Real Deal No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake: A Zesty, Refreshing Treat!
If you’re craving a dessert that screams summer, look no further than this Real Deal No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake! It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant lemon flavors. Best of all, it’s a no-bake wonder, perfect for those warm days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Let’s dive into this zesty treat that promises to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (270g)
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 packages cream cheese (24oz or 750g total), full fat
- 1 ½ cups powdered icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 2 lemons (1 if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (30-35% fat ONLY)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a 9″ Springform pan with parchment paper. This step is optional but helps with easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Make the Crust:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the pan, covering the base and about 1/2″ up the sides.
- Cream the Cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Add Flavor:
- Mix in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream on high until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the cream cheese mixture.
- Adjust to Taste:
- Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or lemon intensity as desired.
- Assemble:
- Pour the filling into the crust, cover, and refrigerate until set, which will take at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesecake chilled with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Quick Tips
- Lemon Zest: Adjust the amount of lemon zest based on how tangy you like your cheesecake. Using the zest of two lemons gives it a vibrant kick, perfect for lemon lovers.
- Chill Time: For the best texture and ease in slicing, chill the cheesecake overnight.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
This Real Deal No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a sight for sore eyes, making it the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. Enjoy this delightful creation that brings a piece of summer right onto your plate!
Real Deal No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Dive into the zesty, sweet delight of our Real Deal No Bake Lemon Cheesecake. This dessert is perfect for those who love a tangy twist on the classic cheesecake, with layers of smooth cream cheese and a vibrant lemon zest crust, offering a refreshing end to any meal.
No bake, no fuss! Our Lemon Cheesecake is a hassle-free dessert that combines rich, creamy texture with the sharp, clean taste of fresh lemons. Ideal for summer gatherings, or as a decadent treat all year round, this cheesecake is set to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Crust:
2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (270g)
½ cup butter, melted
Filling:
3 packages cream cheese (24oz or 750g total), full fat
1 ½ cups powdered icing sugar
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
Zest of 2 lemons (1 if you want a milder flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup heavy whipping cream (30-35% fat ONLY)
Instructions
Line a 9″ Springform pan with parchment paper (optional but aids easy removal).
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the pan, covering the base and about 1/2″ up the sides.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Mix in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream on high until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon intensity as desired.
Pour filling into crust, cover, and refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.
Serve chilled with sweetened whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes