Easiest No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Kitchen Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan (or pie dish)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

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Directions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and hold together when pressed.
2. Press into Pan: Pour the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass or a spatula to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid crust.
3. Chill: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Lemon: Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Continue to beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (this takes about 3-5 minutes).
4. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Add Filling to Crust: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Chill: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping

1. Top with Cherries: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and set, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
2. Serve: Slice and serve! Enjoy your no-bake cherry cheesecake with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special touch.

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Tips and Variations

1. Alternative Toppings: While cherry is a classic topping, you can easily swap it for other flavors like blueberry pie filling, fresh strawberries, or even chocolate ganache.
2. Make it Lighter: Use light cream cheese and whipped topping (instead of heavy cream) for a lighter version of this dessert.
3. Crust Options: You can swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits for a different crust flavor.
4. Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid any lumps in your cheesecake filling.

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