This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake offers a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries without the need for an oven. It’s a perfect dessert for warm weather, entertaining, or a family treat. The simple preparation process and the rich, satisfying outcome make it an all-time favorite for both new and experienced bakers.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed vanilla or Maria cookies
- 7 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3½ cups chopped strawberries
- 14 ounces condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
Optional Decoration:
- Chopped strawberries
- Strawberry jam
Directions:
- Crust Preparation: In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 22 cm springform pan lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Filling Preparation: Soften the gelatin in a small amount of cold water. In a blender, mix the strawberries, cream cheese, cream, and condensed milk until smooth. Gently warm the gelatin until dissolved and stir it into the strawberry mixture.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours to set.
- Decorating: Once set, remove the cheesecake from the mold. Decorate with additional chopped strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam, if desired.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- To avoid lumps of gelatin, make sure it is completely dissolved before adding to the filling.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
- What can I substitute for Maria cookies? Graham crackers or any other plain sweet biscuit can be used.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion: This No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is not just easy to make but also wonderfully delicious, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s light, creamy, and packed with the fresh flavors of strawberries, topped off with a satisfying crust. Whether for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or as a personal indulgence, this cheesecake promises to impress and satisfy dessert lovers everywhere. Enjoy the process of creating this exquisite dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.