Cheesecake is a delicious and popular dessert that comes in many varieties. Some cheesecakes are baked in the oven to set the filling and crust, while others are assembled and chilled without any baking required. The latter type are known as no-bake cheesecakes. With a no-bake cheesecake, the filling sets up and firms from the gelatin, cream cheese, and other ingredients used. The crust also firms up when chilled. But some bakers wonder if baking the crust of a no bake cheesecake makes it even better. Let’s take a closer look at this question.
What is a No Bake Cheesecake?
A no bake cheesecake is a type of cheesecake that does not require baking in the oven. Instead, it relies on chilling in the refrigerator to set up both the filling and crust. The filling uses cream cheese as the base, plus sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream or sour cream, and gelatin as the setting agent. Egg yolks are sometimes used too. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, cookies, or digestives held together by butter. Here is a typical recipe for a no bake cheesecake filling and crust:
No Bake Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 (3 ounce) package jelly (such as raspberry or strawberry), melted
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
The filling ingredients are blended together and poured into the crust. It chills for at least 4 hours before serving. The gelatin allows the filling to set up without baking. And the crust firms up from the butter helping bind the crumbs together when chilled.
Should You Bake the Crust?
With traditional baked cheesecakes, baking the crust is a must. It fully cooks the crust and helps keep it from getting soggy on the bottom. But with no bake cheesecakes, the crust ingredients don’t require cooking. Still, some bakers wonder if putting the crust in the oven briefly before adding the filling makes for a crisper, more solid crust. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to bake a no bake cheesecake crust.
Pros of Baking the Crust
- It dries out the crust more, creating a crisper texture.
- Baking deepens the flavor of ingredients like graham crackers.
- It helps the crust hold together better and not get as soggy.
- It ensures any raw flour or eggs are cooked through.
- It provides more firmness and structure to support the filling.
If you want your no bake cheesecake to have a really solid, crunchy crust, putting it in the oven pre-baked could help achieve this texture.
Cons of Baking the Crust
- It adds more time and effort to the recipe.
- A moist crust that retains some softness may be preferable.
- It can make the crust more prone to cracking while chilling.
- In some recipes, it could make the crust too hard or overcooked.
- The no-bake aspect makes the dessert quick and simple.
For many no bake cheesecake fans, keeping the crust simple by just pressing into the pan and chilling is ideal. Baking defeats the purpose of an easy no-bake dessert.
Baking Tips for No Bake Cheesecake Crust
If you do want to try baking your no bake cheesecake crust, here are some tips to get the best results:
- Bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, just until set. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
- Brush the crust with egg wash first to help it brown lightly.
- Use a shallow pan like a tart tin to help the crust cook faster.
- Reduce butter or switch to vegetable oil to limit saturated fat.
- Press the crust tightly into the pan so it holds together during baking.
- Let the baked crust cool fully before adding cheesecake filling.
Baking times will vary based on the size and thickness of the crust. Bake just until the center is set and the edges start browning. Let cool completely on a wire rack before assembling into a cheesecake.
No Bake Cheesecake Crust Recipes
You can use a variety of crust recipes for no bake cheesecakes. Here are some top options:
Graham Cracker Crust
This classic crust combines graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. It provides a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Chocolate Cookie Crust
Use crushed chocolate cookies like Oreos or chocolate wafers for a chocolaty crust. The dark color looks beautiful with light fillings.
Vanilla Wafer Crust
Vanilla wafers offer a sweet, tender cookie crust perfect for fruit cheesecake fillings.
Gingersnap Crust
For a gingery kick, use crushed gingersnaps for the crust. It pairs especially well with pumpkin cheesecake.
Digestive Biscuit Crust
Digestive biscuits are a British staple for no bake crusts. Their mildly sweet flavor lets the filling shine.
No matter which recipe you use, you can bake the crust briefly first for a crisper texture if desired. Be sure to let it cool fully before filling.
No Bake Cheesecake Filling Tips
A smooth, creamy cheesecake filling depends on a few key tips:
- Soften the cream cheese – Let it sit at room temperature to soften before mixing.
- Mix on low speed – Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on low to avoid over-beating.
- Eliminate lumps – Mix in soft cream cheese first before adding other wet ingredients.
- Don’t over-whip – Just mix until smooth, not long enough to add too much air.
- Mind the macronage – Fold in whipped cream or egg whites gently to preserve the air whipped into them.
Following these steps will help you achieve a perfect, silky cheesecake filling every time. Chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best set.
Troubleshooting No Bake Cheesecake
Even when using the best recipes and techniques, no bake cheesecake can occasionally give you trouble. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked top | Cooling too quickly, high moisture filling | Cool gradually, reduce moisture in filling |
| Watery filling | Not enough gelatin, filling over-whipped | Use gelatin per recipe, mix just until smooth |
| Soggy crust | Too much moisture in filling, crust too thin | Reinforce crust with extra crumbs, bake crust first |
| Uneven texture | Cream cheese not fully softened | Allow cream cheese to soften before mixing |
| Sunken middle | Oven vibration, pan size, over-baking | Avoid opening oven, use proper pan size, watch baking time |
Paying attention to these common cheesecake issues can help you troubleshoot problems and end up with perfect results.
No Bake Cheesecake Serving Suggestions
Part of the fun of no bake cheesecake is decorating and serving it up in creative ways. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh fruit – Top with sliced strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, or mixed berries.
- Fruit sauce – Drizzle on raspberry, chocolate, caramel or fruit sauce.
- Whipped cream – Add billowy whipped cream on top or on the side.
- Shaved chocolate – Sprinkle chocolate curls or shavings over the top for elegance.
- Nuts – Chopped nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts add crunch.
- Crumb crust – Use extra crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs to decorate the plate.
- Edible flowers – Fresh,organic flowers make a lovely natural decoration.
Get creative with different toppings, drizzles, flavors, and arrangements. Part of the beauty of no bake cheesecake is seeing that creamy frosted finish in all its glory!
Storing and Freezing No Bake Cheesecake
Like any cream-based dessert, no bake cheesecake is highly perishable. Here are some tips for storage:
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cheesecake slices up to 2-3 months.
- Wrap airtight to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw slices overnight in fridge before serving.
- Avoid freezing cheesecake with fresh fruit toppings.
- Freeze undecorated cheesecake, then add toppings once thawed.
With proper storage in the fridge or freezer, you can enjoy no bake cheesecake for weeks. Just be sure to seal it airtight and resist the temptation to store at room temperature, which could lead to spoilage.
Conclusion
No bake cheesecake offers a cool, creamy, and luscious dessert without having to turn on the oven. While you can bake the crust beforehand for added crunch, the no-bake method keeps it simple. Pay close attention to detail when making the filling and assembling the cheesecake, and you’ll be rewarded with smooth decadent results. Top it off with your favorite fruits, sauces, nuts or other embellishments. No bake cheesecake makes for a perfect chilled treat any time of year.