This No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a vibrant and delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. With its buttery vanilla cream cookie crust, luscious cream cheese filling infused with strawberry jello, and a crunchy topping of crushed strawberry wafer cookies, this cheesecake is the epitome of indulgence. Best of all, it requires no baking, making it the perfect dessert for warm days or when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests.
The beauty of this cheesecake lies in its layers of flavor and texture. The crisp cookie crust provides a sturdy base, while the creamy filling melts in your mouth, and the crunchy topping adds a satisfying bite. It’s a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake will be the highlight of your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No Oven Required: A refreshing dessert option that’s easy to make without heating up the kitchen.
• Perfectly Layered: Combines a buttery crust, creamy filling, and crunchy topping for a symphony of textures.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak by swapping strawberry jello and wafers for other fruity flavors.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
• 1 lb vanilla cream cookies (about 34 cookies, some reserved for topping)
• 6 tbsp butter, melted
For the Filling:
• 3.3 oz Strawberry Jello (1 small box)
• 1 cup boiling water (for dissolving Jello)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 10 strawberry wafer cookies (about 4 oz)
For Garnish:
• 1/2 small tub whipped topping, thawed
• Crushed vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
1. Crush Cookies: Place 26 vanilla cream cookies in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
2. Combine with Butter: In a mixing bowl, stir together cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Base: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 10-inch springform pan. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
1. Dissolve Jello: In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature.
2. Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Incorporate Jello: Gradually fold the cooled jello into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
5. Add Texture: Crush the strawberry wafer cookies and fold them into the filling for added crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
1. Layer the Filling: Remove the crust from the freezer. Spread half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up the layer, then spread the remaining filling on top.
2. Add Topping: Crush the reserved vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
1. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.
2. Decorate: Before serving, pipe decorative swirls of whipped topping around the edge of the cheesecake for a polished look.
Tips
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
• Cool Jello Thoroughly: Avoid adding hot jello to the filling, as it may cause the mixture to curdle.
• Firm Layers: Freezing each layer briefly helps maintain a clean, defined appearance.
Storage
• Refrigerator: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
With its bright strawberry flavor and creamy texture, this No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a showstopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
