Description
This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful and easy dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese filling and finished with luscious strawberry pie filling and decorative whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and set without baking, this cheesecake offers a sweet, fruity flavor and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (~70 cookies crumbled)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
Filling
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- ½ (8 ounce) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Topping
- 1 (21 ounce) can strawberry pie filling
- ½ (8 ounce) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray to ensure the crust does not stick and will release easily once set.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until fully mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Mix the filling: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add flavor and whipped topping: To the cream cheese mixture, add half of the whipped topping and the strawberry jam. Beat on low speed until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spread the strawberry cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
- Remove from pan: Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving cake plate for decoration.
- Add strawberry topping: Spoon the strawberry pie filling into the center of the cheesecake and spread it evenly, leaving some space at the edges to prevent dripping.
- Decorate with whipped topping: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip (such as Wilton 1M) with the remaining whipped topping. Pipe decorative swirls or florets around the edge of the cheesecake to finish the look.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to prevent lumps in the filling.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly for the best texture and stability.
- Chilling time is critical; the cheesecake needs to set fully for the best flavor and structure.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with other fruit jams for different flavors.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the cheesecake cleanly.
