No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Made Simple at Home

Looking for a decadently creamy, perfectly sweet dessert without turning on your oven? This no bake cherry cheesecake is your answer! Featuring a velvety smooth cream cheese filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and irresistible cherry topping, it combines convenience with incredible flavor. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert with minimal effort. Unlike traditional cheesecakes requiring precise temperature control and water baths, this no-fuss version comes together in minutes.

It reminds us of the popular No Bake Lemon Bars but delivers that classic cheesecake experience everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, need a make-ahead dessert, or simply want something sweet without heating up the kitchen, this no bake cherry cheesecake offers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen simplicity. Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert hack!

What is No Bake Cherry Cheesecake?

Ever wondered what happens when culinary convenience meets dessert perfection? That’s exactly what no bake cherry cheesecake represents! This heavenly creation brings together the tangy richness of cream cheese, the satisfying crunch of graham crackers, and the sweet-tart pop of cherries—all without demanding a single minute of oven time.

Funny enough, this dessert was born from summer necessity (who wants to bake when it’s 90 degrees outside?) but became a year-round favorite faster than you can say “seconds, please!” They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I’ve found this no bake cherry cheesecake creates a direct path to everyone’s heart, regardless of gender, age, or dessert preferences! Ready to create some sweet memories without breaking a sweat? Let’s jump into this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

This no bake cherry cheesecake is about to become your go-to dessert for three standout reasons. First, the incredible texture—imagine a perfectly set, cloud-like filling that’s simultaneously light yet rich, sitting atop a buttery graham cracker foundation that provides the perfect contrast in every bite. The cream cheese filling achieves that ideal balance of sweetness and tanginess that authentic cheesecake lovers crave.

Second, making this no bake cherry cheesecake at home saves significant money compared to store-bought alternatives or restaurant versions. A comparable dessert at a bakery could easily cost $30-40, while this homemade version comes in under $15 for the entire cake—that’s less than $2 per generous slice!

Finally, that glorious cherry topping takes this dessert to another level with its vibrant color and perfect sweet-tart balance. The contrast between the smooth, creamy filling and the fruit-forward topping creates a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Unlike our Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that require some baking time, this recipe gives you all the flavor with none of the wait. Why not try this simple yet impressive dessert tonight and discover how easily you can create bakery-quality results at home?

How to Make No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Quick Overview

This no bake cherry cheesecake comes together with surprising ease while delivering spectacular results. The silky smooth filling achieves the perfect balance between rich and light, while the cherry topping adds a bright, fruity contrast that makes every bite memorable. Best of all, this impressive dessert requires just 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus chilling—meaning you can prepare it in the morning and have a stunning dessert ready by dinner time, with almost no effort!

Key Ingredients for No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15-16 full sheets, finely crushed)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Cherry Topping:

• 21 oz can cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry topping)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Shaved white chocolate
• Additional whipped cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact it evenly.
3. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling (at least 20 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat until well incorporated and silky smooth.
3. Mix in the sour cream until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (be careful not to over-whip).
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Work slowly to maintain the air in the whipped cream, folding just until no white streaks remain.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Remove the prepared crust from the refrigerator.
2. Spoon the cheesecake filling onto the crust and spread evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Create a slight depression in the center to hold the cherry topping.
3. Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping

1. If using store-bought cherry pie filling, stir in the optional lemon juice and almond extract to enhance the flavor.
2. Just before serving, remove the chilled cheesecake from the refrigerator and carefully release it from the springform pan.
3. Spoon the cherry topping onto the center of the cheesecake, leaving about a 1-inch border of visible cheesecake around the edges.
4. If desired, add optional garnishes like fresh mint leaves or white chocolate shavings.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. For the cleanest slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, then cut. Clean and rewarm the knife between each slice.
2. Serve chilled, adding a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

What to Serve No Bake Cherry Cheesecake With

This no bake cherry cheesecake stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with complementary foods and beverages elevates the entire dessert experience. For beverages, try serving with:

• A strong cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
• Dessert wine like Port or a sweet Riesling
• Hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon for a comforting combination
• Unsweetened iced tea with lemon for a refreshing contrast

For additional dessert accompaniments, consider:

• A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side
• Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added freshness
• Toasted sliced almonds for a complementary crunch
• Dark chocolate truffles for chocolate lovers

This versatile dessert works equally well as the finale to a casual family dinner or as the centerpiece of an elegant dinner party spread.

Top Tips for Perfecting No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

Achieve professional-quality results with these crucial tips:

Temperature matters: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature (about 1 hour on the counter) before beginning. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling that’s impossible to smooth out later.

The whipping technique: When whipping the heavy cream, aim for stiff peaks that hold their shape but still look slightly glossy. Over-whipped cream becomes grainy and will affect your cheesecake’s texture.

Folding method: Use a gentle folding motion rather than stirring when incorporating the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This preserves air bubbles that create the perfect light texture.

Substitution options:

• Graham crackers: Substitute digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps
• Heavy cream: In emergencies, substitute with chilled full-fat coconut cream (the solid part on top)
• Cream cheese: Full-fat Greek yogurt (strained overnight) can replace up to half the cream cheese for a lighter version

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Rushing the chilling time – this cheesecake needs its full refrigeration period to set properly
• Using low-fat cream cheese, which won’t set firmly enough
• Adding cherry topping too early, which can bleed into the white cheesecake

Storing Tips

This no bake cherry cheesecake stays fresh longer than many desserts when properly stored:

Refrigerator storage: Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For best results, keep the cherry topping separate until ready to serve if storing for more than 2 days.

Freezer storage: This cheesecake freezes beautifully! For best results:

1. Freeze the cheesecake without the cherry topping.
2. Place the set cheesecake (still on its base) in the freezer uncovered for 1 hour.
3. Once slightly hardened, wrap tightly with two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add cherry topping just before serving.

Individual slices: For portion control, cut the cheesecake into slices and freeze individually. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw individual slices for 30-60 minutes at room temperature when cravings strike!

Conclusion

This no bake cherry cheesecake delivers everything you love about traditional cheesecake without the fuss of baking. Its creamy texture, buttery crust, and vibrant cherry topping create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. Perfect for warm weather, special occasions, or anytime you need an impressive dessert without turning on the oven. Have you tried this recipe yet? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your photos! Subscribe to our newsletter for more simple yet spectacular recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream (chilled and whipped) for the heavy cream, and plant-based butter for the crust. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How far in advance can I make this no bake cherry cheesecake? This is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance, keeping the cherry topping separate until shortly before serving.

Why add lemon juice to the filling? The small amount of acidity in the lemon juice enhances the tangy flavor that makes cheesecake distinctive, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to your no bake cherry cheesecake. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference!

Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling? Definitely! Try adding 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, or even 2 tablespoons of liqueur like Amaretto. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, which could prevent the no bake cherry cheesecake from setting properly.