Looking for a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort? This easy cheesecake recipe is the answer. This cheesecake will impress your family and friends with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cream cheese filling. The best part; It doesn’t require any baking.
Easy Cheesecake
Baked cheesecake, oh, how it tantalizes our taste buds! But let’s face it; it can be a bit of a demanding dessert. The lengthy ingredient list, the meticulous steps, and worst of all, the endless waiting! Baking, cooling, and chilling feels like an eternity before you can savor each delicious bite.
But fear not. This easy no-bake cheesecake recipe here may require some patience for chilling (that one step we just couldn’t omit), but trust me. It’s worth it. You’ll sink your teeth into a slice of creamy heaven hours before you even lay eyes on a baked cheesecake.
Easy Cheesecake Ingredients
Each ingredient is crucial in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, ultimately producing a delectable and easy-to-make cheesecake.
- Graham Crumbs: Graham crumbs are finely ground graham crackers, which add a delightful, slightly sweet, and crumbly base to the cheesecake. They provide a satisfying texture and complement the creamy filling perfectly.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: The melted unsalted butter acts as a binder for the graham crumbs, helping to create a firm and cohesive crust. It adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star ingredient of any cheesecake. Its smooth and creamy texture, combined with its tangy flavor, forms the base of the filling. It provides the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes cheesecakes so irresistible.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, or confectioners’ sugar, is used to sweeten the filling. It dissolves easily and blends seamlessly with the cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and evenly sweetened cheesecake.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake’s filling. It enhances the overall flavor and complements the tanginess of the lime, resulting in a harmonious taste experience.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream is whipped to form stiff peaks before being incorporated into the filling. It adds a light and airy texture to the cheesecake, creating a creamy, velvety mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
- Key Lime or Lime Juice: The juice adds a refreshing tanginess to the cheesecake. The citrusy flavor balances the richness of the cream cheese and gives the cheesecake a vibrant, zesty taste.
Tips And Tricks For The Best Cheesecake
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to achieve a perfect, creamy, and delicious cheesecake that will impress everyone who takes a bite.
- Ensure room temperature cream cheese: Allow it to come to room temperature before use. This makes it easier to achieve a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Chill the crust before filling: Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before pouring in. This helps the crust set and hold its shape better.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks: When whipping the heavy cream, continue until stiff peaks form. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in the filling.
- Zest the lime before juicing: To make zesting easier, zest it before it. This allows you to extract the most flavor from the lime without wasting any zest.
- Let it chill overnight if possible: Although 4 hours of chilling is the minimum, if time allows, refrigerating the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in a more well-set and flavorful dessert.
- Use an offset spatula for a smooth top: After pouring the filling into the crust, use an offset spatula to smooth the top. This creates an even and visually appealing surface for your cheesecake.
Recipe Variations And Toppings
These different toppings and flavors will elevate your easy cheesecake, offering a variety of tastes and textures to suit your preferences. Mix and match or create unique combinations for a personalized cheesecake experience.
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Top the cheesecake with a colorful assortment of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi for a refreshing and vibrant burst of flavors.
- Caramelized Pecans: Sprinkle caramelized pecans on the cheesecake for a delightful crunch and a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a luscious raspberry coulis over the cheesecake for a tangy and visually stunning addition that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Chocolate Shavings: Grate dark or milk chocolate over the cheesecake for a touch of decadence and a rich chocolatey flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle swirls of salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake, creating a beautiful marbled effect and adding a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors.
- Espresso Infusion: Add a shot of espresso or some instant coffee granules to the filling for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake and adds a delightful depth of taste.
Storage Of The Leftover Cheesecake
- Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and maintain its texture.
- Cover: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to cover the cheesecake, protecting it from absorbing odors and preventing drying.
- Chill before covering: Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until fully set before covering it.
- Store without toppings: If you’ve added toppings like fruits or sauces, it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.
- Consume within a few days: For the best flavor and quality, consume the cheesecake within 3-4 days of making it.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store the cheesecake for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Easy Cheesecake Recipe
The creamy and tangy delight by this easy cheesecake recipe is composed of buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth cream cheese filling. This tasty dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch (23cm) springform pan
- Spoon or glass for pressing the crust
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk or spatula for folding in the whipped cream
- Spatula for smoothing the filling
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
For The Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham crumbs (390g)
- 1/2 cup Melted unsalted butter
For The Filling
- 3 packages cream cheese, room temperature (24oz/750g)
- 1 1/2-2 cups powdered sugar (200-263g)
- 1/4 cup key lime or lime juice (2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (30-35% fat ONLY)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the graham crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to firmly press the crumbs down.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your desired level of sweetness.
- Add the key lime or lime juice and vanilla to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Wash the cold heavy whipping cream in a separate mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
- Once the cheesecake is set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- If desired, serve chilled and garnish with additional lime zest or whipped cream.
Video
Notes
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before starting. This allows for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness. Start with the lower end of the range and add more if desired.
Use 30-35% fat whipping cream: Stick to heavy whipping cream with a 30-35% fat content for the best results. Lower-fat creams may not whip properly.
Let it set in the fridge: Give the cheesecake enough time to chill and set it in the refrigerator. This ensures a firm, well-set texture that is easier to slice and serve.
Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with various toppings, such as fresh fruit, sauces, or even crushed cookies, to customize and enhance the flavor profile of your cheesecake.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 34g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 5g
Leave a Reply