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A chilled cheesecake with a simple cracker crust and a cream-cheese filling that sets in the refrigerator for an easy make-ahead dessert.
No-bake cheesecake is mostly about texture and timing. The crust needs enough butter to hold together after chilling, while the filling needs a smooth enough base and enough setting agent to slice cleanly without turning rubbery.
This version stays simple and practical. There is no oven step, which makes it useful in warm weather or for kitchens where refrigerated desserts are easier to manage than baked cakes.
It also works well as a make-ahead dessert because the refrigerator is doing most of the final work once the filling is poured into the pan.
The gelatine or gulaman has to be fully dissolved before it goes into the cream cheese mixture. Any undissolved bits can leave an uneven texture in the filling.
It also helps to chill the crust while you make the filling. That gives it a head start so the layers stay more distinct once the cheesecake is assembled.
Serve this cold, ideally after a long chill, so the slices hold their shape. Fruit toppings or a spoonful of compote work well if you want more contrast.
Keep leftovers refrigerated and covered. The cheesecake is best within a few days while the crust still has some structure.
This is also a good base for variation. Citrus zest, berry compote, chocolate, or caramel can be added at serving time without changing the way the cheesecake sets, which makes it useful for simple make-ahead desserts.
If you want especially neat slices, dip the knife in warm water and wipe it between cuts. The filling stays cleaner that way, particularly when the cake is well chilled.
A chilled cheesecake with a simple cracker crust and a cream-cheese filling that sets in the refrigerator for an easy make-ahead dessert.

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Combine crushed crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a round tart pan.
Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Blend the cream cheese until smooth.
Add cream and condensed milk, then blend again.
Dissolve the gelatine or gulaman powder in water over heat until fully melted.
Mix the dissolved gelatine into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the tart pan.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Remove from the pan, slice, and serve.
7/29/2025
Perfect for summer. I loved how I didn’t need an oven. Kids devoured it in minutes!
4/22/2025
Great recipe. Mine set a little softer than expected but tasted incredible.
2/15/2025
Added Oreo crumbs instead of crackers and it turned out fantastic!
9/5/2024
I wish the base was a bit firmer. Might reduce the butter next time. Flavor was amazing though.
7/1/2024
I topped mine with mango slices. Perfect summer dessert!
12/18/2023
Super easy to follow. Loved how smooth the texture was. Definitely making it again for our next family gathering.
8/10/2023
This was my first no-bake cheesecake attempt and it turned out great. I used gulaman instead of gelatine and it worked well.
6/2/2023
Made this for my daughter’s birthday and it was a hit. So creamy and not overly sweet.
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Serving Size: 1 slice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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