No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a simple dessert that’s perfect for summer. A golden cookie crust is topped with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling and then chilled to perfection. Easy to make and with no oven required, this decadent cake makes the most delicious treat!
It’s been a while since I’ve shared a no bake cheesecake with you. And I’m not sure why because it’s one of my favorite desserts to make! From this no bake peanut butter cup cheesecake, to that no bake apple cinnamon cheesecake, and this peppermint bark cheesecake, I love it all.
And since the 4th of July is just around the corner, I’ve decided to share a new, easy no bake cheesecake recipe with you.
But, before we get to the good stuff, how is it already almost the 4th of July? I feel like I say this all the time, but this year is really flying by. I feel like summer just started, and it is, the unofficial halfway point that it’s almost over (at least in my mind). But, I’m determined to make the best of it!
The hubster and I have been making good use of our patio this summer and we’ve been out and about in the warm (well, HOT) weather. And the weather doesn’t seem to be cooling off anytime soon, and that’s just fine by me. Although I do like hot weather, I’m even happier when there’s air conditioning near by. Are you the same way, too?
Since July 4th is on a Thursday this year, it’s almost mandatory to make it a four day weekend, am I right, or am I right? You can recover from the holiday and enjoy the rest of the long weekend. At least that’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it! And because holidays involve lots of food, I figured this no bake strawberry cheesecake recipe would be the perfect treat to share.
And you know me, I’m all about those easy desserts (and recipes), friends! Especially during the summer. Who wants to slave away in a hot kitchen when you could be out and about?
And let’s talk about that cookie crust! Instead of using graham crackers, like most cheesecakes do, I decided to use golden Oreo cookies for the base of this cake. It gives it a slightly sweeter (and in my opinion, yummier) taste than regular graham crackers.
Now onto that filling! It’s smooth, creamy, and loaded with strawberries. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries in this recipe, too. Both turn out to be equally delicious once this cake is ready.
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Ingredients
For such a decadent tasting no bake cheesecake, you surprisingly don’t need many ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy strawberry dessert:
- Golden Oreos
- Unsalted butter
- Strawberries
- Unflavored gelatin
- Water
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Heavy whipping cream
How to Make No Bake Cheesecake
Did I mention how easy it is to whip up this strawberry cheesecake? So easy, friends! Because it’s a no bake dessert, there is no oven required. However, refrigeration is necessary to chill this cake to the perfect consistency.
Here are the basic steps to mastering this no bake strawberry cheesecake:
- Combine the Oreo crumbs and some melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, then chill.
- Puree the strawberries in a blender, then strain to remove the seeds.
- Add the strawberry puree to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Mix the gelatin with some water, then add to the puree to thicken.
- Whip together the cream cheese, puree mixture, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
- Spread the filling into the prepared cookie crust. Let chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries?
Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used in this easy strawberry cheesecake recipe. If using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw beforehand and then drain the excess liquid so that it doesn’t water down the batter.
Can I Make a Graham Cracker Crust Instead?
Golden Oreo cookies make this no bake strawberry cheesecake crust stand out from the rest. If you prefer to use graham crackers, go ahead, but I promise you’ll love the cookie crust. And the crust is completely no bake too…a win-win all around!
Tips for making this No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- It may sound strange, but unflavored gelatin is added to this strawberry cheesecake. Because of the strawberry puree that is added, the gelatin will help to set and firm the cheesecake.
- I like to use this vanilla bean paste in all of my recipes that call for vanilla extract. The paste gives it a stronger vanilla flavor, without causing the mix to become watered down.
- Chilling time is required, and the longer, the better. Be sure to refrigerate for at least four hours, but if you can, overnight is even better.
Easy-peasy and a perfect 4th of July dessert, friends! You’ll love the sweet and creamy strawberry cheesecake that has a golden Oreo crunch. It just screams summer and all-around deliciousness!
Looking for more no bake recipes? I’ve got you covered!
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
- No Bake Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
- Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse
- No Bake Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust
- 2¼ cup ground golden Oreo cookies, (about 1 package)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, , melted
Filling
- 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, , hulled (if using frozen, thaw and drain to remove excess liquid)
- 1 0.25 ounce package unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, , softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Equipment
Instructions
Make the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter.
- Spray bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper so cookie crust does not stick. Press crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of pan. Place in refrigerator to firm up while preparing filling.
Make the filling:
- Add strawberries to a blender or food processor and blend until pureed. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
- Add strawberry puree to a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- While puree is coming to a boil, add gelatin to a cup or small bowl and add 2 tablespoons water and stir. Add mixture to puree, continue boiling, and whisk for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attachment until smooth and creamy.
- Add puree, powdered sugar, vanilla paste/extract and beat until combined. Add heavy cream and beat.
- Spread filling evenly into prepared cookie crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, remove cheesecake from spring form pan and top with strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- See my tips for making this no bake cheesecake in the post (above the recipe box)
- I like to use this vanilla bean paste in all of my recipes that call for vanilla extract. The paste gives it a stronger vanilla flavor, without causing the mix to become watered down.
