INTRODUCTION
This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a decadent, creamy, luxurious dessert that requires no oven and delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. It features a buttery biscuit base, a silky smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries layered inside and on top, and decorative whipped cream swirls with chocolate shavings. This cheesecake is ideal for celebrations, gatherings, holidays, birthdays, and anytime you want a show-stopping dessert without baking. The combination of fresh fruit and rich cream creates a perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, and texture that everyone will love.
INGREDIENTS
For the crust:
300 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed finely
120 g melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
For the filling:
600 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
400 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
150 g powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
200 g fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping:
200 ml whipped cream (stiff peaks)
Whole strawberries for decoration
Chocolate shavings or curls
Optional drizzle: melted milk chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the crust. Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a blender or a bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until fully combined and resembling wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan (preferably 22 cm). Pack it tightly using a spatula or the bottom of a glass. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until the texture is velvety. In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling airy and smooth.
Add strawberries. Place strawberry slices around the sides of the pan against the crust to create the beautiful border seen in the photo. Fold additional strawberry pieces gently into the cream filling.
Fill the pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly to remove any air bubbles. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for best firmness.
Decorate. Once fully set, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the top edges. Place whole strawberries on top of the cream swirls. Add chocolate shavings and a drizzle of melted chocolate for the finishing touch.
METHODS
Refrigeration method: This recipe uses cold-setting instead of baking. The combination of whipped cream and cream cheese stabilizes when chilled, creating a firm yet creamy structure.
Folding method: Folding whipped cream into the filling maintains its light and airy consistency.
Decorating method: Use a piping bag with a star tip to create the cream swirls. Shave chocolate with a vegetable peeler for perfect curls.
BENEFITS
No oven required, perfect for hot days.
Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and antioxidants.
The creamy filling gives a luxurious texture.
Visually impressive yet simple to prepare.
Customizable with different fruits or chocolates.
HISTORY
No-bake cheesecakes emerged as a modern adaptation of traditional baked cheesecakes, growing popular in the mid-20th century when refrigeration became widely available. This version is inspired by European refrigerator cakes, particularly English and American styles that rely on cold-set cream cheese bases. Strawberry versions became extremely popular because they combine freshness with classic creamy richness, making them a favorite worldwide.
FORMATION
Crust: Built from crushed biscuits that form a stable foundation when combined with butter.
Filling: Achieves structure through the chilled blend of cream cheese and whipped cream.
Topping: Strawberries and chocolate elements are added last to create height, beauty, and flavor balance.
LOVERS
Loved by fruit dessert lovers, cheesecake lovers, strawberry fans, chocolate fans, kids, adults, party hosts, and anyone who enjoys a creamy, refreshing dessert.
NUTRITION (approximate per slice, 12 slices)
Calories per slice: 360 to 420
Protein: 5 to 7 g
Fat: 25 to 30 g
Carbohydrates: 28 to 34 g
Note: Values vary based on ingredients used.
CONCLUSION
This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is elegant, rich, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to create. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries, it delivers a luxurious dessert experience without any baking. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or a special celebration, it is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every dessert lover.