No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Clara quick dinners

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling infused with fresh strawberry sauce, and a vibrant strawberry topping. This no-bake treat is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or when you want a refreshing dessert without turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for hot days when you want to keep the oven off.
Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Utilizes fresh strawberries for a vibrant, natural taste.
Creamy and Light: The whipped cream and cream cheese layers create a smooth, airy texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, making it great for entertaining.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different fruits or crust variations.

Ingredients

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

Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter, melted
Fresh strawberries
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Heavy whipping cream

Directions

Prepare the Strawberry Sauce: Puree fresh strawberries and strain to remove seeds. Cook the puree with granulated sugar and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Let it cool completely.
Make the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Incorporate the cooled strawberry sauce into the filling.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Add Topping: Before serving, top the cheesecake with additional fresh strawberries or a strawberry glaze, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 12 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: At least 6 hours
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Fruit Options: Substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
Crust Alternatives: Use crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers.
Light Version: Opt for low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating: Not applicable; serve chilled.

FAQs

What is No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake?

It’s a chilled dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling infused with strawberry sauce, and a fresh strawberry topping, all prepared without baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before use to prevent excess moisture.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the strawberry sauce?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickening agent, adjusting the quantity as needed.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely; it’s best when chilled for several hours or overnight.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Ensure the crust is well-pressed and the strawberry sauce is cooled before layering.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, it can be used in place of homemade whipped cream.

What size pan should I use?

A 9-inch springform pan is standard for this recipe.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days when stored properly.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, feel free to incorporate other fruits like blueberries or peaches.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Not inherently, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers to make it so.

Conclusion

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its layers of creamy filling and fresh strawberries over a buttery crust make it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this treat chilled, and feel free to experiment with different fruits and crusts to suit your taste.

Description

These No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes are creamy, fruity, and made with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for spring and summer, they’re served in individual cups or jars—no oven required! Great for parties, picnics, or anytime you’re craving a quick and easy dessert.

For the crust:

For the cheesecake filling:

For the strawberry topping:

Make the crust:
In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each serving cup or jar. Press down gently to form the base.
Make the cheesecake filling:
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon or pipe the filling over the crusts, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Prepare the strawberry topping:
In a small bowl, mix diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate and release juices.
Assemble:
Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake layer. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve:
Serve chilled. Garnish with extra whipped cream or mint leaves if desired.

Notes

These work great in mini mason jars, clear plastic cups, or shot glasses for parties.
You can swap strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.