Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Nothing makes me happier than cheesecake. This fluffy and so simple no-bake strawberry cheesecake recipe is one of those delicious desserts that are surprisingly simple to make, delicious, and always presents beautifully. If you want a no-bake option, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit!

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Can I Make This With Different Berries?
  • What Other Cookies Can Be Used for Cheesecake Crust?
  • Can I Use Whipped Cream Cheese for Cheesecake?
  • Why is My No-Bake Cheesecake Not Firm?
  • Can I Freeze a No-Bake Cheesecake?
  • Ingredients for Crust
  • Ingredients for No-Bake Cheesecake Filling
  • Ingredients for Homemade Whipped Cream
  • Handy Kitchen Tools
  • How do I Make a Graham Cracker Crust?
  • How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
  • How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
  • More Delicious Desserts
  • Printable Recipe
  • 📖 Recipe

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

I am a self-proclaimed cheesecake addict and am excited to share another version with you. We've already shared my favorite New York-style cheesecake recipe for the original classic taste. Fanny has given us a fun roasted blueberry and Meyer lemon cheesecake that is delightful and unique. Plus, there is the chocolate cheesecake and another fun and easy no-bake OREO cheesecake. We even have a banana pudding cheesecake that is to die for! Let's just say, this is a favorite flavor, and this version is going to become another favorite option in your home! So tasty and easy to make!

Can I Make This With Different Berries?

Definitely! I love the combination of strawberries with cream cheese, so it is my favorite choice, but you can make this with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Any berry can be used to create a delicious cheesecake following the same basic recipe as outlined below. The strawberries tend to be the most popular and give the best overall flavor since they are naturally sweeter. Other berries are a bit more tart so may require a little more sweetness to make the flavor as you prefer.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (2)

What Other Cookies Can Be Used for Cheesecake Crust?

I am a classic fan of the original Graham cracker crust, but, I also realize that there are many different choices that fit this recipe wonderfully. Below are a few of the hard cookies that I have been known to use for a cookie crust and can easily see fitting into this recipe well with delicious results.

  • Oreo cookies - remove the cream filling and only use the chocolate cookie.
  • Hard lemon cookies.
  • Shortbread cookies.
  • Vanilla wafers.
  • Teddy Graham bear crackers.
  • Animal crackers (with a bit of added sugar).
Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (3)

Can I Use Whipped Cream Cheese for Cheesecake?

There are two camps in regards to using whipped cream cheese in a cheesecake. First off, it is never recommended to use when making a traditionally baked cheesecake. However, in no-bake cakes, it can work well, as long as you use the same amount by weight. You'll also want to make sure it is folded in rather than whipped or beaten as you might do with regular cream cheese.

Another consideration is that it works best with full-fat cream cheese versus lighter versions. While I have had good success using whipped cream cheese when it was all I had on hand, I definitely prefer making it with regular cheesecake.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (4)

Why is My No-Bake Cheesecake Not Firm?

Typically, when a no-bake cheesecake does not set up, it just needs more time. If after a few hours in the refrigerator it is still runny, you can place it in the freezer for an hour to see if that will harden things. Some suggest using a bit of lemon juice in the batter will always make sure it firms up after being refrigerated. I cannot verify this method, but it is worth considering.

Remember, that while you want it to slice nicely, even a slightly runny no-bake cheesecake will be delicious because it will have great flavor. It's just more like pudding than cake at that point!

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (5)

Can I Freeze a No-Bake Cheesecake?

You sure can! If you make too much or just want to have it portioned for a simple treat, later on, you can easily freeze it for later. I prefer letting it set properly in the refrigerator then slice it. After it is sliced, I place the individual pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Place this into the freezer for 1 hour to harden, then I stake them into a storage bag or container with waxed paper between each piece. This makes it super easy to grab a single slice at a time if desired.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (6)

Ingredients for Crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Unsalted butter

Ingredients for No-Bake Cheesecake Filling

  • Unflavored gelatin
  • Cream cheese
  • Strawberries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Vanilla extract

Ingredients for Homemade Whipped Cream

  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Granulated sugar
Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (7)

How do I Make a Graham Cracker Crust?

Crush Graham crackers to create crumbs if needed.

In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon and mix well.

Stir in the melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.

Press the crust mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan.

Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (8)

How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

In a small bowl, add 1 cup cold water and then sprinkle the gelatin on top and set aside for 2 minutes to bloom.

Whisk the gelatin mixture to combine, then microwave for 30-seconds, and remove to whisk again until the gelatin mixture is formed and dissolved. Set aside.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (9)

Into a food processor or blender, add 2 cups of strawberries and pulse until smooth, then set aside.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (10)

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until combined, using low speed. Scrape down the sides, making sure to completely mix. Be careful not to overmix.

In a chilled bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract then whip on high speed until stiff peaks form and set aside.

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.

Add the pureed strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.

Pour the gelatin and strawberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture and mix to combine well.

Fold the remaining 2 cups of strawberries pieces into the cheesecake batter until just combined.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (11)

Spread the filling over the prepared crust and cover lightly.

Chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (12)

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

If desired, top the cheesecake with additional homemade whipped cream and sliced berries.

In a large chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.

Pour the fresh whipped cream into a piping bag and decorate the top of the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream and additional berries.

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (13)

More Delicious Desserts

Need more non-cheesecake ideas for your dessert menu, we've got you covered! Check out these tasty ideas!

  • Flaky Pear Turnover Recipe
  • The Easiest Old Fashioned Pound Cake Recipe
  • Coconut Cake Recipe with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
  • The Best Banana Bread Blondies with Dark Chocolate
Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (14)

Printable Recipe

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12

Fluffy No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (15)

Follow this step by step recipe tutorial to create a delicious no bake strawberry cheesecake that is perfect for any weeknight dessert!

Prep Time1 hour

Additional Time4 hours

Total Time5 hours

Ingredients

Ingredients for Crust

  • 2 cups Grahm cracker crumbs (11 full sheets)
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients for Cheesecake Filling

  • 30 grams unflavored gelatin (4 envelopes)
  • ⅔ cup cold water
  • 4 cups strawberry pieces
  • 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions

How do I Make a Graham Cracker Crust?

  1. Crush Graham crackers to create crumbs if needed.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon and mix well.
  3. Stir in the melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Press the crust mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan.
  5. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes

How to Make No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

  1. In a small bowl, add 1 cup cold water and then sprinkle the gelatin on top and set aside for 2 minutes to bloom.
  2. Whisk the gelatin mixture to combine, then microwave for 30-seconds, and remove to whisk again until the gelatin mixture is formed and dissolved. Set aside.
  3. Into a food processor or blender, add 2 cups of strawberries and pulse until smooth, then set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until combined, using low speed. Scrape down the sides, making sure to completely mix. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. In a chilled bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract then whip on high speed until stiff peaks form and set aside.
  6. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
  7. Add the pureed strawberries to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.
  8. Pour the gelatin and strawberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture and mix to combine well.
  9. Fold the remaining 2 cups of strawberries pieces into the cheesecake batter until just combined.
  10. Spread the filling over the prepared crust and cover lightly.
  11. Chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

  1. If desired, top the cheesecake with additional homemade whipped cream and sliced berries.
  2. In a large chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
  3. Pour the fresh whipped cream into a piping bag and decorate the top of the cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream and additional berries.

Notes

Substitute fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries if preferred.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 639Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 317mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 2gSugar: 40gProtein: 9g

Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my no bake cheesecake set overnight? ›

However, heavy cream won't whip up well unless it's cold. That means you need to ensure both the heavy cream and the cream cheese are fridge-cold. If your ingredients are too warm, you'll end up with a soupy mixture that will never set, no matter how long you leave it in the fridge.

Why is my cheesecake not fluffy? ›

You want to work rather gently (or you'll deflate the whipped cream) but still make sure the cream cheese and whipped cream are completely incorporated and hom*ogenous. Otherwise, you'll have bites of cheesecake that are not fluffy.

How to thicken up a no bake cheesecake? ›

To thicken a no-bake cheesecake, refrigerate it for an extended period or consider adding dissolved gelatin, more cream cheese, or Greek yogurt to the mixture before chilling.

What type of cheesecake is fluffy? ›

No-bake cheesecakes, Japanese cheesecakes, and cheesecakes made with lighter ingredients deliver that same taste we love in a softer, airier format. These fluffy cheesecake recipes all boast a fluffy texture that won't leave you overly full or bogged down with an abundance of heavy ingredients.

How to make a no-bake cheesecake set faster? ›

Yes, you can freeze a no-bake cheesecake to hasten its setting time. However, you should only keep it in the freezer for approximately an hour since if you keep it there for too long, it might freeze solid.

What happens if you don't let cheesecake sit overnight? ›

Eggs and cheese have high protein and moisture content, which, when left out at room temperature, can lead to bacteria multiplying. Conditions ripe for bacteria will make the cheesecake unsafe for eating.

What does adding an extra egg to cheesecake do? ›

Eggs: Three whole eggs hold the cheesecake together. I also add an extra yolk, which enhances the cake's velvety texture. (Whites tend to lighten the cake, which is actually fine — if you don't feel like separating that fourth egg and don't mind some extra airiness in the texture, just add in the whole egg.)

What happens if you over mix cheesecake batter? ›

When making your filling, overmixing can lead to incorporating too much air into the batter. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, and the cheesecake will fall and crack. THE FIX: The number one reason why you'd overbeat your batter is because you're having dificulty incorporating cold ingredients.

What does overcooked cheesecake look like? ›

Overcooked cheesecake will be dry and grainy instead of silky and smooth, which nobody wants to serve their diners. If you're not 100% certain of your oven's temperature calibration, as a general rule of thumb, you can start performing wobble tests up to 10 minutes before a recipe's minimum recommended cooking time.

How to tell if no-bake cheesecake is set? ›

Try this: The cheesecake should be shiny and firm to the touch when set. You can move the cheesecake to the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing, but freezing any longer will make for a frozen cheesecake without the same delightfully creamy texture as the just-refrigerated version.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake base so hard? ›

If your cheesecake base is too hard – this can be down to a few things, such as brands of biscuits, too much butter, or a really cold fridge (or if you froze the cheesecake). Generally I stick to a rule of about 100-150g of butter in a biscuit base.

Is baked or no-bake cheesecake better? ›

The key difference between baked and no-bake cheesecakes is the former's superior texture. Baked cheesecakes have a dense, fluffy, moist and smooth texture, which is not possible with the recipe for no-bake cheesecake.

What's the difference between New York cheesecake and strawberry cheesecake? ›

New York cheesecake uses a larger portion of cream cheese. It is rich and dense. Regular cheesecake uses more cream and has a creamier texture. There is typically a crust made of graham crackers, but sometimes other cookies like shortbread are used.

Why are Japanese cheesecakes so fluffy? ›

Another key difference is that Japanese cheesecakes are often steamed instead of baked. Because of this, they retain more moisture, resulting in an even more delicate and fluffy texture.

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

The addition of cream gives a velvety, smooth texture, but too much of it and you begin to mask the cream cheese flavor. Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor.

How do you fix a cheesecake that didn't set? ›

After the cheesecake is done, switch off the oven and let it cool down in the oven for an hour or more. Doing this helps the cheesecake to cool down slowly and helps it to set properly.

Why is my no bake cheesecake base soggy? ›

I'd say it's too much liquid in the cheesecake batter and it didn't set fast enough and the liquid and moisture got into the base. Baking the base would help, but I guess if you need to bake it then there's no point to make a no bake cheesecake. Buiscuits, butter and a bit of cocoa powder for the base.

How long can no bake cheesecake sit out at room temp? ›

No-bake cheesecake must be refrigerated when it is first made to allow it to set properly. It also requires refrigerating for storage and should not sit out longer than two hours for serving. Any leftovers should also be refrigerated.

Does cheesecake need to set overnight? ›

It also needs to spend four hours, or ideally overnight, in the fridge before slicing and eating to ensure the perfect velvety smooth texture. Speaking of slicing…

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5897

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.