Recipe for Cherry Cheesecake (No Bake)- Spaceships and Laser Beams

a slice of No Bake Cherry Cheesecake on a plate

This no-bake cherry cheesecake is a rich and decadent treat that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Table of Contents

Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe (No Bake) Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make A Cherry Cheesecake
How To Serve
Storage
Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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This no-bake cherry cheesecake is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s sweet and simple. It’s made from a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry pie topping.

Easy Cherry Cheesecake Recipe (No Bake) Ingredients

You’ll need:

9 graham cracker sheets (one sleeve)
½ cup of melted butter
1 tablespoon of sugar
16-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
8-ounce container of Cool Whip
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling

Substitutions And Additions

FILLING: This is a super versatile recipe. Swap out the can of cherry pie filling for your favorite pie filling — blueberry, peach, etc. — to change the flavor of this cheesecake.

CREAM CHEESE: Full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free cream cheese will all work in this delicious recipe.

WHIPPED TOPPING: You can either use a whipped topping such as Cool Whip or make your own homemade fresh whipped cream using our recipe found here. If you’d like to use a spray can of whipped cream, you can, although it will change the texture of this dessert.

How To Make A Cherry Cheesecake

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

If you’re looking to feed a crowd, this is an easy recipe to make and double. Simply double the ingredients and use a 9 x 13-inch pan. Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper for less mess when removing the bars.

STEP ONE: Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. You can also place the graham crackers in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

graham crackers being pulsed in a food processor

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.

graham crackers crumbs, butter and sugar combined

STEP THREE: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Chill in the refrigerator.

STEP FOUR: In a large bowl with a hand mixer, mix the softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over the top of the graham cracker crust. Chill for about 5 minutes.

PRO TIP:

Make sure that your cream cheese is softened before starting this step. If your cream cheese is too hard it can result in lumps in your cheesecake.

cream cheese, cool whip, powdered sugar, and lemon juice mixed and spread over he cracker crust

STEP 5: Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread out the cherries with a rubber spatula to cover the entire pan.

cherry filling spread over the cream cheese layer

STEP 6: Chill for at least 4 hours. Slice and enjoy!

PRO TIP:

Cheesecake can stick to your knife when cutting it. If you’re having trouble, try coating your knife in nonstick cooking spray first.

How To Serve

The perfect way to enjoy this no-bake cherry cheesecake dessert is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Our iced tea, raspberry iced tea, sweet peach iced tea, or southern strawberry sweet tea would be perfect to wash your tasty treat down.

MORE DESSERT RECIPES

Dessert Bars

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Pie Recipes

No-Bake Lemon Pie

Looking for more ways to make cheesecake? This recipe is inspired by our popular original cheesecake. For more no-bake desserts, try our no-bake blueberry cheesecake.

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this delicious treat in an airtight container or in the baking dish covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this cheesecake after it has finished setting in the fridge. Just don’t add the cherry filling before freezing your cheesecake, wait to add it after defrosting. Chill your cheesecake for four hours, wrap it in plastic wrap or an airtight plastic bag, and freeze for up to three months. To defrost your cheesecake, let it thaw in the fridge. Top with cherry filling before serving.

close up shot of No Bake Cherry Cheesecake in a baking pan

Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

I love cherry cheesecake with its creamy filling and sweet cherries, but traditional cheesecake is tons of work. This no-bake cheesecake allows you to enjoy those divine flavors with much less work. In my opinion, it is the perfect dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

The cheesecake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.

Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?

You could use any flavor of pie filling that is available in your local grocery store. Any kind would be delicious!

How do you get the cream cheese to room temperature quickly?

To get the cream cheese to room temperature quickly, cut the cream cheese into cubes and place it on a plate for about 20 minutes.

Can you freeze a cherry cheesecake?

This cheesecake can be frozen for three months, although we recommend waiting to add the cherry pie filling on top until you are ready to serve.

What does lemon juice do in cheesecake?

Adding lemon juice to the cheesecake helps make it taste better, balancing out the fatty taste of the cream cheese. It also helps keep the cheesecake together by adding the necessary acidic acid to retain the structure.

Do you put eggs in a no-bake cheesecake?

Eggs are not needed when making a no-bake cheesecake recipe.

How long does cherry cheesecake last in the fridge?

The cherry cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to four days.

Is baked or unbaked cheesecake better?

While it is a matter of personal preference, the opinion is that baked cheesecake is better as it has a superior taste and texture, while the no-bake cheesecake is softer with an almost mousse-like texture.

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