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No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Easy No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

This No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a breeze to prepare! With simple ingredients and no oven required, you’ll have a creamy, tangy dessert ready in no time. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! Follow these easy steps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Whipped cream
  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish, covering the bottom evenly.
  4. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while preparing the filling.

Pro Tip: To create a firmer crust, press the mixture down using the bottom of a glass.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing continuously until fully incorporated.
  3. Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is silky and lump-free.

Caution: Avoid overmixing, as too much air can make the cheesecake filling too soft.

Step 3: Assemble & Chill

  1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished look.
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).

Pro Tip: For a quicker set, place the cheesecake in the freezer for 1–2 hours before transferring it to the fridge.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan.
  2. Slice and serve chilled with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Dietary Modifications

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
  • Vegan: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based cream cheese and use sweetened coconut condensed milk.
  • Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the crust or use a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Flavor Twists

  • Berry Swirl: Fold in some raspberry or blueberry puree for a fruity twist.
  • Chocolate Crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed chocolate cookies.
  • Coconut Bliss: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical spin, just like in this Tropical Fruit Symphony Cheesecake.
  • Author: Anna RM