This No Bake Cherry Cheesecake is a creamy, luscious dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich, smooth cheesecake filling topped with sweet cherry pie filling. With no oven required, this easy recipe is perfect for holidays, summer gatherings, or any time you crave a delicious, fuss-free cheesecake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required – Perfect for warm weather or when you want a quick dessert.
- Creamy and Dreamy – Smooth, velvety cheesecake filling with a luscious cherry topping.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and ready in minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable – Swap the topping or crust for different flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
- Heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish.
- Chill in the refrigerator while making the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
3. Assemble and Chill
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
4. Add the Cherry Topping
- Once chilled, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake.
- Slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Oreo Crust – Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers.
- Different Toppings – Swap cherries for strawberries, blueberries, or caramel.
- Chocolate Cheesecake – Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the filling.
- Mini Cheesecakes – Make in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the cherry topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?
Yes! A pre-made crust works perfectly for a quicker version.
Why isn’t my cheesecake firm?
Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling overnight.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular pie dish or a square pan for cheesecake bars.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes, substitute 1½ cups of Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes! Cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch for a homemade topping.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
Can I use a different fruit topping?
Yes! Try blueberries, raspberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
How do I cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for perfect cuts.
Can I make this in a 9×13 pan?
Yes! Double the recipe for a larger batch.
Conclusion
This No Bake Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate easy dessert, combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich, creamy filling, and a sweet cherry topping. Whether for a holiday, birthday, or casual gathering, this cheesecake is always a hit. Make it ahead, chill, and enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!
Description
This no-bake cherry cheesecake has a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cherry topping. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, gatherings, or any time you need a simple yet delicious treat!
For the Crust:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
For the Topping:
-
Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
-
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
-
Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
-
Add the cherry topping: Once set, spread the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake.
Notes
- Want a crunchier crust? Bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes and let it cool before adding the filling.
- Make it extra fancy by adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream.
- No cherry pie filling? Use fresh cherries cooked with a little sugar and lemon juice!