Description
Creamy no-bake cherry cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its silky texture and rich flavor profile. Graham cracker crust and luscious cherry topping provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess for memorable dining experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a crumbly foundation by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Transfer the crust mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing firmly to create a compact, uniform base. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set.
- Using an electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese until silky and lump-free, approximately 2-3 minutes at medium speed.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, mixing until the texture becomes smooth and creamy.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, elegant peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted.
- Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using gentle circular motions to maintain the airiness and prevent deflation.
- Carefully spread the light, fluffy filling across the chilled crust, ensuring an even distribution with minimal air pockets.
- Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow complete setting and flavor development.
- For canned cherry topping, gently spoon the vibrant filling over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
- Alternatively, macerate fresh cherries with a sprinkle of sugar for 30 minutes to release natural juices, then artfully arrange over each slice.
- Serve the cheesecake well-chilled, cutting with a clean, warm knife for pristine slices.
Notes
- Crust Consistency Matters: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when serving.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
- Whipping Cream Technique: Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, but avoid over-beating, which can make the texture grainy and affect the cheesecake’s silky smoothness.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg