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A Slice of No-Bake Cheesecake with A Graham Cracker Crust on A Floral-Patterned Plate Next to A Gold Fork

No-Bake Cheesecake

Who said cheesecake had to be stressful? With this No-Bake Cheesecake, you get all the creamy, dreamy indulgence without turning on the oven. That’s right — no water baths, no cracked tops, just pure dessert bliss.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan (or pie dish as an alternative)
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
  • Mixing bowls (2 medium to large)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Food processor or rolling pin + zip-top bag (for crust)
  • Plastic wrap

Ingredients
  

For the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh berries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed cookies

Instructions
 

  • Make the Crust
    Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
    Mix until it resembles damp sand.
    Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan using a flat-bottomed glass.
    Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
    A Person in An Apron Is Scooping Graham Cracker Crumbs Into a Glass Mixing Bowl to Make the Crust
  • Make the Filling
    Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
    Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat again until fully incorporated.
    In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
    Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
    A Person Is Whisking Whipped Cream in A Glass Bowl While Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
  • Assemble the Cheesecake
    Pour the filling over the chilled crust.
    Smooth the top with a spatula.
    Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
    A Person Is Spreading the Cheesecake Filling Evenly Over the Graham Cracker Crust in A Springform Pan
  • Garnish and Serve
    Carefully release the cheesecake from the pan.
    Transfer to a serving plate.
    Add desired toppings and slice to serve.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Use room temp cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Whip the cream to stiff peaks — soft peaks won’t hold the structure.
  • Don’t skip chill time — it sets the cheesecake properly.
  • Add fresh toppings last minute to prevent sogginess or weeping.
  • Want to boost flavor? Add lemon zest, almond extract, or even a spoonful of jam to the filling.
Keyword Beginner-Friendly, Cheesecake, Cream Cheese, Easy Dessert, No-Bake