Description
A simple and reliable no-bake cheesecake with a creamy filling and crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion and easy to make without an oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, fruit compote or pie filling, chocolate shavings or drizzle
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin in a plastic bag.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and about an inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
- Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the cream cheese and mix until fluffy.
- Whip the cold heavy cream in a separate chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set.
- Before serving, release the springform pan sides carefully and add optional toppings if desired.
- Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces and serve chilled.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending. Whip cream to stiff peaks but do not overbeat. Press crust firmly and chill thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Use a warm knife for clean slicing. For dairy-free, swap cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, substitute crust with almond flour and gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of chee
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, no oven dessert, quick cheesecake