Cheesecake Recipe (No Bake)

This is hands-down the most OUTRAGEOUSLY DELICIOUS No-Bake Cheesecake recipe—you won’t believe it’s no-bake! Thanks to my game-changing secret ingredient, it creates tall, clean slices that don’t melt, while boasting a smooth, light yet luxuriously velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Additionally, I’ve included expert tips, foolproof techniques, step-by-step photos, and numerous variations to ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly every time!

Easy No Bake Cheesecake Recipe 🍰

This No-Bake Cheesecake isn’t just easy—it’s practically foolproof, and it’s far superior to other versions. I tested and retested the recipe with and without gelatin, using different quantities of cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and other ingredients, until this perfect recipe was developed. Here’s why it stands out:

Perfectly Sliceable & Stable: This cheesecake sets up beautifully thanks to the game-changing addition of gelatin—no sagging, melting, or collapsing. It cuts into tall, impressive, clean slices that hold their shape, even when not served immediately.
Lusciously Creamy Texture: The bare minimum of gelatin is used, creating a light and mousse-like texture that remains rich, velvety creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
Extra Creamy & Rich: Made with 24 ounces of full-fat cream cheese (instead of the standard 16 ounces), it delivers a bold, more luxurious cheesecake flavor in every bite.
Balanced Flavor: It’s perfectly sweet with a hint of brightness from lemon juice and a pinch of salt to round everything out—two flavor-boosters many recipes skip.
Totally Customizable: I’ve provided numerous mix-in options and topping ideas (including fruit, chocolate, flavored gelatin, nuts, sauces, and more), allowing you to create a new version every time.
Foolproof & No Fuss: No eggs, no water bath, no cracks, no hours of cooling—just a simple mix, pour, and chill process that anyone can master.

top view of no bake cheesecake recipe showing how to decorate it with berries

No Bake Cheesecake Recipe Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

FOR THE CRUST:

Graham crackers: Use 16 full-sheet graham crackers, or feel free to substitute with 2 cups of your favorite cookie crumbs.
Packed light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses sweetness and helps bind the crust.
Melted unsalted butter: Either salted or unsalted butter can be used in the crust. If you use salted, skip the pinch of salt in the recipe. Make sure it’s fully melted to evenly moisten the crumbs.

top view of no bake cheesecake ingredients: cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, gelatin, lemon juice, sour cream, graham crackers, brown sugar, butter, and salt

For the no bake cheesecake filling:

Cream cheese: Use full-fat brick cream cheese for the best texture; avoid using whipped or spreadable varieties. The cream cheese must be fully softened to room temperature for the smoothest texture. It’s better to err on the side of it being too soft than too hard.
Heavy cream: Use “heavy cream” and not “heavy whipping cream” if possible, and chill it until ready to use.
Did you know “heavy cream” must contain at least 36% milk fat, whereas
“whipping cream” (or light whipping cream) has 30–35% milk fat. Because heavy cream has a bit more fat, it whips up a little thicker and holds its shape better.
Unflavored gelatin powder: This is a common baking ingredient and can be found next to the packages of Jell-O and pudding at your grocery store or on Amazon HERE. This is key to a firm, sliceable texture.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and luxurious creaminess! Please use full-fat sour cream at room temperature.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake; use less if you prefer a less sweet cheesecake. The sugar also helps break down the cream cheese by softening its texture as it is mixed.
How does it work? As you beat the sugar into the cream cheese, the sugar crystals physically disrupt the dense structure of the cheese, making it smoother and easier to blend. This process also helps dissolve any lumps, resulting in a creamier, silkier filling.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the richness. Fresh is best, but you may use bottled.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note—use real vanilla for best results.
Salt: A small amount rounds out all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

a spatula serving cheesecake no bake showing how stable and sturdy the cheesecake slices are

How to make Cheesecake (No Bake)

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Prepare the Pan. Line the bottom of a 10” springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the inside of your entire pan with nonstick cooking spray with flour. (You can use a 9-inch if that’s all you have, but you may have a little extra filling-yum!)

showing how to make no bake cheesecake by lining a springform pan with parchment paper and spraying with nonstick cooking spray

Step 2: Make the Crust: Add the Graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until finely ground (or crush in a bag with a rolling pin). Add butter, sugar, and salt and pulse (or stir) until evenly combined.
Add to the greased springform pan and press the crumbs firmly up the sides (go to the top of the pan), then down on the bottom of the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the bottom and sides until they are very compact (this helps prevent cracking when sliced).

showing how to make no bake cheesecake by adding Graham crackers to a food processor, pulsing into crumbs, then adding butter, sugar and salt and combining to moisten

showing how to make no bake cheesecake by pressing the crust up the sides and the bottom of a springform pan

Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin. Add the gelatin to a small microwave-safe bowl, then pour the cold water over it; whisk to dissolve. Let it stand while you make the whipped cream, at least 3 minutes (it will firm up). Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir the mixture, then set aside to cool slightly.

showing how to make no bake cheesecake whisking gelatin with water, then microwaving to thin

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream. Using a hand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks; set aside.

showing how to make no bake cheesecake by whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks

Step 5: Beat Cream Cheese. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt and beat for 2 minutes.
Reduce the speed to low and slowly drizzle in the gelatin, then increase the speed to medium for 10-20 seconds to combine.

a collage showing how to make no bake cheesecake by beating cream cheese until smooth, then adding sugar, vanilla, sour cream and lemon juice, then beating until smooth, then slowly pouring in the gelatin

Step 6: Add Whipped Cream. Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

showing how to make no bake cheesecake recipe by folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture

Step 7: Combine and Chill. Pour the filling into the crust and spread into an even layer using an offset spatula. If you have extra filling, refrigerate it separately—it’s delicious as a fruit dip! Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

showing how to make no bake cheesecake by smoothing the filling into the crust and chilling

Step 8: Serve. Unclip and remove the rim of the pan, then use the parchment paper to slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate. Top the cheesecake with fresh berries, strawberry sauce, or other toppings (see the section below for ideas).

showing how to make no bake cheesecake recipe by topping the cheesecake with berries

TIPS for making no bake cheesecake

Move quickly to make the crust: The moister the crumbs, the easier they are to work with. As the butter comes to room temperature, the crumbs will become less moist.
Make the side crusts first: It’s important to create nice, thick sides to enclose the cheesecake, then use the remaining crumbs to form the bottom.
Please ensure the cream cheese is soft: You should be able to press a finger into it easily. If it’s not soft, you’ll have a lumpy cheesecake!
To soften cream cheese quickly: Place the unopened cream cheese blocks (still sealed in their wrappers) in a bowl of warm water (not hot) for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the water is just warm to the touch—too hot can cause uneven melting.
Whip the cream properly: Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
Cool the gelatin slightly before adding: If the gelatin is too hot, it can melt the whipped cream or cream cheese—let it cool to lukewarm before incorporating.
Reheat gelatin if needed: On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you wait too long to use the gelatin, it will start to thicken and can solidify. If it’s not runny, then microwave it again for 5-10 seconds, then cool slightly before using.
Gently fold in the whipped cream: This will help prevent the airy texture from deflating.
Don’t have a springform pan? Try mini cheesecakes!

easy no bake cheesecake on a platter with slices missing showing the thick Graham cracker crust

Easy No Bake Cheesecake Variations

Because this recipe is no-bake, it is incredibly forgiving when it comes to variations—you can virtually add anything you like! Here are delicious mix-ins and flavor additions to suit any mood or occasion:

Use flavored gelatin: Swap plain unflavored gelatin with flavored varieties like strawberry, lemon, or orange to subtly infuse the cheesecake with fruity flavor and color, perfect for coordinating with seasonal themes or fruit toppings.
Fruit Swirls: Fold in fruit preserves or compote, such as raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry, or layer a ribbon of your favorite jam through the cheesecake filling for a gorgeous swirl of flavor and color.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon, lime, or orange zest for a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
Crushed Candy, Cookies, or Toffee: Add chopped toffee bits, crushed peppermint, Oreos, or candy bars for bursts of sweet crunch.
Make it chocolate: Add melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a rich, decadent twist. You may need to add 1/4-½ cup more sugar to balance the bitterness, depending on the type of chocolate used.
Nut Butters: Blend in peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella for a creamy, nutty twist—great paired with a chocolate crust.
Spices: Mix in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to complement fall-inspired flavors.
Flavored Extracts: Try almond, coconut, maple, or peppermint extract to change up the flavor profile.

How to serve Easy No Bake Cheesecake

Remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes for the smoothest texture. For clean, smooth slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, then wipe it dry before each cut. The heat helps the blade glide through the cheesecake without sticking or tearing. Serve plain or top with desired toppings (see below).

a slice of no-bake cheesecake recipe on a plate garnished with berries

Light and Fruity toppings

Fresh Berries: As pictured, top with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries. You can mix and match or stick with one kind for a bold color pop.
Whipped Cream: Pipe along the edges of the cheesecake just before serving, or use stabilized cream (see this cheesecake recipe) and add the whipped cream days before serving! Delicious with berries too.
Fruit Compote or Sauce: Serve with my strawberry syrup/sauce, blueberry sauce, or apples from my caramel apple cheesecake. SO GOOD!
Glazed Strawberries: Use the strawberry portion from my strawberry cheesecake recipe.
Lemon Curd: Spread a layer of tangy lemon curd over the top for a bright, citrusy contrast to the creamy filling.
Edible Flowers: Add a few edible flowers like pansies or violets right before serving for an upgraded presentation.

cheesecake recipe no bake served with strawberry sauce over top (showing serving options)

Decadent & Crunchy toppings

Chocolate Ganache: Pour a silky (and easy!) chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent layer that firms up slightly as it chills. You can also pair with crushed Oreos or other candy in and on top of the cheesecake.
Chocolate shavings: White or dark chocolate for an even more elegant touch. See my chocolate mouse cake for instructions on how to create epic chocolate shavings.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty upgrade.
Crushed Cookies or Graham Crackers: Sprinkle crushed Oreos, graham crackers, gingersnaps, etc. for extra crunch and flavor.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, almonds macadamia nuts or pistachios add tasty texture and visual interest.

up close bite of no bake cheesecake showing how rich, creamy, and stable it is

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up close of a bite of easy no bake cheesecake recipe with strawberry sauce showing how rich and creamy it is

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Crust

16 full sheets of Graham crackers (about 2 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (8 TBS/ 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Cheesecake

1 tablespoon gelatin powder (see Notes)
3 tablespoons water
1 1/3 cups heavy cream
24 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Prepare Pan: Line the bottom of a 10” springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the inside of the entire pan with nonstick cooking spray containing flour. You may use a 9-inch pan, but you may have a little filling left over—delicious with berries, yum!
Make Crust: Add the Graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until finely ground (or crush in a bag with a rolling pin). Add the butter, sugar, and salt and pulse (or stir) until evenly combined.
Form Crust: Add the crumbs to the greased springform pan and press them firmly up the sides, then down onto the bottom of the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the bottom and sides until they are very compact (this helps prevent cracking when sliced).
Mix Gelatin: Add the unflavored gelatin to a small microwave-safe bowl, then pour the cold water over top; whisk to dissolve. Let it stand while you make the whipped cream (below), at least 3 minutes (it will firm up during this time).
Make Whipped Cream: Using a hand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks; set aside.
Microwave Gelatin: Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir the mixture, then set aside to cool slightly before using. Meanwhile:
Beat Cream Cheese: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 1 minute, or until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl a few times. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high for 2 minutes.
Add Gelatin: Reduce the speed to low and gradually drizzle in the gelatin, then increase the speed to medium for 10 to 20 seconds to combine. (The gelatin should be runny/liquid when ready to use. If not, microwave again for 10 seconds and set aside to cool again for a few minutes to lukewarm.)
Add Whipped Cream: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Avoid overfolding or being too aggressive, as you don’t want to deflate the air in the whipped cream. Pour the filling into the crust and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
Chill: Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.
Decorate: Unclip and lift the rim of the pan, then use the parchment paper to slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate. Top the cheesecake with fresh berries, strawberry sauce, blueberry sauce, caramel sauce, ganache, etc., if desired. (See post for LOTS of topping ideas!)
Serve: Run a sharp knife under hot water before slicing. Clean the knife between each slice. Enjoy!

Unflavored gelatin powder: This is a common baking ingredient and can be found next to the packages of Jell-O and pudding at your grocery store, or on Amazon HERE. This is key to a firm, sliceable texture.
Cream cheese: Use full-fat brick cream cheese for the best texture; avoid using whipped or spreadable varieties. The cream cheese must be fully softened to room temperature for the smoothest texture. It’s better to err on the side of it being too soft than too hard. You should be able to press a finger into it easily. If it’s not soft, you’ll have a lumpy cheesecake!
To soften cream cheese quickly: Place the unopened cream cheese blocks (still sealed in their wrappers) in a bowl of warm water (not hot) for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the water is just warm to the touch—too hot can cause uneven melting.
Cool the gelatin slightly before adding: If the gelatin is too hot, it can melt the whipped cream or cream cheese—let it cool to lukewarm before incorporating.
Reheat gelatin if needed: On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you wait too long to use the gelatin, it will start to thicken and can solidify. If it’s not runny, then microwave it again for 5-10 seconds, then cool slightly before using.
Variations: See the post for LOTS of fun mix-in and topping ideas!
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, noting that the crust will start to soften after 4 days. Add whipped cream or berries just before serving.

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