Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake not firming up? ›

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. The second reason your cheesecake won't set can come down to the brand of cream cheese you use.

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.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake still soft? ›

The primary reason a no-bake cheesecake is too runny or doesn't set up properly is generally the temperature of the ingredients. If your cream cheese is too warm, the mixture will be too soft and will never set up properly.

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 makes a cheesecake go flat? ›

If the cake has too much air, it will rise too much in the oven and then the middle will sink when cooling. Nobody wants a sad, sunken cheesecake. Allow your ingredients to come to room temperature and add them in the order given in the recipe.

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 too 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.

Why add cornstarch to cheesecake? ›

Flour or cornstarch is sometimes included in cheesecake recipes to preventing cracks. If you find that you always have problems with cracking and your cheesecake recipe does not call for any flour or cornstarch, it's ok to experiment and add some cornstarch (one to two tablespoons) to the batter when you add the sugar.

Can I put my no-bake cheesecake in the freezer to set? ›

This makes for a great make-ahead dessert! Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. The filling won't slice and you'll lose the velvet texture!

Does cheesecake get firmer as it cools? ›

Either way, the cake will still look wobbly in the center. Don't worry; it will continue to firm up as it cools, first at room temperature, and then in the refrigerator.

Will icing sugar thicken cheesecake? ›

There are multiple ways to thicken the frosting. Add icing sugar to the mixture to quickly and easily stiffen the consistency of the frosting or experiment with other thickening agents such as cornstarch, meringue powder, and arrowroot powder.

Why is my cheesecake so dense? ›

TEMPERATURE OF THE CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS

It's also very important for the eggs to be at room temperature – cold egg whites won't whisk up properly, especially if you're using a hand whisk, so you won't be able to incorporate air into the cheesecake. This could result in a cheesecake with a dense, grainy texture.

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.

Why did my cheesecake turn out spongy? ›

Not being careful with your eggs

This is due to the emulsification that occurs when the proteins and fats in the eggs intermingle with the other ingredients. Besides making the batter more custard-like in flavor, the emulsification also helps the batter set and become spongy.

Why is my baked cheesecake not smooth? ›

Improper Temperature

When cream cheese is too cold, it can clump and cause a grainy texture, conversely, when it's too warm, its consistency can change and cause the same issue. Also, make sure to bake your cheesecake at the right temperature.

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