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Easy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Looking for a refreshing and easy summer dessert? This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is creamy, delicious, and topped with homemade strawberry sauce, making it the perfect treat for warm days.

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No bake strawberry cheesecake with a slice out of it

If you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing dessert to enjoy during those warm summer days, this no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a perfect choice. With its creamy texture and delicious homemade strawberry sauce topping, it’s a simple way to make the most of fresh strawberries without ever turning on the oven.

Cheesecake has always been a favorite of mine—whether it’s classic vanilla, pumpkin spice, or even chocolate chip. But sometimes, I crave a delightful treat that doesn’t require any baking. That’s where this no-bake strawberry cheesecake shines. While its texture is a bit lighter and mousse-like compared to traditional baked cheesecakes, the flavor is simply heavenly.

Summer is no time for heating up the house with the oven, so this cheesecake is ideal for those sweltering days. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a special occasion or a casual treat alongside venison burgers and fries.

How to Make No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Close up of no bake strawberry cheesecake

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Begin by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. In a small bowl, mix these crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press this mixture into a 9-inch pie plate to form your crust.

If you like a bit more flavor, you can bake the crust in a toaster oven, but it’s perfectly delicious without baking, making it a true no-bake recipe.

Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add a can of sweetened condensed milk and mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Then, incorporate lemon juice and vanilla extract.

The mixture will look like pudding, but don’t worry—it will firm up nicely once chilled. Pour this creamy filling into your prepared graham cracker crust.

Pouring no bake cheesecake filling into graham crust.

Chill the Cheesecake: Smooth the filling evenly over the crust and refrigerate for at least 8 hours for best results. I recommend making it the day before so it can chill overnight.

Make the Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh or frozen strawberries and bring to a boil. Let it boil for one minute, then remove from heat and cool. Spoon this delightful strawberry sauce over your chilled cheesecake.

Variations for Your No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

  • For a fresh twist, top with additional sliced strawberries and a strawberry glaze.
  • Cherry pie filling makes a sweet alternative to strawberries.
  • Swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
  • For a chocolate twist, use an Oreo crust, or try golden Oreos for a different flavor.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.

Tips for a Foolproof No-Bake Cheesecake

Topping a no-bake cheesecake with strawberries
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for the best texture. Avoid softening it in the microwave to ensure it blends smoothly.
  • Follow the ingredient order and mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
  • Make the cheesecake a day ahead for the best results. If short on time, it can be prepared the morning of, but be sure to give it enough time to chill.

Storing Your Cheesecake

This no-bake treat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered with plastic wrap. For the freshest taste, enjoy it within 3 days, as the crust may become a bit soggy and the cheesecake might start to separate. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the strawberry topping) for up to 6 months. Just remember to serve it partially thawed for the best quality.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful no-bake strawberry cheesecake with your loved ones—it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

If you give this no-bake strawberry cheesecake a try, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a recipe review on the card and tag me on Instagram with your cheesecake creations @therusticelk—I can’t wait to see your sweet treats!

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Yield: 8 Servings

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a creamy, delightful treat topped with homemade strawberry sauce. It’s perfect for a refreshing dessert on warm days without needing to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/4 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs, (10- 5X2 1/2" graham crackers)
  • 1/3 Cup Sugar 
  • 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, (melted and cooled slightly)

Filling

  • 1 8 Ounce Package Cream Cheese, (softened)
  • 14 Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Topping

  • 2 Cups Strawberries, (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/3 Cup Water
  • 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl or stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
  3. Chill the Cheesecake: Smooth the filling and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cornstarch. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add strawberries and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool. Spoon the topping over the chilled cheesecake before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight.
  • You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for the topping.
  • If you prefer a baked crust, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes before adding the filling.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    8

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 548Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 239mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 1gSugar: 64gProtein: 8g

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    Lisa

    Wednesday 24th of July 2024

    This might be a silly question, but can you use a hand mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer?

    Danielle McCoy

    Thursday 25th of July 2024

    Absolutely

    Sa’Nia

    Wednesday 20th of September 2023

    Could you put it in the freezer for a faster process?

    Sa'Nia Wells

    Tuesday 21st of November 2023

    @Danielle McCoy, Whats the process for the sauce when using frozen strawberries? Should I let them unthaw or keep them frozen and bring them out when the recipe calls for it?

    Danielle McCoy

    Thursday 21st of September 2023

    You sure can! An hour or two should do the trick.

    Jodi Olson

    Monday 16th of May 2022

    Look forward to trying this. Thank you for the recipe. Jlo

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    Monday 10th of May 2021

    […] No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake by The Rustic Elk […]

    Kristan MacKay

    Friday 12th of June 2020

    Looks good & sounds easy enough

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