Description
This Easy No Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a delightful treat featuring creamy, tangy flavors with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for a light dessert or special occasion, it requires no baking and is simple to make. Enjoy the fresh taste of lemons combined with luscious cream cheese, making it a favorite for gatherings and celebrations!
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, about 1/3rd cup)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (store bought preferred)
- 24 ounces block of cream cheese (3 blocks) softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of two lemons
- 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice (from 2 lemons- can use up to 3 tbsp)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (can skip if you don't have it)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl and mix it with the graham cracker crumbs until evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a springform pan and place in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and slowly add the sugar until well mixed.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix until combined.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a bowl and clean the mixing bowl. Whip the heavy cream and cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften it slightly for easier slicing.
- Optional: Whip the additional heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form and pipe on top of the cheesecake with extra lemon zest.
Notes
For a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest or juice.
This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, making it a great choice for entertaining!
Use a high-quality cream cheese for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 103mg