No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

         Okay, let’s clear this up right away. I am somewhat old fashioned and have never considered a no bake cheesecake edible. I had my doubts. What kind of cheesecake does not have to be baked? Well, I was wrong!

This cheesecake will come out light and refreshing. There is no heaviness to it. It is made with a graham cracker crust, which also adds to the deliciousness. This recipe is super easy and smooth and creamy!

            This dessert is for those times when it is too hot to bake, or you just do not want to heat up the house. Since there is no baking with this cheesecake, this makes it error free! Can you imagine that?

A dear friend of mine told me again that I had to try this, she convinced me it was at least worth a taste. I was leery, I was unsure if even my family would enjoy it, much less like it. Yes, I was wrong, so I heartily apologize to all that I may have offended when I said it is not a cheesecake if it has not been baked for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can I freeze this cheesecake?

I do not recommend that as far as trying to get the cheesecake to set. If you want to freeze it after, it is perfectly safe to do. Use freezer safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure all the air is out of the bag. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

            Can I use toppings on this cheesecake?

You could use any type of topping you would like to use. Fruits, chocolate, caramel sauce, anything that you normally use can be used here.

            Can I use a cookie crumb crust?

You can honestly crush cookies to make a crust, you could use an actual pie crust, you can go to the market and buy a pie crust. If you have another suggestion for a pie crust, please let me know. However, let me reiterate, this is not the same type of recipe you expect. Read over the recipe and the directions before jumping the gun and making cookie crumbs.

What do you need to make No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

            Graham Crackers, leave whole

            8 ounces of fat free cool whip

            8 ounces fat free cream cheese

            1 small box instant, sugar free vanilla pudding mix

            1 cup cold skim milk

            2 tbsp lemon juice

            1 can pie filling, any flavor

How to make No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

FIRST STEP:

In a 9×13 cake pan, lay out the graham crackers to cover the entire bottom of the pan

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until is is fluffy

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

SECOND STEP:

Stir in the pudding mix

Fold in the whipped cream topping

THIRD STEP:

Spread half of this mix over the top of the graham crackers

Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and the cream cheese filling

FOURTH STEP:

Top with your choice of pie filling

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to allow the graham crackers to soften overnight.

a)

b)

FIFTH STEP:

Cut into bars the next day and enjoy!

YUM!