Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake is a simple, yet indulgent dessert that’s creamy, rich, and perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make cheesecake requires no baking, making it the ideal dessert for hot days, last-minute gatherings, or when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. With a creamy filling made from Philadelphia cream cheese, a buttery graham cracker crust, and endless topping possibilities (like fresh fruit, chocolate, or caramel), this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

For topping (optional):

• Fresh fruit (berries, mango slices, etc.)

• Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce

• Whipped cream

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

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.

   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish, making sure the crust is even. You can also use a regular pie crust if preferred.

   • Refrigerate the crust for at least 15 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer.

   • In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fully combined. If you like a more tangy flavor, add the lemon juice to the mixture and fold it in.

3. Assemble the cheesecake:

   • Once the crust has set, spoon the cream cheese filling into the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula until it’s even.

   • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up.

4. Top and serve:

   • Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, top with your choice of fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce.

   • Slice and serve chilled!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Refrigeration time: 4 hours to overnight

• Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes to overnight

Variations

• Fruit Topping: Top the cheesecake with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess.

• Chocolate Topping: Drizzle chocolate syrup or melt chocolate chips and pour them over the top of the cheesecake for a chocolatey twist.

• Caramel Pecan Topping: Add a layer of caramel sauce and toasted pecans for a delicious pecan pie-inspired topping.

• Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the filling for a rich, nutty flavor. You can also top with chopped peanuts or peanut butter cups.

• No-Bake Cheesecake Bars: For a more portable version, make these as cheesecake bars by pressing the crust into a 9×13-inch pan and following the same filling process.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated. If you need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for this cheesecake?

Yes! While graham cracker crust is the most traditional, you can use other options like Oreo crust, Biscoff cookie crust, or even a gluten-free crust for a unique twist.

Can I make this cheesecake without lemon juice?

Yes, lemon juice is optional, but it adds a slight tanginess to the filling that helps balance out the sweetness. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, you can leave it out.

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

Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ slightly. The cheesecake will still be creamy, but the richness might be a little lighter.

How do I prevent cracks in the filling?

Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, there’s no need to worry about cracks from baking. Just make sure the filling is smooth and well-combined before refrigerating it to allow it to firm up properly.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it tastes even better after it has chilled for several hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld together.

Can I freeze Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake is a simple, yet indulgent treat that’s creamy, refreshing, and incredibly versatile. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, luscious filling, this cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether topped with fresh fruit, chocolate, or caramel, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Plus, since it’s a no-bake dessert, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect sweet treat when you don’t have much time to spare!