No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
If you love strawberries and creamy desserts, the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect treat for you. This delightful dessert is easy to make and requires no baking, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a light, fluffy filling packed with fresh strawberries, it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is not only delicious, but it also takes very little time to prepare. You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment, just some basic tools like a food processor and a mixer. Plus, since it’s a no-bake recipe, you won’t have to worry about turning on the oven. This dessert is ideal for warm weather and special occasions when you want to celebrate with something sweet and fruity.
How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 10 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 6 tbsp boiling water
- 3 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely chopped strawberries
- 16 sheets graham crackers
- 1 3-oz. box strawberry gelatin (such as Jell-O)
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
Step 1: Create the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and brown sugar until finely ground, for about 1 minute.
- With the processor running, drizzle in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Whip Up the Filling
4. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until very stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes. Set the whipped cream aside.
5. Switch to the paddle attachment, add softened cream cheese, and beat on medium speed until smooth, around 1-2 minutes.
6. Add granulated sugar, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl. Beat until everything is combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
7. In another medium bowl, whisk together the strawberry gelatin and boiling water for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved.
8. Mix the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and beat on medium speed until incorporated. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
9. Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until smooth.
10. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 2 days to set.
Step 4: Serve and Indulge
11. Once set, carefully loosen the cheesecake from the pan using a small knife or offset spatula. Transfer to a serving platter.
12. Slice with a warm knife for neat edges and dig into your refreshing, fruity dessert!
How to Serve No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Serve the cheesecake chilled, garnished with extra strawberries or whipped cream on top. This dessert is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
How to Store No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Keep your cheesecake stored in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it later, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and avoid freezing it, as the texture may change.
Tips to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a smoother filling, beat the cream cheese until very smooth before adding other ingredients.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can also work if thawed and drained properly.
Variation
You can try this recipe with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Simply replace the chopped strawberries with your chosen fruit, and adjust the gelatin flavor accordingly for a new twist on this classic dessert.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, if you want to save time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
2. Can I add more strawberries?
Definitely! You can add more strawberries for a fruitier taste. Just ensure to balance it with the other ingredients.
3. Is this dessert gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains graham crackers. However, you can substitute gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free.