Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy, Sweet, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup white sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (12.5-ounce) can cherry pie filling (or filling of your choice)
Preparation
Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spoon the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for 2 to 3 hours, or until set.
Add the Topping:
Once the cheesecake is firm, spread the cherry pie filling over the top. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips for Success:
- For a homemade cherry topping, cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- Experiment with blueberry or strawberry fillings for variety.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a lump-free filling.
This no-bake cherry cheesecake is a testament to the fact that delightful desserts don’t always require extensive preparation. With its rich filling, buttery crust, and sweet cherry topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!