This Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake is a divine dessert to make for any occasion. It's sweet, creamy, and super simple to make. Plus, you don't have to turn on the oven and heat up the house to enjoy a slice of this homemade cheesecake.
Next time try the Chocolate Hershey Pie - another great, no-bake dessert!
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No Bake Philadelphia Cheesecake
My favorite part of this easy recipe it that it takes so much less time and effort, but still has a great flavor. And the best part is, there's no need for a springform pan or water bath like you need for a regular cheesecake! Easy-peasy!
Ingredients/variations
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Cream cheese - I prefer using full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese for the best texture.
- sour cream - which makes it especially smooth and creamy.
- powdered sugar -
- pure vanilla extract
- lemon zest
- sea salt
- Cool Whip - this makes it light and fluffy.
- Cherry Pie filing for topping, or your favorite premade pie filling. If you have fresh apples, make this recipe for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples over the top would be fabulous!
- This recipe uses a pre-made graham cracker pie crust. If you want to change things up, use a chocolate cookie crust or a nut crust.
Feeling fancy? Make a homemade graham cracker crust using an 8-inch pie plate. You'll only need three ingredients; graham crackers (to make the graham cracker crumbs), butter and sugar!
Instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For complete written instructions, scroll down to the bottom. They are in the blog post.
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Equipment
- large bowl
- hand mixer or stand mixer
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FAQ's
I prefer to use Philadelphia cream cheese because it seems the creamiest. However, you can use any brand of cream cheese that you prefer.
If your cheesecake is hard, that usually means that you overmixed it. Make sure to mix your ingredients until just combined for the best results.
No, you only need a store-bought graham cracker crust.
Top Tip
When making this decadent cheesecake, make sure that you use room temperature cream cheese so that it mixes well and gives you a creamy filling.
- Don't skimp on the chill time. This is important to ensure that the cheesecake sets correctly.
Storage
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in the fridge wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or in an airtight container for up to five days.
Freezer - You can also freeze this Philadelphia no-bake cheesecake recipe for up to three months. Just ensure it's covered well before storing it in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
More No Bake Desserts
- This No Bake Lemon Ice Box Pie is the perfect summer dessert when you a no bake recipe so you don't have to worry about heating up the house.
- White Chocolate Covered Strawberries - perfect for a special occasion or date night. This easy recipe is delicious!
- No-Bake Oreo Balls - with only three ingredients, these are a real trip and come together in a snap!
- This No Bake Pumpkin Pie is an easy dessert to make when craving all the fall flavors but don't want to turn on the oven.
- Chocolate Covered Cashews are always a popular treat!
Serve with
- If you are looking for delicious recipes to serve with this sweet treat, then look no further than these Easy Chicken Casserole recipes. There is a recipe in this list for everyone.
- These Steamed Brussel Sprouts are a great recipe for a healthy side dish with great flavor.
- This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is another simple main dish that pairs so well with perfect cheesecake.
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip
- Cherry Pie filing for topping
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie shell
Instructions
- Using a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sour cream, salt, lemon zest and powdered sugar. Beat again until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing.
- Fold in the cool whip topping. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl as you fold it to mix all the ingredients.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
- Top pie with canned cherry pie filling topping right before serving.
Camden says
I'm feeling really inspired by how easy this Philadelphia no bake cheesecake is to put together. It'd be awesome to make it this week before dinner so that it's ready to eat after everyone is ready for dessert!
Debbie says
My mother and I always used to make Philadelphia no bake cheesecake together when I was a kid. I'm going to surprise her by making this recipe for her! Thank you!
Alyssa says
I love cheesecake and I love how easy this Philadelphia no back cheesecake is. I can't wait to try this!
Debra Clark says
I hope you enjoy the recipe Alyssa!
Kristen says
I love how simple this philadelphia no bake cheesecake recipe is! I can't get enough cheesecake, but the problem is that I am forever short on time, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how a springform pan even works--let alone the whole water bath thing, haha! Can't wait to make this!
Debra Clark says
Easy takes the cake (literally!) 🤪
Brittany says
We love cheesecakes but they are so expensive to buy and time consuming to make! I love being able to use Philadelphia cream cheese for a no back cheesecake recipe! It's always a delicious dessert that everyone loves! And it's so versatile too with all of the different topping choices!
Debra Clark says
Right? This is a great recipe. I hope you give it a try!!
Lois Corliss says
Doesn’t this looks just great. Will be easy to put together to. Can’t wait to try it.
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome, I hope you really enjoy the recipe. Thanks Lois!