no edits.
Why my recipe works:
- Truly 100% no-bake, right down to the crust!
- Uses the same ingredients as classic cheesecake (minus the eggs) for classic flavor.
- Whipped cream gives us a sturdy base, no need for gelatin.
- Great for beginners. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and less fussy than a baked cheesecake.
What You Need
For an authentic-tasting no bake cheesecake, I made sure we stayed as true as possible to the classic ingredients.
- Cream cheese. Tub-style, spreadable cream cheese is not reliable, contains additives the brick-style doesn’t, and can make for a too-soft and unsliceable cheesecake. Because of this I recommend sticking with a brick-style, full-fat cream cheese. Let it soften to room temperature to minimize your risk of lumps when mixing!
- Sour cream. Sour cream adds a depth of flavor and tang that you can’t quite reach with cream cheese alone. If you don’t have it on hand, you could substitute full-fat Greek yogurt.
- Heavy cream. While not typical for traditional cheesecake (though you will find it in my basque cheesecake), heavy cream is essential for this no bake cheesecake. We’ll be whipping this to stiff peaks and folding it into our cheesecake mixture for a sturdy base that will give us that sliceable, custardy texture. This eliminates the need for ingredients like gelatin and the no bake cheesecake stays sturdy its entire life.
- Sugar. Brown and granulated sugar flavor the graham cracker crust (and also play a part in helping hold it together) and powdered sugar is essential for not only sweetening the no bake cheesecake, but helping encourage firm, fully-set texture.
- Lemon juice. Just a splash enhances the flavor and adds a slight tang without making it taste like a lemon cheesecake. Bottled or fresh lemon juice will work here and this ingredient could even be left out if you just don’t have it or if you prefer a sweeter, less tart cheesecake.
Sam’s Tip: My no bake cheesecake recipe makes too much filling to fit into a store-bought crust, so I recommend making yours from scratch using my graham cracker crust recipe. If you still want to use a store-bought crust, you can just store the extra filling in a bowl, chill it, and enjoy it crustless!
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make (The BEST) No-Bake Cheesecake
Make the crust
I strongly recommend using my homemade graham cracker crust (digestive biscuits work if you don’t have graham crackers!) or Oreo crust depending on what you prefer (no need to remove the filling from the cookies if you go this way).
Stir together your cookie/cracker crumbs and the sugars, then add the cooled melted butter. If the butter is too hot, it could make your crust soggy, so let it cool to the touch. Stir until well-combined and the mixture resembles damp sand.
Don’t let the mixture sit before pressing it firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9″ springform pan (if it rests too long, the butter will resolidify before you’re ready and won’t form together in the pan). Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan. Pressing all the way up the sides isn’t as essential here as it is with other cheesecakes like my strawberry cheesecake since there is no risk of cracks.
Let the crust just hang out, in the fridge or at room temperature, while you prepare the filling–there is no need to bake it!
Make the filling
Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice first and make sure the mixture is completely smooth and lump free. This will make folding in the whipped cream quick and easy.
Once that mixture is ready, grab a second bowl and whip the cream to stiff peaks (pictured above). You’ll know you’ve reached stiff peaks when you have a thick, voluminous and fluffy texture similar to Cool Whip. This can take a few minutes, usually between 3-5.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until things are uniform. Do NOT use a mixer for this step–stick with a spatula!
Fill and chill
Evenly spread the cheesecake filling into your prepared crust. It’s important that you push the filling all the way to the edge so it makes contact with the corners/crust, if you don’t completely fill the shell/crust, it won’t meld with the filling and when you go to cut into it, the crust will just crumble! So make sure you fill in the bottom well!
Chill for several hours (at least 4-6!) before slicing and serving. You’ll also want to top with homemade whipped cream (or chocolate whipped cream!) after chilling; it adds a touch of sweetness and lightness. 😋
SAM’S TIP: Keep in mind that since we’re not baking this cheesecake, the top won’t be smoothing/evening itself out in the oven. I like to (a bit meticulously 😅) smooth the top of my cheesecake with an offset spatula before chilling for a pretty appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe can absolutely be frozen and it’s very refreshing to enjoy straight from the freezer in the summertime. However, you do still need to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours before freezing it so that it can set properly.
After it’s set and chilled, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, place in an airtight container, and freeze. If you have decorative toppings like whipped cream on top, I would recommend placing the (unwrapped) cheesecake in the freezer for 30 minutes so that all parts of it can freeze enough to be wrapped/easily handled, then wrapping and freezing.
You can enjoy the frozen cheesecake straight from frozen or return it to the refrigerator to allow it to thaw before enjoying.
If you used the wrong kind of cream cheese or didn’t whip your cream long enough, your cheesecake may not set. Make sure to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese and not the spreadable kind that comes in a tub.
Also, make sure you have a little patience! No-bake cheesecake takes at least 4 hours to chill, but could take even longer if your cream cheese or other ingredients were particularly warm.
Enjoy!
More Cheesecake Desserts to Try:
- New York cheesecake
- Raspberry cheesecake
- Turtle cheesecake
- Cheesecake bars
- Pumpkin cheesecake
- Peanut butter cheesecake
The Best No Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 graham cracker crust prepared in springform pan (please click link for graham cracker crust recipe, no need to bake the crust)
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese softened to room temperature (use brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind sold in tubs)
- 1 cup (150 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream
- 1 ½ cup (355 ml) heavy cream
Whipped Cream
- ¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare graham cracker crust in a 9" springform pan according to recipe instructions. Set aside (room temperature or refrigerator, either is fine) while you make the filling.
Cheesecake filling
- Place cream cheese in a large bowl and, using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy.16 oz (450 g) cream cheese
- Add powdered sugar and stir until combined.1 cup (150 g) powdered sugar
- Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice, pausing to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Add sour cream and stir well.⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream
- Pour heavy cream into a separate, medium-sized bowl (preferably a chilled metal bowl). Whisk on high speed until stiff peaks are achieved (mixture will be thick, fluffy, voluminous and will hold a peak).1 ½ cup (355 ml) heavy cream
- Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until smooth and well-combined and mixture is uniform.
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly into prepared graham cracker crust (be sure to fill the crust completely, if there is any gapping between the filling and the crust it will crumble when cut into).1 graham cracker crust
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Top with whipped cream topping before serving (see note).
Whipped Cream Topping
- Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until thick, fluffy, and stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over cheesecake before serving (or after the cheesecake has had time to set). I use an Ateco 846 for piping the swirls in the photos and video.¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream, ¼ cup (40 g) powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
Whipped cream topping
I prefer to add the whipped cream before serving but this topping does maintain its shape and can be prepared and added to the cheesecake at any point after at least 2 hours of chilling.Storing
I store this cheesecake right in the springform pan, covered with foil or plastic wrap (remove the collar for slicing and serving and replace for storing). Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You may also freeze for up to 3 months (it’s actually quite good frozen!).Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
This recipe was originally posted 06/05/2017, the recipe remains the same but post has been updated to be more helpful and new photos and a new video have been added.
Kerrie Franks
I love the look of this cheesecake and am thrilled it has no gelatin. Could you tell me please, could I substitute some fresh passion fruit for the lemon juice, or use half of each? And could I use a half sour cream half marscapone, or half heavy cream and half marscapone option? I did that with a New York baked cheesecake recipe and it tasted divine.
Sam
Hi Kerrie! You could leave out the lemon juice if you don’t have it, but you could substitute some passion fruit juice. I haven’t tried this recipe with half mascarpone so I honestly can’t say for sure but I think it would work. Would you let me know if you try it out?
Jen
Hi Sam!
I made this last night. Should I let it come to room temp after being in the fridge before serving?
Jen
I forgot to add, my crust didn’t come out as thick as yours, could it be because I used a 10” spring form?
Sam
Hi Jen! That was probably the culprit here. 🙂
Sam
Hi Jen! You definitely want to serve it cold. The warm temperature will mess with the consistency. 🙂
Sarah Lynn
I graduated with my master’s degree today, and made this to celebrate. I topped it with cream cheese frosting and layered it with yellow cake to make a sort of (yellow) velvet cheesecake. I made some mistakes in the construction of the cake that made it a mess to get out of the pan (I don’t usually bake), but overall I’m really happy with it.
Sam
Congratulations, Sarah! I am so glad you enjoyed it so much. 🙂
Kathy
i dont have powdered sugar. will regular sugar do?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Kathy! Unfortunately no, you need the consistency and cornstarch from the powdered sugar so that the cheesecake holds its shape.
Gajana
Hi, can I substiture powder sugar with granulated sugar?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Gajana! Unfortunately no, you need the consistency and cornstarch from the powdered sugar so that the cheesecake holds its shape.
Nadine
This looks like a great recipe! Can’t wait to try it. Would it be okay if I omit the heavy cream? Or can I substitute it with something else? Thanks
Sam
Hi Nadine! Double cream or whipping cream will work instead, but unfortunately you can’t leave it out. You could use cool whip, but you would need about 3-4 cups. It’s really what holds this cheesecake together. 🙂
Tracy
No heavy cream only cool whip! Could I use that? May not taste as good but beats a trip to the store!
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Tracy! Yes, that will be fine. Enjoy!
Sandy Chester
Absolutely … Cool Whip is a lil sweeter and has something in it to keep it stiff… Lol I know whay I’m talking about but ive been under quarantine for to long and now I can’t remember those big words…lmao
Stay safe !
Hava
Can low fat cream cheese be used? I don’t have the regular one in the house.
Sam
Unfortunately it won’t work for this recipe. The reduced fat will make the filling too runny and it won’t hold its shape 🙁
Princess Di
You’re one of the few people who got this right! I trust you ad a cook!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Princess! I really appreciate your kind words and I am so glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Francine
Hi, anyway I can put jelllo as toping?
Sam
I haven’t tried it but would love to know how it works for you if you do!
Cammie
I’ve done this. I did a pretzel crust then topped with strawberries and strawberry jello. So good!
Mickeale
hi. I am going to try this recepie. Can i substitute the graham crust with crushed oreo cookies?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Micheale! Absolutely! I have a recipe for an oreo crust as well as a recipe for oreo cheesecake you like to try as well. 🙂
Hatty
I made this cheesecake – and a batch of caramel- for my dad and he said it was almost as good as Cheesecake Factory! The recipe was straightforward and fairly easy and the result was delicious. Definitely making another batch!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed it, Hatty! Thank you for trying my recipe and for commenting. Good Luck with your next batch! 🙂
Jurgita
IT IS THE BEST – FOR ME AND MY FAMILY- CHEESECAKE EVER!!!!!
FINALLY!!! THANK YOU!! :)❤❤❤
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that your family enjoyed it, Jurgita! Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Jurgita
Oh we are and they asking for more 😀🤗
Would you be so kind and advise me – I have all ingredients except cream cheese which I have just 250 gr- does it worth it to make cake or it will be ruined??…I guess won’t be that creamy 🤔🙂🙃
Sugar Spun Run
I love it! I am so glad everyone now wants seconds. Unfortunately, you will all the cream cheese listed. If you only use what you have it will not be creamy. 🙁
Ariella
Can you substitute plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Ariella! Yes, that will be fine. Enjoy! 🙂
em
i don’t have a springform pan, what would you recommend i use instead? thank you!
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Emmy! This recipe makes a lot of batter. Having said that I am not certain what you have on hand. You can use a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and cut them into squares. Others have also cut the recipe in half and used a standard 9″ pie pan. I hope that helps. 🙂
Mica
This looks amazing! I’ve tried your other cheesecake recipe before that does involve baking. So I wanna give this one a shot next! Which do you like better? The bake or no bake recipe?? Is there a fave?
Sam
Hi Mica! I’m glad you enjoyed the other cheesecake so much. That’s a really tough question. It really depends on how much time I have to make a cheesecake. This one is more of a classic but you really can’t go wrong either way. 😊
Cheryl C.
How much heavy cream and powder sugar and sour cream and lemon juice do u use for this cheese cake ?
Sam
It’s all listed in the ingredients. 🙂