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Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracker Crust Perfect for Beginners

easy no-bake cheesecake - featured image

A quick and simple no-bake cheesecake with a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for last-minute desserts and beginners. This recipe is creamy, tangy, and requires no oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Crush the graham crackers finely using a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and roll with a rolling pin. Transfer crumbs to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add melted butter and sugar to the crumbs. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
  3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your springform pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
  4. Place the crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling, at least 10 minutes to set.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
  6. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in batches to keep the mixture airy.
  9. Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
  10. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  11. Chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let the cheesecake set perfectly.
  12. Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan and garnish as desired before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending. Chill bowls and beaters for whipping cream. Fold whipped cream gently to keep the mixture airy. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Chill cheesecake at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. For vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake, quick dessert, no oven dessert, creamy cheesecake, summer dessert