Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake is the perfect solution for dessert lovers looking for ease, elegance, and exquisite flavor. This recipe is a no-fuss masterpiece that skips the oven entirely, relying on a cool and creamy filling made from Philadelphia cream cheese. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving something sweet on a weeknight, this no-bake cheesecake is a guaranteed hit. With a buttery graham cracker crust and velvety smooth filling, it’s a dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. You’ll love how simple, satisfying, and scrumptious this cheesecake truly is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven-free dessert: Ideal for hot days or quick preparation without heating up your kitchen.
- Smooth and creamy texture: Thanks to Philadelphia cream cheese and whipped heavy cream.
- Fully customizable: Top it with anything from seasonal fruit to rich chocolate or your favorite pie filling.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepares in minutes and chills while you focus on other things.
- Crowd-pleaser: Universally loved flavor and presentation-worthy appearance.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups of finely crushed graham crackers (approximately 16 whole crackers)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Your favorite pie filling or fresh fruit
How to Make Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake
Prepare the Crust:
- Use a food processor or blender to grind the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- Stir the crumbs together with brown sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles moist sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to help the crust set.
Prepare the Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks (about 5 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the texture is completely lump-free.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spoon the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
- Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan, top as desired, and serve cold.
Helpful Tips
- Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to ensure a silky filling.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form to provide structure and stability.
- Press the crust mixture down firmly so it slices cleanly.
- An overnight chill yields the best consistency and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Alternative crusts: Swap graham crackers with crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers.
- Flavor twists: Swirl in melted chocolate or fruit puree before chilling for added flavor.
- Creative toppings: Try caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or citrus zest for an elevated finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream? Yes, although whipped cream offers better flavor and texture.
How long does the cheesecake need to set? Let it chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight yields the best results.
Can this cheesecake be frozen? Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep covered and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Seal well and freeze for as long as 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
This Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe is a dream come true for dessert lovers seeking a hassle-free, yet luxurious sweet treat. With a buttery crust and irresistibly creamy filling, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Try it today, experiment with toppings, and don’t forget to share your delicious results in the comments below or tag us on social media!
Follow me on Pinterest for free daily recipes
Print
Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake is a creamy, oven-free dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth, rich filling. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe requires no baking and delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
2 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 16 crackers)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
Your favorite pie filling or fresh fruit
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Use a food processor or blender to grind the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- Stir the crumbs together with brown sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles moist sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to help the crust set.
Prepare the Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks (about 5 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the texture is completely lump-free.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spoon the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
- Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan, top as desired, and serve cold.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Whip cream until stiff peaks form for a stable structure.
Chill overnight for best results.
Freeze for up to 2 months if preparing in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 273
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 57mg