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Philadelphia cheesecake recipe no bake is a delicious pie with a sweet, creamy filling. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require baking if you use cream cheese. This no-fuss pie has the best of both worlds with its fluffy and smooth custard mousse filling and an easy graham cracker crust. It doesn’t take much time or effort to make this decadent dessert.
No-bake cheesecakes are the best! This recipe will give you a light and fluffy dessert that can be set up in just minutes. Unlike traditional cakes, these desserts don’t need baking before serving which means they taste even fresher than ever with no heavy feeling afterwards. So easy to make too; all ingredients come together quickly for this perfect treat every time. So, if you’re looking for a new way to make an easy dessert, this is an excellent option.
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What’s the Difference Between Baked and No-Bake Cheesecake?
There has been a debate about whether cheesecake should be baked or no baked. Cheesecakes are perfect for people who want something sweet but not too much, and they contain both whipped cream and cream cheese to make it all together unforgettable.
A baked cheesecake has eggs and a signature velvety smooth texture with a slight tang because of the added cream cheese.
While the no bake version sets up by chilling in a refrigerator and has a lighter and fluffier texture than the baked version. A no-baked cheesecake has a mousse-like appearance with a soft texture.
Each type of cheesecake is delicious in their own way with their unique tastes and textures. For me, it often comes down to how much I want to fuss with making a dessert and how I will be serving the pie.

How To Make No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
No Bake Cheesecake is fantastic for parties or special occasions where you want to impress guests, but not be stuck in the kitchen the day of the event. In this recipe both the crust and the filling are completely “no bake” and only need a few minutes of prep. However, if you prefer to bake your crust, I have directions for that too.
What Ingredients Do You Need for a Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe No Bake?
Here are the ingredients you will need for your no bake cheesecake recipe.
For the Crust
Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter, and Granulated Sugar. Combine the ingredients and press into a pie pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling; 30-60 minutes to set. If you are in a hurry, place the pie tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set up. Proceed with the rest of your recipe.
No Bake Cheesecake Filling
Just 4 simple ingredients are needed. In a medium bowl combine Granulated Sugar, Whipped Topping or Whipping Cream (whipped), Softened Room Temperature Cream Cheese, and Pure Vanilla Extract. Using a hand-held mixer combine the sugar, vanilla extract, and cream cheese at low speed until creamy and well combined. Fold in the whipped topping.
Transfer to the chilled pie crust. Place in the refrigerator 30-60 minutes to set.
Serve with your favorite topping on individual cheesecake slices.

Recipe Pro-Tips
For the graham cracker crumbs, they can be purchased already in fine crumbs form, or you can purchase the graham crackers and pulse them in a blender or food processor for a few minutes. They just need to be finely crushed to incorporate nicely with the melted butter. This will help ensure that the pie crust sets up when chilled. Hint: you can swap out the graham crackers for vanilla wafers in this recipe.
This recipe is for a 9-inch pie pan; however, if you prefer, you could use a springform pan for this recipe. Just be sure to push the graham cracker crumbs up the sides of the pan when patting in the pie crust.
Soften the cream cheese. For best results, I place on the counter for 30-60 minutes before I plan on making this pie to allow the cheese to soften. It will incorporate much better for a smooth and creamy finish to your filling. If you are short on time and need to soften the cream cheese right away, do this in the microwave. Just remove the cream cheese from the wrapper and place in a microwave safe container. Heat for 1 minute at a 30-power level. We also prefer using the Philadelphia Cream Cheese, it just seems to have a bit better flavor for our family.
Heavy Cream. When using heavy whipping cream, make sure to use an electric mixer to whip into stiff peaks before adding to the cream cheese mixture. Whipped topping aka. Cool Whip can be used in place of the heavy whipping cream. Just open the container and fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Do You Have to Bake a Graham Cracker Pie Crust?
It is not necessary to bake a graham cracker pie crust. If you prefer not to bake, the graham cracker crust can be chilled.
Chilling a Graham Cracker Crust
When chilling a graham cracker crust, the butter will harden allowing the pie crust to set and hold together. All that is necessary to chill the crust is combine the ingredients. Press the crumbs into a pie pan and place in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to set. If you are in a hurry, place the pie tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set up. Proceed with the rest of your recipe.
This is a great option when making this pie during the summer months when no-one wants to turn on the oven and make the house even hotter.
Baking a Graham Cracker Crust
If you choose to bake your crust, it will be less prone to crumbling when the pie is sliced. It only takes a few minutes of time to set in the oven. Once the graham cracker crust ingredients are mixed and pressed into your pie pan, make for 6-9 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
When adding this no-bake cheesecake filling, make sure that the crust is completely cook before adding the filling.

Serving a No-Baked Cheesecake Pie
No-baked cheesecake is perfect for light and fresh toppings. We especially like a fruit topping with this type of pie as it seems to just make this so light and refreshing.
Slice the chilled cheesecake with a sharp knife for best results. While this pie is delicious on its own, it is even better with toppings. Here are a few ideas for you to try until you find the perfect way you like to enjoy this easy recipe.
Fresh berries – any fresh fruit will work, but we are partial to strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges.
Whipping cream
Chocolate Shavings
Pie filling – blackberry, strawberry, cherry, and blueberry pie filling are all delicious choices.
Today we served our pie with cherry pie filling and blackberry pie filling. Rather than place the fruit on top of the whole pie, we served it over each individual piece allowing our guests to choose their toppings.
While this dessert pie can be served with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel topping, I like this combination served best on a baked cheesecake. It just seems to pair well with the rich creamy and tangy flavor of this type of pie.
How Long Does Cheesecake Last?
In general, a homemade cheesecake will last in for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just place aluminum foil or plastic wrap over the pie. However, I often will place individual pie servings in an airtight container, so it doesn’t absorb any other refrigerator flavors or odors. It is easier to grab a snack too.
A cheesecake that has been purchased in a grocery store often has preservatives and can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Easy No Bake Recipes
If you like easy recipes for dessert, here are a few more that the whole family will love, and they can be made quickly with delicious results. Other dessert recipes that pair well with this Philly no-bake cheesecake.
This 5 Minute Pink Fluff Salad has only 4 ingredients and it is no-bake too.
This no-bake éclair dessert has layers of graham crackers and creamy vanilla pudding that is topped with chocolate. My son-in-law’s favorite.
This raspberry chiffon pie has a wonderful light and creamy texture with a fresh berry flavor.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe No Bake
Philadelphia cheesecake recipe no bake is a delicious pie with a sweet, creamy filling. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require baking if you use cream cheese. This no-fuss pie has the best of both worlds with its fluffy and smooth custard mousse filling and an easy graham cracker crust. It doesn’t take much time or effort to make this decadent dessert.
Prep Time15 mins
Chilling1 hr
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy dessert, holiday recipe, no bake, summer dessert, Valentine’s Dessert
Servings: 12 Servings Makes 9-inch pie in spring form pan
Calories: 386kcal
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ½ cup Butter Melted
- ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
No Bake Cheesecake Filling
- 2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 16 Ounces Cream Cheese 2 packages softened
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 16 Ounces Whipped Topping 2 8-ounce tubs
Instructions
Combine the ingredients and press into a 9-inch pie pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling; 30-60 minutes to set. If you are in a hurry, place the pie tin in the freezer for 10 minutes to set up. Proceed with the rest of your recipe.
Combine Granulated Sugar, Whipped Topping or Whipping Cream (whipped), Cream Cheese, and Pure Vanilla Extract. Using a hand-held mixer combine the sugar, vanilla extract, and cream cheese at low speed until creamy and well combined. Fold in the whipped topping.
Transfer to the chilled pie crust. Place in the refrigerator 30-60 minutes to set.
Serve with your favorite topping. When serving, spoon the pie filling or other toppings over the pieces of cheesecake.
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Notes
How Long Does Cheesecake Last?
In general, a homemade cheesecake will last in for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just place aluminum foil or plastic wrap over the pie. However, I often will place individual pie servings in an airtight container, so it doesn’t absorb any other refrigerator flavors or odors. It is easier to grab a snack too.
A cheesecake that has been purchased in a grocery store often has preservatives and can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 285mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 772IU | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg
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FAQs
How to use Philadelphia cheesecake filling? ›
Simply scoop the ready to eat filling into a graham cracker crust for a quick and easy no bake cheesecake without turning on your oven. Add your favorite toppings, such as strawberries, blueberries or chocolate chips for a delicious dessert. The cheesecake filling has no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes.
Which is better bake or no-bake cheesecake? ›What's the Difference Between Baked and No-Bake Cheesecake? The key difference between baked and no-bake cheesecakes is the former's superior texture. Baked cheesecakes have a dense, fluffy, moist and smooth texture, which is not possible with the recipe for no-bake cheesecake.
Can I use the Philadelphia tub for cheesecake? ›...
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Serving Size : | 0.13PTN |
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Servings Per Container : | 8 |
When most people refer to Philadelphia-style cheesecake, experts say, they're talking about a version marketed by the cream cheese brand. New York style typically has sour cream or heavy cream in the mix. Philadelphia style doesn't. Which means it doesn't have anything to do with Philadelphia, the city.
How do you thicken Philadelphia cheesecake filling? ›In most cases, the best way that you can fix your recipe for a no-bake cheesecake (assuming that the recipe you are following is not faulty), is adding gelatin to the cheesecake. Gelatin is a natural thickener and it is used in many recipes to help thicken sauces, custards, and other foods.
How do you melt Philadelphia cream cheese? ›- For an 8-ounce block of cream cheese, place the completely unwrapped cheese on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on high for 15 seconds.
- Add 10 seconds for each additional 8 ounces of cheese or as needed until you have softened the cream cheese.
To get cheesecake filling to firm up completely, it needs to be refrigerated for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. If you skip this step, the texture of the cheesecake will be more like mousse.
Should you bake the crust of a no-bake cheesecake? ›Baking the crust.
No-bake truly means you do not have to bake the dessert. Trying to bake a crumb crust for a no-bake cheesecake will make for a soggy crust, as no-bake crusts have more fat. Trying to use a baked crust (even one with less butter) means your filling will ooze into the crust and make it soggy.
No-bake cheesecakes may not need an oven, but they do need a refrigerator and several hours to chill before serving. When the filling is still above 50°F (10°C), it's soft, loose, and airy, something like a mousse, with a crust that crumbles a bit more readily.
What happens if you don't put your cheesecake in a water bath? ›Big, showstopper cheesecakes baked without a water bath are more likely to overbake, which will give them a curdled texture, cracks in the surface, and lopsided tops.
Should you always use a water bath for cheesecake? ›
You can absolutely make a cheesecake without a traditional water bath. The traditional water bath provides two elements: a steamy, humid oven environment that prevents your cheesecake from drying out on top and insulation for protecting the cheesecake from drastic temperature changes.
Is Philadelphia or mascarpone better for cheesecake? ›I think cheesecake is better with cream cheese rather than mascarpone, cream cheese has a slight acidic tang which compliments the cheesecake beautifully. With Mascarpone being made from whole cream, it's much richer and creamier.
Why do you put sour cream in cheesecake? ›Sour Cream and Cheesecake
Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.
New York style cheesecake, classic cheesecake, and no bake cheesecake are the most popular types of cheesecakes, but the best cheesecake flavor is the one that you find irresistible — and that may be different for everyone.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in cheesecake? ›A little bit of cornstarch or flour in the cheesecake batter is insurance against cracking and makes the cake easier to cut into clean slices, though it does change the texture of the cheesecake a bit.
What happens if you overmix cheesecake filling? ›When making your filling, overmixing can lead to incorporating too much air into the batter. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, and the cheesecake will fall and crack. THE FIX: The number one reason why you'd overbeat your batter is because you're having dificulty incorporating cold ingredients.
How long does no-bake cheesecake take to set in fridge? ›Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6-8 hours, but overnight is better. For a sturdy no-bake cheesecake with beautifully neat slices, refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Why does my no-bake cheesecake taste bitter? ›stand up to oven heat better, they do lose some of their sweetness in baking, thereby intensifying what some perceive as a bitter aftertaste. Compensating for saccharin's sweetness loss by oversweetening can have a disastrous effect, further magnifying the bitter aftertaste.
Can you over whip cheesecake batter? ›Avoid Overmixing: Unlike other cakes, where beating air into the batter is key, overmixed cheesecake can rise, fall and then crack from that excess air. Keeping ingredients (cheese, eggs, liquids and flavorings) at room temperature can help.
What is no-bake cheesecake filling made of? ›An easy press-in graham-cracker crust is filled with a rich cream cheese and condensed milk filling, flavored with vanilla and lemon. After preparing, just refrigerate until set—no cooking necessary. It's a great dessert for summer when you don't want to heat up the kitchen, but it's also a classic any time of year.
How do you transfer a no-bake cheesecake to a springform pan? ›
Make sure your cheesecake is chilled overnight so that it's very firm. Remove the band from the pan; take a large knife or metal spatula and carefully run it under the bottom of the cheesecake to loosen it. Then use two or three large pancake turners to carefully lift the cake over to the platter.
What can I substitute for a graham cracker crust? ›Go with speculoos or crisp ginger snaps for a spicy kick that works well with cheesecake or cream pies, vanilla wafers or animal crackers if you want something more subtle, or chocolate wafers or even Oreo cookies for something dark and chocolate-y.
How do you transfer a no-bake cheesecake to a cake board? ›Run a knife around the inside of the pan, release the edge of the pan and let it down rather than lift it off. Holding the pan in one hand, slide a ham knife, or flexible cake slice under the cheesecake to release it from the pan, and slide the cheesecake on the cake board.
How long can you eat no-bake cheesecake? ›How Long Does No-Bake Cheesecake Last. This cheesecake is the perfect dessert to make ahead of time because it stores so well. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How do you make a no-bake cheesecake set faster? ›I can hardly think of a situation where you'd need a no bake cheesecake in the next couple of hours. However when setting the base I would recommend using the freezer. It will only take 10–15 minutes to get that base set that way.
How long can you leave a no-bake cheesecake out? ›It is best stored in the refrigerator, which you can keep for up to 5 days. How long can no-bake cheesecake sit out? No-bake cheesecake [2] should not sit out for more than 2 hours. After 2 hours, it should be refrigerated.
How deep should a cheesecake water bath be? ›You only need about 2 to 3 inches of water. I like to stop pouring when the water is halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. Essentially you want enough water that it won't quickly evaporate during the baking process, but not so much that it'll splash up or touch your cheesecake batter.
What is a water bath for cheesecake called? ›A water bath, also known as a bain marie, is the baker's secret to creamy cheesecake perfection. It's also a wonderful way to bake custard or bread pudding. All you need for a water bath is a deep roasting pan and foil.
Do you cool cheesecake in springform pan? ›Don't Rush the Cooling Process
Once your cake pan is no longer hot to the touch, cover it and move it to the refrigerator to chill overnight in its springform pan. Chilling it overnight ensures that it sets properly.
The acid of the lemon juice will react to the fatty proteins and give you that nice thick texture that you're looking for. You need an acidic ingredient like this to ensure that the cheesecake tastes like cheesecake and retains its shape like it's supposed to.
How do you know when a cheesecake is done? ›
The secret to testing a cheesecake for doneness: Jiggle it. Define jiggle, you say? Gently shake the cheesecake (wearing oven mitts, of course). If the cheesecake looks nearly set and only a small circle in the center jiggles slightly, it's done.
What is the best cheese for cheesecake? ›Cheesecake is a dense, smooth cake made with eggs, sugar, and fresh cheese such as ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, or cottage cheese.
Is ricotta or mascarpone better for cheesecake? ›Due to the differences in texture, taste, and fat content, you should not use mascarpone and ricotta interchangeably in all recipes. You can use ricotta for mascarpone in a pinch—especially for baked goods—but the main difference will be in the texture: Look for a high-quality brand of ricotta with very fine curds.
Should you beat eggs before adding to cheesecake? ›Take it easy on the eggs
Over-beating your eggs is one of the quickest ways to ruin a cheesecake. Over-beating can ruin the texture and can cause cracks. To prevent this, lightly scramble each egg before adding it into your batter. Keep your mixer on low speed and stir until just combined.
Here's an ingredient you probably have on hand: mayonnaise! You can use it as a cup-for-cup replacement for sour cream in most recipes—including baked goods! (Mayo adds a ton of moisture to things like cakes and muffins because it's made from eggs and oil.)
Can I use milk instead of sour cream in cheesecake? ›Also if there is only a very small amount of sour cream in a cheesecake batter then Greek yogurt may work. As an alternative, in cake batters only, you can make a substitute for sour cream by mixing 180ml/3/4 cup full fat/whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
What is NY vs Chicago cheesecake? ›New York style cheesecake is known for its dense, smooth, rich and creamy texture. This is because the addition of heavy cream or sour cream tempers the cream cheese. Chicago Cheesecake is known for its firm outside and soft and creamy center, which comes from the extra cream cheese that is added to the batter.
What is the most common type of cheesecake? ›New York-style cheesecake:
Undoubtedly the most popular type of cheesecake in the United States, New York-style cheesecake is rich and dense with a cream cheese base. It is usually baked in a springform pan. New York-style cheesecake is the standard by which all other cheesecakes are judged!
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake - $9.95
According to The Cheesecake Factory, this has been the most popular cheesecake on its menu for over 40 years. The simple dish consisted of a thick slice of the restaurant's Original Cheesecake topped with glazed strawberries.
They aren't made in-house. In case the name didn't give it away, Cheesecake Factory desserts aren't exactly baked mom-and-pop style. All of the decadent cheesecakes are put together by baking teams in Calabasas Hills, California, and Rocky Mount, North Carolina, before being frozen and shipped all over the country.
Which is better in cheesecake sour cream or yogurt? ›
A lot of people use sour cream to give cheesecakes a fluffy, smooth texture. Sour cream helps break up the dense cream cheese. However, you can use yogurt to substitute for sour cream. Plus it's much healthier!
Can you save leftover cheesecake filling? ›1 – Store the Cheesecake Batter in the Fridge
You should be able to easily store it in the refrigerator for two or three days.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that any foods made with cream cheese, including cream cheese frosting, need to be refrigerated within two hours. This includes baked goods made with cream cheese, such as pound cakes and cream cheese cookies.
How do you get lumps out of cheesecake filling? ›To avoid lumps, always soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 1 hour before mixing. If the cream cheese isn't softened before mixing, the cream cheese won't be smooth after blending. And the secret is to constantly cleaning the side of the bowl while mixing.
What happens if you leave cheesecake out overnight? ›Cheesecake can sit out overnight. However, it is not recommended as it may cause the cake to spoil. The best way to ensure that your cheesecake remains fresh is to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Why do you have to refrigerate cheesecake for so long? ›Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content. So when baked goods such as cheesecake are left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. Note: It's not necessary to refrigerate most other cakes, cookies, or bread unless they have a perishable filling or frosting.
Is it OK to make cheesecake 2 days ahead? ›Best of all, cheesecakes can be made in advance, meaning there's one less thing to do on the day you're entertaining. Cheesecakes can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For even more convenience, bake a cheesecake weeks in advance and freeze it!
How do I thicken Philadelphia cream cheese? ›The easiest way to thicken up cream cheese frosting is to pop it in the refrigerator. As the fats from the cream cheese and butter cool, the frosting will change consistency and become much thicker. No extra powdered sugar required!
Why does Philadelphia cream cheese taste so good? ›The flavor is tangy and balanced.” Scaff-Mariani points to the high silkiness and low moisture content of Philadelphia relative to other brands. “It mimics the consistency of butter in a lot of ways,” she says. In addition to using it for cheesecakes, she has also tried it in macaron fillings and in cookies.
How long does it take Philadelphia cream cheese to soften? ›Since cream cheese has such a high fat content, it doesn't take long to come to room temperature if the room is relatively warm. It takes about thirty minutes on the counter to soften significantly, and about an hour to fully come to room temperature (again, depending on the temperature outside and in your kitchen).
Is it okay to leave cream cheese out all night to get room temp? ›
Curious about how long cream cheese can safely sit out at room temperature? Food safety experts with the U.S. government say that 2 hours is the max that cream cheese should sit at room temperature. Other experts recommend no more than 4 hours.
Can you leave cream cheese out overnight to soften? ›It is not recommended that you leave cream cheese unrefrigerated overnight, or longer than two hours. Cream Cheese can spoil quickly and bacteria can begin to grow on soft cheese after only two hours at room temperature.
Can I leave a cake with cream cheese frosting out overnight? ›So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.
Why do you put cornstarch in cheesecake? ›A little bit of cornstarch or flour in the cheesecake batter is insurance against cracking and makes the cake easier to cut into clean slices, though it does change the texture of the cheesecake a bit.
Can you over mix cheesecake batter? ›Avoid Overmixing: Unlike other cakes, where beating air into the batter is key, overmixed cheesecake can rise, fall and then crack from that excess air. Keeping ingredients (cheese, eggs, liquids and flavorings) at room temperature can help.
Why is my cheesecake gooey in the middle? ›You might worry a runny middle means raw cheesecake, but it's totally safe and normal. The center will firm up as it cools on a cooling rack, resulting in the smooth surface you want. Test Kitchen Tip: Cheesecakes made with sour cream should jiggle a little more and will have a larger soft spot in the center.