No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Few desserts capture the fresh flavors of summer quite like a homemade Strawberry Cheesecake. With its buttery biscuit base, smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and generous topping of fresh strawberries, this no-bake dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Every slice combines a rich, velvety texture with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, making it an ideal choice for everything from family dinners to summer celebrations.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any baking. The biscuit base comes together in just a few minutes, while the creamy filling sets naturally in the refrigerator, making it an excellent dessert to prepare ahead of time. Once chilled, the cheesecake slices beautifully while maintaining a light, creamy consistency that isn’t overly heavy.

Fresh strawberries are folded directly into the filling, adding bursts of fruity flavor throughout every bite, while additional strawberries on top create an attractive finish that makes the dessert look impressive with very little effort. The buttery biscuit base provides a gentle crunch that perfectly complements the smooth filling, creating a satisfying contrast in texture.

Whether served at a summer barbecue, birthday party, family gathering, or simply as a weekend dessert, this Strawberry Cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser. It looks elegant enough for special occasions yet remains simple enough to prepare whenever fresh strawberries are in season. With only a handful of ingredients and a little chilling time, it’s an easy dessert that delivers impressive results every time.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method to create a rich, creamy cheesecake that’s full of fresh strawberry flavor without needing to turn on the oven.

No Baking Required

  • One of the biggest advantages of this cheesecake is that it requires no baking.
  • Instead of relying on the oven to set the filling, the cheesecake firms up naturally as it chills in the refrigerator. This makes it a convenient dessert during warmer months while keeping preparation simple from start to finish.

Perfect for Making Ahead

  • Because the cheesecake needs several hours to chill, it’s an excellent make-ahead dessert.
  • Preparing it in advance allows the filling to fully set while giving the flavors time to blend together. When it’s time to serve, all that’s left to do is decorate with fresh strawberries.

Fresh Summer Flavor

  • Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness, bright color, and juicy texture to every slice.
  • Some strawberries are folded into the cheesecake filling, while the remaining berries create a beautiful topping that makes the dessert feel fresh, light, and perfect for warm-weather occasions.

Rich Yet Light Texture

  • The combination of full-fat cream cheese and whipped double cream creates a filling that’s smooth, creamy, and easy to slice without becoming overly dense.
  • The biscuit base adds just enough crunch to balance the soft filling, creating the classic texture that makes cheesecake so enjoyable.

Great for Any Occasion

  • Whether served at birthdays, family gatherings, picnics, summer parties, or barbecues, this cheesecake suits almost every celebration.
  • Its attractive presentation and refreshing strawberry flavor make it a dessert that’s just as suitable for special occasions as it is for a simple weekend treat.

Tips for Success

Following a few simple techniques helps create a cheesecake with a firm texture, smooth filling, and beautifully finished appearance.

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese

  • Always choose full-fat cream cheese when making this recipe.
  • Reduced-fat, light, or lactose-free varieties contain more moisture, which can prevent the cheesecake from setting properly and result in a softer filling.

Whip the Cream Correctly

  • The double cream should be whipped until it reaches soft peaks that hold their shape while still remaining smooth.
  • The consistency should resemble soft ice cream.
  • If the cream is under-whipped, the cheesecake may not set firmly enough. If it’s over-whipped, the filling can become too dense instead of light and creamy.
  • Using well-chilled cream straight from the refrigerator also helps achieve better results.

Sift the Icing Sugar

  • Before adding the icing sugar to the filling, sift it to remove any lumps.
  • This simple step helps produce a smoother cheesecake with a more even texture throughout.

Drain the Strawberries

  • After finely chopping the strawberries for the filling, allow any excess liquid to drain away.
  • Removing extra moisture helps prevent the filling from becoming too soft while maintaining the rich, creamy consistency of the cheesecake.

Chill the Biscuit Base

  • Allowing the biscuit base to chill while preparing the filling gives it time to firm up.
  • This makes it less likely to crumble when the cheesecake filling is added.

Aim for the Right Consistency

  • A properly set cheesecake should hold its shape when sliced while still remaining soft and creamy.
  • The filling should gently quiver when moved but shouldn’t wobble excessively or feel runny.

Crush the Biscuits Evenly

  • For the smoothest base, crush the biscuits into fine crumbs before mixing them with the melted butter.
  • A food processor works particularly well, but placing the biscuits in a sealed food bag and crushing them with a rolling pin also produces excellent results.
  • Fine crumbs create a firmer, more even base that’s easier to slice.

Chop the Strawberries Finely

  • Since the strawberries are folded into the filling, cutting them into small, even pieces helps distribute their flavor throughout every slice.
  • A mini chopper can speed up this process if preparing a large batch.

Substitutions

This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs while maintaining the same preparation method.

Gluten-Free Version

To prepare a gluten-free cheesecake, simply replace the standard digestive biscuits with gluten-free digestive biscuits. As with any gluten-free recipe, check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they’re suitable for your dietary requirements.

Storage

  • Chill the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours before serving so the filling has enough time to fully set. It can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
  • Keep the cheesecake in the tin while it chills to help it hold its shape. Cover it loosely with cling film or a large plate, making sure the covering doesn’t touch the surface of the cheesecake.
  • Avoid storing the cheesecake for longer than recommended, as the strawberries will gradually release moisture that can soften both the filling and the biscuit base.
  • For the freshest appearance and best texture, decorate the cheesecake with the remaining fresh strawberries just before serving.
  • Freezing is not recommended. Fresh strawberries become watery once thawed, which can affect the texture of both the filling and the finished cheesecake.

Ingredients

  • Digestive Biscuits: Create the buttery base of the cheesecake. If digestive biscuits aren’t available, graham crackers are the closest substitute, though you may need slightly less butter as they’re a little richer.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the biscuit crumbs together, helping create a firm base once chilled. Melt it before mixing with the crushed biscuits.
  • Double Cream: The key ingredient for a rich, smooth filling. Always use full-fat cream cheese, as reduced-fat or light versions contain more water and may prevent the cheesecake from setting.
  • Full-Fat Cream Cheese: The key ingredient for a rich, smooth filling. Always use full-fat cream cheese, as reduced-fat or light versions contain more water and may prevent the cheesecake from setting.
  • Icing Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth. Sifting it before mixing helps prevent lumps.
  • Strawberries: Used both inside the cheesecake filling and for decorating the top, adding fresh flavor, natural sweetness, and vibrant color.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake

Prepare the Biscuit Base

Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed food bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.

Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until all of the crumbs are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared cheesecake tin and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to create an even layer.

Place the biscuit base into the refrigerator while preparing the filling. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, helping create a sturdy base for the cheesecake.

Prepare the Strawberries

Finely chop the strawberries that will be mixed into the filling.

Allow them to drain briefly to remove any excess liquid before adding them to the cheesecake mixture. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too soft.

Reserve the remaining strawberries for decorating the finished cheesecake.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

Pour the double cream into a large mixing bowl and whisk until it reaches soft peaks.

Add the full-fat cream cheese and sifted icing sugar.

Continue whisking until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and holds its shape.

Once the filling is fully combined, gently fold in the chopped strawberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Take care not to overmix, as this helps maintain the light texture of the filling.

Assemble the Cheesecake

Remove the chilled biscuit base from the refrigerator.

Spoon the cheesecake filling onto the prepared base and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Smooth the surface to create a neat finish.

Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has fully set and is firm enough to slice.

Decorate and Serve

Once the cheesecake has completely set, carefully remove it from the tin and transfer it to a serving plate.

Arrange the remaining fresh strawberries over the top just before serving.

Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat portions.

The finished Strawberry Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor, with a buttery biscuit base that perfectly complements the smooth filling. It’s an impressive no-bake dessert that’s ideal for summer gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying whenever strawberries are at their best.

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

370

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

This no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings and special occasions. Made with fresh strawberries and a smooth cheesecake filling, it can be prepared in advance, making it an easy yet impressive treat that’s bursting with fruity flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

  • For the base
  • 200 g (7 oz) Digestive biscuits

  • 80 g (3 oz) Unsalted butter

  • For the cheesecake filling
  • 300 ml (1.25 cups) Double cream

  • 400 g (14 oz) Full fat cream cheese

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) Icing sugar

  • 400 g (1 lb) Strawberries

  • For the topping
  • 200 g (7 oz) Strawberries

Directions

  • Combine the crushed digestive biscuits with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Firmly press the mixture into the base of an 18 cm (7-inch) springform pan or loose-bottom cake tin, creating an even layer. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
  • Finely chop the strawberries and place them in a fine-mesh sieve to drain away any excess juice. Set the drained strawberries aside.
  • Pour the cold double cream into a large mixing bowl, then add the cream cheese and icing sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and holds its shape, with a texture similar to soft ice cream.
  • Gently fold the drained strawberries into the cheesecake mixture until evenly incorporated.
  • Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and spoon the filling over the base. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
  • Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
  • When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan and decorate with the remaining fresh strawberries. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and repeat between each cut.

Notes

  • Digestive Biscuits: If digestive biscuits aren’t available, graham crackers are an excellent substitute and work just as well for the crust.

    Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for this recipe. Simply melt it in the microwave or on the stovetop before mixing it with the biscuit crumbs.

    Cream Cheese: For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and pour off any excess liquid before mixing. Reduced-fat, light, or lactose-free varieties contain more moisture, which can prevent the cheesecake from setting properly.

    Cream: Use cold heavy whipping cream (at least 35% milk fat) or thickened cream if available. Whip it until it becomes very thick and holds its shape, similar to soft ice cream. Avoid using single cream or half-and-half, as they won’t provide enough structure.

    Texture: Once fully chilled, the cheesecake should be firm enough to slice while still remaining smooth and creamy. It should have a slight wobble when gently shaken, similar to softened butter.

    Removing from the Pan: To release the cheesecake easily, run a warm knife around the inside edge of the pan before opening the springform or removing the sides of a loose-bottom tin. If your pan has a removable base, place it on top of a tall glass or similar object and gently slide the outer ring downward. For neat slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe it dry, and repeat before each cut.

Nutrition Facts

12 servings per container

Serving Size1


  • Amount Per ServingCalories370
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 28g 36%
    • Saturated Fat 16g 80%
    • Trans Fat 0.2g
  • Cholesterol 76mg 26%
  • Sodium 199mg 9%
  • Total Carbohydrate 28g 11%
    • Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
    • Total Sugars 17g
  • Protein 4g 8%

  • Calcium 71mg 6%
  • Iron 1mg 6%
  • Potassium 174mg 4%
  • Vitamin A 988mcg 110%
  • Vitamin C 30mg 34%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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