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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a creamy, refreshing summer dessert featuring ripe strawberries, smooth cream cheese, and a crunchy graham cracker base. This easy, oven-free treat is perfect for warm days, offering a light yet indulgent flavor that’s bursting with fruity freshness and rich creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits/gluten-free cookies)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

For the Strawberry Layer

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Filling

  • 16 oz (450 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin or agar agar (optional, dissolved in warm water)

For Garnish (optional)

  • Whole fresh strawberries
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Strawberry sauce or drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush your graham crackers or chosen base until fine crumbs form. Mix with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan or serving dish. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling to help it set.
  2. Make the Strawberry Layer: Hull and chop the fresh strawberries. Mash or puree half of the strawberries to release juice. Set aside some whole berries for garnish. Combine the mashed strawberries with sugar and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and brightness.
  3. Whip the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar, vanilla extract, and chilled heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy. If using gelatin, add the dissolved gelatin and mix well. Gently fold in the strawberry puree, creating a pink-hued filling.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the strawberry cream cheese filling onto the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the filling fully set and flavors meld.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with reserved whole strawberries, fresh mint leaves, or drizzle strawberry sauce over the top. Carefully remove from the pan and slice into portions for serving.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften cream cheese and beat heavy cream separately for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries provide better flavor and sweetness than frozen.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Refrigerate long enough to ensure perfect texture and easier slicing.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Fold strawberry puree gently to preserve vibrant color and fluffy texture.
  • Test Crust Firmness: Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling when slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: no bake, strawberry cheesecake, summer dessert, easy dessert, gluten free dessert, creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries