Craving a rich, luxurious cheesecake but don’t want to fuss with water baths, cracked tops, or a hot kitchen? This Velvety No-Bake Cheesecake is your answer.
With a silky, mousse-like texture, bright lemon tang, and cloud-like whipped topping, it’s so elegant, no one will believe it came together in 20 minutes of prep—no baking required.
Perfect for summer gatherings, last-minute desserts, or when you just need a slice of pure indulgence, this make-ahead masterpiece only gets better as it chills.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍰 No oven, no stress—ideal for warm weather or small kitchens
⏱️ 20 minutes prep—then let the fridge do the work
✨ Bakery-quality finish—smooth, creamy, and sliceable
πŸ’° Pantry-friendly ingredients—no fancy tools needed
❤️ Make-ahead magic—tastes best after an overnight chill
It’s the kind of dessert that makes guests say, “You made this?!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
→ Pro tip: Press extra crumbs up the sides for a taller crust!
For the Filling:
16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice (or 1 tsp zest for extra brightness)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
⅓ cup (75g) sour cream (adds tang and silkiness)
1½ cups (355ml) heavy cream, cold
For the Whipped Topping:
¾ cup (177ml) heavy cream, cold
¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
πŸ’‘ Key: Use full-fat dairy—low-fat versions won’t set properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Simple & Foolproof):