A simple no-bake strawberry cheesecake, the kind you make when you want a fresh dessert without too much effort.
I really like strawberries and when they’re in season I always try to use them this way, not just eat them as fruit. Here they become the main part of the dessert.
It’s a cake I often prepare for occasions like Mother’s Day, because you can make it in advance and it’s ready when you need it.
Here’s how to make this no-bake strawberry cheesecake, step by step.
If you like simple desserts, the kind you prepare without thinking too much and that always turn out well, you can also try
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 4 Hours
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 8People
- Cooking methods: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring
Ingredients
To prepare this no-bake strawberry cheesecake you need just a few simple ingredients: the base is the classic biscuit-and-butter, the cream is delicate and the strawberry gelée completes the dessert with a fresh note.
- 11 oz digestive-type biscuits (about 3 1/2 cups crushed)
- 5.3 oz unsalted butter (about 10.5 tbsp, roughly 2/3 cup)
- 14 oz cream cheese (about 400 g)
- 7 oz Greek yogurt (about 3/4 cup)
- 5 fl oz heavy cream for whipping (about 2/3 cup)
- 3.5 oz powdered sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 7 sheets gelatin sheets (7 sheets (about 15 g / 0.5 oz))
- 10.6 oz strawberries (about 2 cups sliced)
- 1.8 oz powdered sugar (for the strawberry gelée) (about 1/2 cup)
- 7 sheets gelatin sheets (for the gelée) (7 sheets (about 15 g / 0.5 oz))
Tools
For this no-bake cheesecake you only need a few tools: a bowl, a blender for the biscuits and a pan to shape the cake.
- Blender
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Whisks
- Spatula
- Pan springform
- Parchment paper
- Sieve
Procedure
The procedure is simple but requires organization: between steps there are resting times in the refrigerator. Plan at least 3 hours of final chilling.
Finely crush the biscuits with a food processor or blender.
Transfer the crushed biscuits to a bowl.
Melt the butter in the microwave and pour it over the biscuits, mixing until you obtain a sandy, well-combined mixture.
Open a 10.2 in (26 cm) springform pan, place a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom and close it so the paper stays firmly held underneath.
For the sides, cut a strip of parchment paper and press it along the perimeter. To keep it in place, lightly grease the bottom and sides with a little butter: this way the paper won’t move and will adhere perfectly.
Pour the biscuit mixture into the pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon to create an even base. Press well along the edges too: this helps you get a more stable base when you slice the cake.
Chill in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes.Soak the gelatin sheets in a small bowl with cold water and leave them to soften for about 10 minutes.
In another bowl put the cream cheese, the yogurt and the powdered sugar, then whisk until you obtain a smooth, lump-free cream.
Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of the heavy cream from the total and set aside.
Whip the remaining cream with the beaters until you obtain a soft, semi-whipped consistency, not too firm.
Take the reserved cream, warm it slightly and dissolve the well-drained gelatin sheet in it, whisking until completely dissolved.
Pour the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and mix quickly using a silicone spatula. Add it while still fluid but not boiling: if it’s too hot it may deflate the cream.
Add the semi-whipped cream and fold it in gently from the bottom up. The cream should be soft but supported: if it’s too runny, let it rest a few minutes before pouring.
Take the base out of the fridge, pour the cream and smooth well with the back of a spoon.
Return to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, until well set.
Soak the remaining gelatin sheet in cold water for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile wash the strawberries, remove the stems and keep 4-5 of the nicest ones aside for decoration. Chop the rest and transfer them to a small saucepan with the powdered sugar.Cook over low heat for a few minutes, until the strawberries become soft and release their juice. At this point pass them through a sieve to obtain a smooth purée, removing the seeds.
Thoroughly squeeze the gelatin and add it to the still-warm purée, mixing quickly with a whisk until completely dissolved.Take the cheesecake out of the fridge and immediately pour the gelée over the surface, spreading it evenly. Work quickly: the gelatin sets fast and if it starts to thicken it becomes difficult to level in the pan.
Right after, take the strawberries set aside, slice them fan-style or into slices and arrange them on top: this way the gelée will set around them and hold them in place.
Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the surface is firm.
Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.Gently open the springform ring and remove the parchment from the sides. If needed, run a knife along the edge to release the cheesecake without damaging it. For a clean cut, use a smooth-bladed knife and wipe it between slices.
Storage
The strawberry cheesecake keeps in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, well covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors.
Tips
If you need to transport it, keep it very cold until the last moment: the gelée and the cream are delicate and can give way in the heat.
In that case it’s better to use a springform pan with a lid, which lets you store it in the fridge and transport it without moving it further.
When it’s time to serve, simply remove the lid, open the pan and remove the parchment.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I prepare the cheesecake in advance?
Not too far in advance: the cream holds up well, but the base tends to soften over time. Ideally make it the same day or at most the evening before.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended: both the cream cheese filling and the gelée tend to lose texture and release water once thawed.
Can I skip the gelatin?
Not in this recipe, because it gives structure to both the cream and the gelée. Without gelatin the cheesecake won’t set properly.
How do I avoid lumps in the cream?
It’s important to dissolve the gelatin well and mix it into the cream immediately. Also work quickly and fold in the whipped cream gently.
Can I use other types of biscuits for the base?
Yes, you can replace the digestives with other plain dry biscuits. The important thing is to keep the ratio with the butter to obtain a compact base.
What can I use instead of gelatin sheets?
You can use agar-agar, but it’s not a direct substitute: it behaves differently and requires cooking.
It must be dissolved in a hot liquid and brought to a boil for a few minutes, otherwise it won’t activate. Also, it sets faster and gives a slightly different, firmer texture.
For this reason, in this recipe it’s simpler and safer to use gelatin sheets.Can I make it vegan?
Yes, but it’s not a simple swap: you’ll need to revise several ingredients.
You can use dairy-free biscuits and vegan margarine or plant-based butter for the base, a plant-based cream cheese and plant-based whipping cream. Instead of gelatin sheets you can use agar-agar.
Keep in mind the texture will be different: generally firmer and less creamy than the classic version.
Some images have been created or optimized with artificial intelligence tools for illustrative purposes.

