Best No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

This Best No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is a quick and delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and a tangy cherry topping. The smooth, sweet filling contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the crust, making it a simple yet irresistible treat. If you’re looking for an easy, no-bake dessert that’s sure to impress, this cheesecake is the perfect choice. Even my husband won’t touch baked cheesecake anymore after having a slice of this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this no-bake cherry cheesecake because it requires minimal effort but delivers incredible flavor. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crispy, while the filling is light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. Plus, the cherry topping adds a sweet and slightly tart contrast that enhances the overall taste. With only 20 minutes of prep time and 2-3 hours in the fridge to set, it’s a dessert that is both quick and easy to make. The fact that it doesn’t require an oven makes it even more convenient, especially during warmer months when I don’t want to turn on the heat.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup white sugar

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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. To make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well incorporated and crumbly. Press this mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure to go up the sides as much as possible to form a nice crust.

3. To make the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and spreadable.

4. In a chilled glass or metal bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.

6. Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 2 to 3 hours until firm.

8. Once set, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

9. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Additional Time: 2 to 3 hours (chill time)

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

If you want to mix things up a bit, here are some variations I enjoy:

• Other fruit toppings: While cherry pie filling is the classic choice, you can also top the cheesecake with other pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry for a different flavor.

• Add nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) over the topping.

• Flavored crust: If I want to add a twist to the crust, I sometimes use crushed vanilla cookies or chocolate graham crackers instead of regular graham crackers.

Storage/Reheating

This no-bake cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator. Once the cheesecake has set, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled for up to 3-4 days. I recommend storing the cherry pie filling separately and adding it just before serving to avoid the crust becoming soggy. Since this is a no-bake recipe, there’s no need for reheating – simply enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the filling to set properly.

Can I use a different type of filling besides cherry?

Absolutely! You can swap the cherry pie filling for any other fruit filling, such as blueberry, strawberry, or even a homemade compote. The cheesecake pairs well with a variety of toppings.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. The cheesecake might not be as rich or creamy, but it will still taste delicious.

How can I make the crust gluten-free?

To make this cheesecake gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie alternative in place of regular graham crackers. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze this cheesecake. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge for several hours before serving.

Conclusion

This Best No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate go-to dessert for anyone looking for a simple yet decadent treat. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a craving for something sweet, this cheesecake never disappoints. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping is a crowd-pleaser, and since it’s no-bake, it’s perfect for those warm days when turning on the oven just isn’t an option.