Easy No Bake Cheesecake (only 5 ingredients)

Whip up this delightful No Bake Cheesecake with just 5 simple ingredients! Ideal for special occasions, this creamy dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a zesty hint of lemon for a refreshing finish.

Cheesecake is one of those classic desserts that everyone loves. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, this sweet, creamy treat always hits the spot. But what if we told you that you can make an incredible cheesecake without even turning on the oven? Enter the 5-ingredient no bake cheesecake! With just cream cheese, something to sweeten it, butter, and a packet of graham crackers, you can create a dessert that’s everything cheesecake should be—silky, smooth, light, and decadently creamy.

The cream cheese filling is the star of both the classic cheesecake (baked) and no-bake cheesecakes, but the two types are quite different. The main differences between them are - baked cheesecakes are denser, richer, and rely on eggs for structure, often requiring a water bath to avoid cracks in the filling. They are notorious for being difficult to perfect. 

On the other hand, no-bake cheesecakes are lighter and fluffier, often using gelatin to hold their shape. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. However, most no-bake cheesecakes use gelatin for structure—but not this one! This 5-ingredient no-bake cheesecake skips the gelatin, making it even simpler and quicker to whip up.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make This Easy No Bake Cheesecake
• Chef’s Tips
• Variations
• What to Serve With This 5 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ'S
• Easy No Bake Cheesecake (only 5 ingredients)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This no-bake cheesecake recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a dessert in a pinch.
• Handful of Ingredients: With only five ingredients, you likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge to make this delicious dessert.
• Flavorful: The perfect combination of creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, sweet white chocolate, and tangy lemon curd creates a rich and irresistible flavor profile.
• Great Make-Ahead: This cheesecake sets perfectly in the fridge, making this simple recipe ideal to prepare in advance for special occasions or gatherings.
• Perfect Dessert: With its smooth, creamy texture and refreshing taste, this no-bake cheesecake is a hit for any occasion, from family dinners to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

• Graham Crackers: Form the perfect buttery graham cracker crust, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy base for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together, adding richness and ensuring the crust holds its shape.
• Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake its classic creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• White Chocolate: Adds sweetness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the filling, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Lemon Curd (homemade or store bought): Provides a zesty contrast to the sweetness, adding a refreshing tang that brightens the overall flavor of the cheesecake.

How to Make This Easy No Bake Cheesecake

Prepare the Base

• Line a 7-inch (18 cm) springform pan with non-stick baking paper.
• Crush the graham crackers in a food processor until smooth. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or until firm.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

• Clean the food processor bowl.
• Add the room temperature cream cheese, melted white chocolate, and lemon curd. Process the mixture until smooth and well combined.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top for a neat finish.

Refrigerate

• Refrigerate the cheesecake for 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Place it on a cake stand and decorate as desired just before serving.

Chef’s Tips

• Room temperature cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your cheesecake filling without any lumps.
• Store-bought crust: If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust. This can be a quick and convenient alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Setting time: For best results, let your cheesecake set in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is ideal. This will give the filling enough time to firm up for a perfect slice.

Variations

• Switch out Graham Crackers: Substitute graham crackers with Oreo cookies, Shortbread or Bischoff cookies for a different flavor twist on the crust.
• Chocolate swirled cheesecake: Add a decadent touch by swirling melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake filling before setting.
• Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin to create individual portions. Perfect for serving at parties or when you want a smaller treat.

What to Serve With This 5 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake

• Favorite Fruit Pie Filling: Top with cherry, blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Fresh fruit: Garnish with fresh strawberries or any other fresh berries, kiwi fruit, nectarine slices, or a drizzle of fruit coulis for a refreshing touch. Try our 
• Sauce: Add a decadent layer with a drizzle of chocolate or salted caramel sauce.
• White chocolate curls: Add white chocolate curls on top for added texture and a touch of elegance.
• Whipped cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge : Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil for 3-4 days.
• Freezer : If freezing, avoid decorating.
• Wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQ'S

This easy no-bake cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, with its smooth, creamy filling and simple, no-fuss preparation. With just five ingredients and no baking required, it's a treat that anyone can make and enjoy. 

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! 

Happy cooking!

Print

The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.