No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Why Make This Recipe

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its fresh strawberries and creamy filling. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. This cheesecake is simple to prepare and looks fabulous on any dessert table, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced bakers. Plus, you can enjoy it without the hassle of baking!

How to Make No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cream cheese (2 eight ounce packages)
• 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups whipping cream
• 4 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp corn starch dissolved in ¼ cup cold water
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3 tbsp sugar

Directions:

1. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper but do not grease the sides.
2. Mix together the graham crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tbsp of sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
3. Remove 3 rounded tbsp of the icing sugar from the measured 1 cup.
4. Add these 3 tbsp of icing sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer along with the vanilla extract and whipping cream.
5. Beat the mixture until firm peaks form, then transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl.
6. In the same electric mixer bowl, add the remaining powdered sugar and cream cheese. Cream together well until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese is well softened.
7. Add about 1/2 cup of the whipped cream to the softened cream cheese mixture and beat again until smooth.
8. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until the mixture is smooth, using a rubber or silicone spatula.
9. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust and chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
10. In a saucepan, combine the strawberries and ¾ cup of sugar, then bring to a gentle boil.
11. Thicken the mixture with the cornstarch dissolved in cold water, adding it to the strawberries while stirring gently.
12. Boil gently for 1 additional minute, stirring constantly.
13. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before spooning it evenly over the cheesecake layer.
14. Chill the cheesecake for several hours or overnight before serving.
15. If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream and fresh berries before serving.

How to Serve No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Serve your No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake chilled, straight from the fridge. For an elegant touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries on top. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or any festive occasion.

How to Store No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Store leftover cheesecake in the fridge. It’s best kept in the springform pan, covered with plastic wrap or foil. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Tips to Make No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother filling.
• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of fresh and frozen strawberries.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream instead of making your own.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different fruit toppings. Blueberries, raspberries, or even cherries can be a delicious twist on this classic dessert.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use a cookie crust like Oreos or a nut-based crust if you prefer.

2. Can I freeze No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

3. How can I make this cheesecake lighter?
Use light cream cheese and reduce the sugar for a lighter version while still keeping it delicious!