No-baked Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecake, with its silky smooth filling and buttery graham cracker crust, is a refreshing and effortless dessert that delights with its light texture and balanced sweetness. This chilled classic offers a cool, creamy slice of indulgence—perfect for warm days or whenever you crave a fuss-free treat.

Info

• Prep Time: About 35–40 minutes
• Chilling Time: About 6 hours (preferably overnight)
• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: ~500 kcal per slice

Ingredients

Crust

• Graham crackers – 7 oz
• Powdered sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Melted butter – 4 tablespoons

Filling

• Full-fat cream cheese – 2 packs (8 oz each)
• Granulated sugar – 2/3 cup
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Sour cream – 1/4 cup
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Jell-O pudding mix – 2.5 tablespoons
  • (Or substitute with 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon halal gelatin, or agar agar as a vegetarian alternative)

Steps

Crust

1. Crush the graham crackers into coarse crumbs.
2. Mix the powdered sugar and melted butter into the crumbs until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press it firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.
4. Set the crust in the freezer while preparing the filling.

Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-beating.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Add the sour cream and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
4. (Optional) If you’re making a flavored cheesecake, fold in fruit purée at this stage.
5. In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream and begin whipping it.
6. While whipping, gradually add the Jell-O pudding mix, or the bloomed gelatin/agar-agar. Continue until the cream reaches soft peaks.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, mixing until smooth.
8. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
9. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to set.
10. Top with your choice of fresh fruit, fruit jam, or fruit purée before serving.

Notes

• For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing except the whipping cream.
• To bloom gelatin or agar-agar, follow the instructions on the packet (usually requires dissolving in warm water before use).
• A chilled knife dipped in hot water will help make clean, smooth slices.
• If using only one block of cream cheese, scale down the other ingredients accordingly and use a 6-inch springform pan for best results.