Craving a delightful dessert but short on time? This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is your answer to easy cheesecake recipes. You can whip up this creamy, fruity treat with minimal effort, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use digestive biscuit crumbs or finely crushed vanilla wafers for the crust.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides sweetness and helps set the cheesecake.
- Fresh Strawberries: Frozen thawed strawberries can work, but fresh offers the best flavor.
- Gelatin Powder: Essential for setting the no-bake cheesecake. Agar-agar flakes can be a vegan alternative, follow package instructions for equivalent.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always recommended.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (0.25 ounces) unflavored gelatin powder
- ¼ cup cold water
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools: 9-inch springform pan, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the gelatin powder over ¼ cup of cold water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Then, microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until completely dissolved and clear, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk, then add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the cooled, dissolved gelatin, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Gently spread the filling evenly with a spatula. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir gently and let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheesecake is firm, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Arrange the prepared strawberry topping over the cheesecake just before serving. Enjoy your delicious no-bake strawberry cheesecake!
Variation Ideas
- Different Fruit Topping: Try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt some chocolate and swirl it into the cheesecake filling before chilling.
- Crust Variations: Use crushed oreos or shortbread cookies for a unique crust.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the filling for an extra bright flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this no-bake cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Just add the fresh strawberry topping before serving.
Q: Why is my cheesecake not firming up?
A: Ensure your gelatin was fully dissolved and that you chilled the cheesecake for the recommended minimum time. Using full-fat cream cheese also helps with firmness in no-bake cheesecake recipes.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
A: While fresh is best, you can use frozen, thawed strawberries. Drain any excess liquid to prevent the topping from becoming watery.
Q: Do I need a springform pan?
A: A springform pan makes removing the cheesecake much easier, but you can use a regular 9-inch pie plate if you plan to serve it directly from the dish.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: The sweetened condensed milk provides essential sweetness and structure. You can slightly reduce the sugar in the crust and topping to taste, but do not alter the condensed milk amount.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
A: Bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances this cheesecake.