Cherry Cheesecake No-Bake
This super easy no-bake cherry cheesecake is one of my favourite recipes to make! A dessert that everyone loves, but one that you can whip up in 20 minutes! This recipe uses canned cherry pie filling for the topping which reduces the time needed to make this recipe. You are going to love the results!
In this blog post, you will learn how to make a no-bake cherry cheesecake.
What are Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers are cookies or biscuits made from graham flour. Graham flour is a type of coarse ground, whole wheat flour which lends a nutty flavour to them. They are very popular in North America and easy to find.
What if I Cannot Find Graham Crackers?
Graham crackers are very easy to find in North America. However, they can be hard to find for people living in Europe. Tea biscuits are a great substitute for graham crackers, as I have come to find out. You can hardly tell the difference. I normally just get the cheap ones from the grocery store, but you can use more expensive digestive cookies as well.
How to Make the Graham Cracker Base
Combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9”x13” dish, ensuring an even thickness. Place into the refrigerator and let cool completely before using, approximately 1 hour.
If you want to baked the Graham cracker crust try my Homemade Graham Cracker Crust here.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Filling
To make the cream cheese filling, leave your cream cheese on the counter for a little while so that it softens. Once it has softened, place the cream cheese into a large bowl and add sugar. With your handheld mixed, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Fold in a full tub of whipped topping and add vanilla. Beat again on medium speed until the filling is smooth and creamy.
How to Put the Cherry Cheesecake Together
Remove the Graham cracker base from the fridge ensuring that it is cool throughout. Pour the cream cheese filling on top and spread evenly. Lastly, open your cherry pie filling and spoon it evenly onto the top of the cheesecake. Keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it!
Cherry Pie Filling Alternatives
Cherry Pie Filling Alternatives
Here are some great alternatives for substituting cherry pie filling for another option:
- Strawberry or Blueberry Pie Filling: these are classic fruit fillings that offer a similar sweet and tangy profile.
- Raspberry Compote: this is a raspberry sauce that can either be homemade or store-bought. It pairs beautifully with a cheesecake base.
- Mixed Berry Topping: combining fresh or frozen berries is a nice fresh alternative. You can use strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
- Lemon Curd: lemon curd is a tangy twist that contrasts well with the rich cheesecake base.
- Freshly Sliced Peaches: Juicy and sweet peaches make a delicious topping, especially during summer.
- Chocolate Ganache: this is quite a rich tasting option, but it creates a luxurious topping that can pair very nicely with the cheesecake.
- Caramelized Apple: cooked apples with cinnamon and caramel offer a warm, comforting flavour, which is perfect for a fall-inspired cheesecake.
These options give you the flexibility to switch up the flavours while keeping the dessert delicious!
Try making my other popular cheesecake recipes!
- Homemade Graham Cracker Crust
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake No-Bake
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Raspberry Cheesecake
- No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
Ingredients
Graham Crackers: graham crackers form the base of the cheesecake and provide a crunchy and sweet base.
Sugar: sugar enhances the sweetness of the graham crackers and binds the crumbs together.
Unsalted Butter: unsalted butter melts and coats the graham cracker crumbs which allows them to stick together forming the base.
Cream Cheese: cream cheese provides the filling with a rich and creamy texture. It gives the filling a thick consistency that is perfect for cheesecakes.
Whipped Topping: whipped topping helps to lighten the texture of the cream cheese filling making it fluffier and airier. A very common ingredient in no-bake cheesecakes.
Vanilla Extract: vanilla extract enhances the flavour with its warm sweetness:
Cherry Pie Filling: cherry pie filling is the cherry on top! The beautiful red colour and the sweetness of the cherries add a juicy, tangy contrast to the creamy cheesecake, while the syrupy filling gives a glossy, decorative finish. If you like the ease of using cherry filling, try making my classic black cherry cobbler recipe.
Storage Instructions
Allow the no-bake cherry cheesecake to fully set before covering it. Store the cheesecake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve. For the best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, although letting it chill overnight will give it plenty of time to firm up and make slicing easier.
No-bake cherry cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the cheesecake without the cherry topping if possible. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place individual slices in freezer-safe containers.
Transfer the frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, add the cherry topping if it was left off before freezing. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as the dairy-based filling should remain chilled.
Leftovers: Keep leftover cheesecake refrigerated and return it to the refrigerator as soon as possible after serving. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within 4 days.
Tips
- Make sure to remove your cream cheese from the fridge and let it soften before beginning.
- The Graham cracker base must be cooled or else it will melt the cream cheese filling.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Base
- 1 1/2 c. Graham crackers crumbs/tea biscuits crumbs
- 1/8 c. sugar granulated
- 1/2 c. 100g butter, unsalted
Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese softened
- 1/4 c. sugar granulated
- 1 tub of whipped topping
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Cherry Topping
- 1 can of cherry pie filling
Instructions
Graham Cracker Base
- Measure out your graham cracker crumbs and place them into a 9”x13” dish. If using whole graham crackers or tea biscuits, place them into a bag and crush them up then pour them into the dish (I use the back of a spoon to hit and crush them).
- Add the sugar and mix together.
- Melt your butter either on the stove or in the microwave. Pour the butter on top of graham cracker crumbs and mix it together so that all of the crumbs are moistened.
- Spread and form the crumbs into the dish shape making a nice even coating on the bottom of the pan.
- Place into the fridge and let cool completely before using roughly about an hour.
Cream Cheese Filling
- Take your softened cream cheese and place into a medium bowl and add the 1/4 c. of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the sugar and cream cheese is mixed together.
- Pour in the entire tub of whipped topping (normally about a litre) and teaspoon of vanilla and beat together with the cream cheese until fully incorporated together.
Putting the Cherry Cheesecake Together
- Remove the graham cracker base from the fridge and make sure that it is completely cool. If not return to the fridge until it is cooled or else it will melt the cream cheese filling.
- Pour the cream cheese filling on top of the graham cracker base ensuring that it is spread evenly over top of the base.
- Open your tin of cherry pie filling and spread evenly over the cream cheese filling.
- Place back into the refrigerator until ready to serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
Does no-bake cherry cheesecake need to be refrigerated?
Yes! No-bake cherry cheesecake should always be stored in the refrigerator because the filling contains cream cheese and other dairy ingredients. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make no-bake cherry cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare the cheesecake the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Why is my no-bake cheesecake not firm?
The cheesecake may need more time to chill. Make sure it has been refrigerated for several hours before slicing. Using softened rather than melted cream cheese and properly whipped heavy cream can also help create a firm filling.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling works beautifully and can be used instead of canned cherry pie filling. Allow the filling to cool completely before adding it to the cheesecake.
Can I use a different fruit topping?
Definitely! Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and mixed berries all make delicious alternatives to cherry topping.
Can I use a graham cracker crust?
Yes! A classic graham cracker crust is a delicious option for no-bake cherry cheesecake. You can also use a prepared graham cracker crust if you want to make the recipe even easier.
How do I get clean slices of no-bake cheesecake?
Make sure the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut for neat, clean slices.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended because it provides a richer flavor and firmer texture. Lower-fat cream cheese may result in a softer cheesecake filling.
What can I serve with no-bake cherry cheesecake?
No-bake cherry cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, extra cherries, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra special dessert.