Description
This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a creamy and refreshing dessert featuring a buttery vanilla wafer crust, a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling, and topped with light whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for those seeking a delicious cheesecake without the need for an oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 1/4 cups (302g) vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp (26g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 10 tbsp (140g) unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Filling
- 1 lb strawberries, washed and hulled
- 2 1/2 tbsp (19g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 2 1/4 tsp (0.25 oz package) unflavored gelatin
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
Whipped Cream for Filling
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream for Topping
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. In a small bowl, combine vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
- Make the strawberry puree: Place the washed and hulled strawberries in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the strawberry filling: In a medium to large saucepan, combine the strawberry puree and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble, about 5 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Heat the gelatin in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Stir the melted gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool slightly on the counter.
- Combine cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate strawberry mixture: Gradually add the strawberry mixture to the cream cheese in thirds, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling. Set aside.
- Whip the cream for filling: In a separate large bowl, add cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and strawberry mixture in two parts until fully incorporated to retain a light and airy texture.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the filling into the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving plate. In a clean mixing bowl, whip cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate the cheesecake: Pipe or spread whipped cream swirls evenly around the edge of the cheesecake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries as desired.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cheesecake until serving. Best enjoyed within 4-5 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Cold heavy cream whips better and creates firmer peaks.
- Do not overheat gelatin to avoid it losing its setting properties.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with vanilla wafers for the crust based on preference.
- Allow enough chilling time for the cheesecake to set properly.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and consumed within 4-5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake strawberry cheesecake, no bake cheesecake, strawberry dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, summer desserts, creamy cheesecake
