Indulge in the creamy delight of our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake, a perfect dessert that requires no oven time. This recipe combines the smooth richness of cream cheese with a light and fluffy texture from whipped cream, all nestled in a sweet graham cracker crust. Topped with luscious cherry pie filling, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual dinners. Follow along to create this easy and delightful dessert that will impress your guests without the hassle of baking.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup white sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 12.5-ounce can cherry pie filling (or other filling of your choice)
Instructions
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and white sugar until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pan:
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact it firmly.
- Chill:
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Filling:
- Whip the Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until well incorporated and smooth.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This can be done using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold until well combined and no streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Fill the Crust:
- Remove the chilled graham cracker crust from the refrigerator.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling into the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill:
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and firm up.
Serve:
- Top with Cherry Pie Filling:
- Just before serving, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, if using, or slice directly from the pie dish.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, decadent flavors of your No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake!
Cook’s Tips
- Chilling Time: Ensure the cheesecake chills for the recommended time to achieve the best texture and firmness.
- Variations: Experiment with different pie fillings such as blueberry, strawberry, or even a mixed berry medley for variety.
- Crust Options: If graham crackers are not available, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or another type of cookie crumb for the crust.
Variations
Explore creative twists on your No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake:
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add ½ cup of melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Citrus Burst: Mix in 2 tablespoons of lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans over the cherry topping for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a homemade dessert, this recipe delivers creamy cheesecake goodness topped with fruity cherry filling. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful dessert and savor every creamy bite. Create lasting memories with this easy-to-make, no-fuss cheesecake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
