This is THE BEST NO BAKE CHEESECAKE RECIPE EVER! It has a sweet graham cracker crust with a creamy sweet & Tart no-bake cheesecake filling and decorated for any summer gathering or patriotic holiday. Everyone loves this easy no-bake cheesecake recipe!
Magically The Best No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
This Easy No-Bake Cheesecake recipe originally published Sept 16, 2011. It has been updated with new photos and tips/tricks for your convenience.
Our family’s no-bake Cheesecake recipe is super easy to make. It consists of the crust, the filling, and the toppings. And it takes very little time to make all three. The longest part is simply waiting for it to chill.
The Best Ever Easy American Berry No Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Need a surefire winner for the summer parties or patriotic holidays? Try the best ever easy American Berry no-bake cheesecake Recipe. With condensed milk, fresh fruit, and a creamy sweet & tart flavor.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup melted salted butter
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 (8oz) package of Cream Cheese
- 1 can Sweet and Condensed Milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 container Cool Whip (or a single batch of homemade whipped cream) - Completely Optional
Toppings
- Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh Blueberries
Instructions
Crust
- Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar and melted butter into a bowl.
- Mix with a fork until all graham crackers are wet and the butter is evenly distributed.
- Pour into a parchment lined springform pan.
- Gently press the mixture to create a smooth even crust, reaching to all edges of the pan.
Cheesecake Filling
- Place cream cheese on the counter to soften/warm so it will blend easier
- Dump cream cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Beat until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Gently add in the condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract
- Mix until smooth
- (Optional - gently fold in the whipped topping until well distributed.
- Pour onto the graham cracker crust.
- Gently smooth it evenly around the pan
- Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
Assembly
- When time to serve, gently remove springform pan and parchment paper.
- Slice fresh strawberries.
- Carefully lay out blueberries in the upper left-hand corner to create the "stars" section of the flag design
- Carefully lay the strawberries in strip patterns for the red stripes of the flag.
- Slice and serve
Notes
Sizing
- If you want to make a cheesecake big enough to fill a traditional 9X13 cake pan, you will want to double the crust and triple the filling to have good filling to crust ratio.
Tips
- To prevent lumpy cheesecake filling, allow the cream cheese to completely warm to room temperature before mixing. I often take it out of the fridge in the morning and then by the afternoon I can quickly whip it all together.
- If you don't have time to warm Cream Cheese - using an immersion blender works well to get it smooth and creamy
- If you find the cheesecake filling is too rich, add a tub of cool whip or homemade whipped cream this will make the filling lighter and not as intensely rich.
- If you try to use a standard blender to mix, it will still technically work, BUT the texture will not be right. It will be too runny and not set up correctly. (trust me, I've tried it)
- When picking the pan- this recipe can be made in a pie dish, a brownie pan, or even a springform pan if you want to remove the pan and have it look more like a traditional cheesecake.
- If using a springform pan, you will want to line the sides of the pan with parchment paper before adding the filling, to make for easier removal from the pan. And refrigerate overnight before removing pan
- If by some miracle you have leftovers (rarely happens in our house) you can cover and store in the fridge for about a week.
The USA Flag topping is only one of MANY topping options. You can also try
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
- Raspberry filling
- Cherry pie filling with chocolate sauce drizzled on top
- Hot fudge and salted caramel drizzled on top
- options are endless!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 136Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 107mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g
Combine all crust ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a fork. Once all the graham crackers are wet, then transfer it into the pan of your choice and pack it down slightly.
There are many options of pans you can use for this easy no-bake cheesecake. You can use a large 9X 13 cake pan, small brownie pan, pie dish, or my latest attempt – a springform pan.
If you want a good table piece for a summer party, I recommend making it in a pan with sides to support the filling. Being no bake, it does soften in the heat and then it won’t hold together.
But if you are just going to set it out and immediately serve it, you can have success using the springform pan, so it looks even better.
If you use a bigger/deeper pan, you will want to double the crust and triple the filling recipe, otherwise, it will be VERY shallow and thin. But that is completely up to your preference.
In order to have a smooth texture, the cream cheese needs to be room temperature. If not, then it will lump as you blend the ingredients together. And who wants a lumpy cheesecake?
I found that if you try to mix in a standard blender it turns out far too runny.
Though, if you don’t have time to warm the cream cheese, you CAN use an immersion blender to get the smooth texture without making it too runny.
If you find the taste is too rich, you can add 1/2 tub whipped topping, but this is entirely optional. I only use it about half the time I make it.
The whipped topping offers the cheesecake a slightly lighter texture and slightly sweeter flavor. So if you don’t like rich desserts you will want to add the whipped topping.
The original recipe my mom used never used whipped topping. But my husband always said it was too rich for him. So I started adding the whipped topping so he could enjoy a lighter flavor.
But when He is on Keto I always go back to making it without the whipped topping because I prefer the richer tart flavor.
Mix all the filling ingredients together until smooth. Then pour onto the Graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 3 hrs.
If you are using a Springform Pan, you will want to remove the parchment paper shortly before you decorate and serve.
Easy American Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Topping
If you remove the cheesecake from the pan, you can also run a frosting knife around the outside to make the sides look crisp and smooth.
To create the illusion of the USA flag, arrange fresh blueberries in the top left corner in a square.
Then place fresh sliced strawberries in horizontal lines for the stripes of the flag.
No other topping is necessary! It is quite delicious! And it makes the perfect dessert for any USA/Patriotic holiday like Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day (4th of July) and Veteran’s Day!
But is always a surefire winner at every potluck, BBQ, Summer party gathering where I donate this easy No-Bake Cheesecake.
Not to mention – This is the most requested dessert for Birthdays in our family.
And best of all, this easy No-Bake Cheesecake recipe can be made into any shape you desire, simply by the type of pan you use.
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Topping Alternatives:
Really any kind of topping would go great with this recipe!
I’ve tried
- Huckleberries
- No-bake Strawberry Jam
- Raspberry Dessert Filling
- Strawberry pie filling
- Strawberry Shortcake Topping
- Raspberry Pie Filling
- Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
- Raspberry Rhubarb Jam
- Blueberry Sauce
- Chocolate Ganache
- Even Cherry Chocolate- simply drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with Cherry pie filling. Oh, Heaven!
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Crust Alternatives!
Another fun way to mix up the flavors of this easy no-bake cheesecake is to play with the crust flavors!
- Crushed Oreos
- Crushed NILLA Wafers
- Crushed Pretzels (this is amazing!)
- Cinnamon pie crust
- Crushed nuts crust
- Shortcrust Pie crust
- Oatmeal pie crust
- Frosted Animal Crackers crushed
- Grain Free Coconut Pie Crust
Really the sky is the limit with your flavor combination choices! We have tried all the toppings and most of the crust options I’ve suggested to you and they have ALL been a huge success!
But the favorite still remains the classic way, just like my Mom used to make.
If you like No Bake desserts, you may also like:
No-Bake Red White and Blueberry Cheesecake Trifle
Peach Raspberry Fluff Jello Salad
Sour Cherry No Bake Cheesecake
If you enjoyed this easy American Berry No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe, Be sure to Pin It and share with your friends and family!
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Elisabeth Hirsch
That looks delicious. Such a beautiful way to make it :0) I LOVE your site.
Romiz Essentials
That looks awesome. I love freezer strawberry jam. I will watch for that for sure.
Visiting from VB. 🙂
Idiot Mom
So delicious and easy!! I feel the heart palpitations:) I might whip that up tonight for a tailgate party! Very festive! Thx.
Summer K.
I'm totally going to have to try this! My husband loves cheesecake so I'd love to surprise him. Plus he's in the military so the design fits 🙂
Hil'Lesha
What a yummy recipe!
Kristy
This looks delicious! No bake too, that means its my kind of recipe.
Amber Edwards
Oh, I'm so glad you ladies like it! It really is my favorite and SUPER easy to make. just make sure you let it sit in the Fridge for about 2 hrs or else it won't set up enough, that serving it will be a problem…it won't affect the taste at all, just how pretty it looks on the plates. lol.
Thank you all for your visits and comments, I just LOVE reading them all!
Melissa
Stopping by from the Alexa Drop hop!
Maureen
I’ve tried other no-bake cheesecakes before and they just tasted like whipped cream. I tried this one today and it has that signature tartness of traditional cheesecake! Must be that secret ingredient of lemon juice. This was super yummy! TFS
CinnyBBS
LOL, I was going to do a similar recipe too. I wonder if it’s any different than yours?
ellen beck
I have made them just like this before 🙂 One of the variations I like is using pecan sandies cookies for the crust- yummy and deliciously sinful! I have always added fruits too- and for me strawberries are always my pick, but I am going to have to try the chocolate version now too!
Amanda Sakovitz
This looks delicious! I love the american flag on the top. i will have to make this for next fourth of july
Marisa May
This looks delicious! My husband would love the strawberry rhubarb topping on it too!
MyKidsGuide
Oh the deliciousness! I love that it’s no-bake. Perfect for hot summer days when you really don’t want to turn on your oven.
Pam
We make this during the summer too–usually for the 4th of July. It is so good.
Amiyrah
Oh man, I do love a great no-bake cheesecake, especially in the summer! Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Chacoy
This looks so yummy! I was thinking what could make it a bit tart, the lemon juice!? Genius(: I also love the flag on there!!
I can not wait to give this no bake cheesecake a try!
Susan
That is the cutest cheesecake I’ve ever seen!!!!
I am stealing this idea for my Fla trip this summer. And as for cheesecake flavor fave…can any cheesecake be my answer? :0
Emily
Sounds good! Looks so cute too, would be perfect for a 4th of july BBQ
Colby Shipwash
Some of my favorite words are all here; Cheese, Cake, Strawberrys, Chocolate, and No-Bake. Thanks for sharing.
diane
Oh, the Oreo option sounds delicious! My husband is nuts about cookies and cream icecream. I be he would love this dessert!
JADE OF Diva Fabulosa
OMG I love cheesecake!! This recipe is so easy, I will try it this week!
Crissy Page
Every summer, I plan on making a flag dessert like this. Every year, I never do it! Here’s hoping that this is the year! Looks yummy!
Lena
Have seen this one before, but still yet to try it – Looks delicious
Natalie Z
So easy and delicious looking! This would be great for the 4th of July!
Jenna Wood
My favorite part of the cheesecake is always the crust, some always goes missing during production 😉
Laura O in AK
I love how easy this is to make! Thanks for sharing.
Michele Ertter Brosius
thanks for sharing. I love NO BAKE desserts!
Ellen Christian
Oh wow that looks so amazing!
Sandy a la Mode
YUM! this looks soo good! i want cheesecake now!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Mama to 5 blessing
That looks great for the4th of July,looks yummy and pretty.
deb
You had me at no bake 🙂 I love cheesecake so this is a definite in my near future. Thanks for sharing.
mel
Oh my goodness! THis looks beyond delicious!!!
Kristyn
mmm this looks so yummy and i would lvoe to be eating it right now lol
Have Sippy Will Travel Mommy Blogger
that’s a very pretty and delicious looking cake 🙂
Zipporah Sandler
Your recipe is so much easier than mine. I’m going to try it!
Amber Edwards
Be careful! It is very addicting! I can’t eat hardly any other cheesecake now. And I can’t stop at just one slice! lol. That’s why I can’t make this recipe very often. I just can’t control myself around it.
Angela
This is just too stinkin cute and I cannot believe it is no bake!
Mitch
First, the cake looks gorgeous. Second, no bake? I love that!
Mitch
Sofia
Definitely giving these a try!! Love me som cheesecake….specially when chocolate is involved 😀
Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple
This look delicious!!!
Sarah L
Easy and beautiful. I like blueberries on my cheesecake.
Janey Campbell
Hello. I had refrigerated the cheesecake for almost two and a half hours and it still hadn’t hardened. I was wondering if I should just put it in for longer?
Amber Edwards
Sometimes it takes a little longer. If my fridge wasn’t cold enough it sometimes takes more time to harden.
Whitney
What size pan do you use? 9×13?
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I love how easy that is to make and it’s PERFECT for our Memorial Day cookout this coming weekend!
Jennifer Soltys
Looks so good! Love that it’s no bake!! I definitely see this in my future.
Pam
This looks absolutely delicious! I will have to make this for Memorial Day or the Fourth of July…or just for myself!
MommaDJane
We have a family cookout this Saturday for Memorial Day and I think I’ll take this as our dish. Easy and delicious.
Jen Temcio @dapperhouse
YAY! Easy enough to prepare but delicious and fun enough to take to the neighborhood potlucks and barbecues this summer!!
Brandy
This is similar to my recipe and I LOVE how easy it is to make and tastes so amazing. Adding the berries to be your flag is a cute idea for all the weekend BBQ’s that will be thrown this weekend.
Amy Desrosisers
Yummy this is my kind of dessert! I love cheesecakes so much!!
Dawn Lopez
YUM! Not only is this cheesecake gorgeous, it sounds unbelievable tasty! I am huge lover of non-bake goodies, I will need to try this! My mouth is totally watering!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement
One of my friends used to make THE best no bake cheesecake I’ve ever tasted. I once helped her make one but dummy me forgot to write things down so to this day I don’t know how it’s made. I’m definitely going to give this one a try to see if it’s similar! If so, this will be my new go-to xD
Mama to 5 BLessings
What a nice idea, my kids would love this dessert and I love that its a no bake!
kristin
This is a great cake and I love how festive it is for 4th of July and summer!
Danielle @ We Have It All
Oh this is one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing, it looks so easy to make too.
Janice
That looks so good!
Aimee Smith
This looks so yummy! I LOVE cheesecake, the patriotic theme would be perfect for a summer get together! I can’t wait to try it!
Carlee C
My hubby loves cheesecake. I am totally pinning this so I can try it for upcoming patriotic holidays.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I adore cheesecake, it is my favorite dessert. Not a big fan of tart cheesecake but the decoration on this one is fantastic!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
no bake is always a favourite for me, it’s a no hassle cheesecake. YUM!!
Our Family World
Looks like a great recipe. I will have to try it out
Liz Mays
There simply isn’t a time I wouldn’t want to enjoy cheesecake. This is beautiful and perfect for the weekend!
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie
You had me at No Bake!!!!!!!!!! Love cheesecake and this looks delicious and soo simple… but very impressive.. love it.. gonna dish it up this holiday weekend..thanks for sharing
Whitney
What size pan do you use??
Amber
I seem to use a different one each time. i’ve used a 9X 13 for a thin graham cracker crust. Or an 8X8 for a thicker crust and filling. I’ve also used an extra large pie dish to make this in a circular pattern before too.
Whitney
Thanks so much!! Making this today! 🙂
Amber
you are most welcome! I’m a bit jealous, I need this again! It’s my absolute favorite dessert. It is one of the RARE things I can’t resist. You are going to love it!
Gina
I doubled recipe. It was delicious!!! Thank you for sharing your family recipe.
Carol
That recipe for your mother’s sweet and rough cheesecake deserves to be shared.