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Martha Stewart's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Martha Stewart's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream chilled
  • Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust

  • Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture feels sandy. This creates the crunchy and buttery foundation for your Martha Stewart's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe today.

Press the Base

  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your springform pan. Use a flat-bottomed glass to pack it tightly so the crust stays together very well when sliced.

Chill the Crust

  • Place the springform pan in the freezer for ten minutes while you prepare the creamy cheesecake filling today. Chilling the crust helps it set and prevents it from crumbling when you add the wet mixture.

Beat the Cheese

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is fluffy. Ensure there are no lumps to keep your Martha Stewart's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe smooth and very professional.

Add Condensed Milk

  • Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat the mixture on a very low speed. This adds a rich sweetness and a velvety texture that makes the cheesecake feel quite luxurious today.
  • If you love creamy, indulgent desserts like this one, our banana pudding crunch cheesecake is another crowd-pleasing treat that uses a similarly irresistible layered base.

Add Citrus and Vanilla

  • Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract until the filling is bright and very fragrant today. The lemon juice is essential because it helps the cream cheese set and stay firm without baking.
  • If you enjoy that zingy citrus energy in a dessert, you might also love these tangy lemon bars that deliver the same bright, refreshing flavor in every bite.

Whip the Cream

  • In a separate cold bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and it looks like thick clouds. Whipped cream adds a light and airy feeling that makes this cheesecake taste very delicate and soft.

Fold the Filling

  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula with very soft strokes. Be careful not to deflate the air so your cheesecake remains tall and fluffy for your guests.

Fill the Pan

  • Pour the creamy filling over the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with your spatula today. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any small air bubbles hiding inside the filling.

Chill and Set

  • Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours or overnight for best results. This long chill time allows the ingredients to bond and become easy to slice for your celebration.

Notes

  • Always use full-fat cream cheese to ensure the cheesecake sets firmly and tastes very rich and creamy.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid tiny white lumps in your filling today.
  • Swap graham crackers for chocolate sandwich cookies to create a very dark and indulgent cookie crust variation.
  • Add a swirl of strawberry puree to the top before chilling for a very beautiful and fruity look.
  • Use a warm, wet knife to cut the cheesecake into perfectly clean and professional slices for your guests.
  • Add a teaspoon of lemon zest if you prefer a very bold and zingy citrus flavor in every bite.
Keyword Martha Stewart's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe