No-bake cheesecake bars are a quick, delicious, and creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They come together without the need for an oven, and you can enjoy them right from the fridge. Here’s a simple recipe:
No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Optional Topping:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Fruit compote, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture starts to stick together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper for easy removal).
- Place the pan in the fridge to chill while you make the cheesecake filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with the 2 tbsp of sugar until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
- Assemble the bars:
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results) to allow the cheesecake to firm up and set.
- Serve:
- Once set, remove from the fridge and slice into bars.
- Optionally, top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Tips:
- Crust variations: You can use graham crackers, but digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreos make great alternatives.
- Flavor variations: Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy twist, or mix in some melted chocolate for a chocolate cheesecake version.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
These no-bake cheesecake bars are creamy, easy to make, and the perfect sweet treat for any time of year! Enjoy!