Luscious Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet summer nights call for a creamy homemade cherry cheesecake that turns ordinary desserts into pure indulgence.

This classic cheesecake with fresh cherries delivers a delightful balance of tangy and rich flavors.

Soft cream cheese melts seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a smooth and decadent base.

Ripe cherries scattered across the top add a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness.

Each silky slice promises a perfect blend of creamy texture and fruity brightness.

The combination of velvety filling and juicy cherries makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

Dive into this irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake in No Time

  • Create Crumbly Base

Crush graham crackers into fine bits and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish, creating a solid foundation. Chill in the refrigerator to set.

  • Whip Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until ultra-smooth, incorporating sweet powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. Separately, transform heavy cream into fluffy peaks. Gently marry the two mixtures, creating a cloud-like filling.

  • Layer and Chill

Pour the dreamy cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Slide the dish into the refrigerator and let it rest for several hours until perfectly set.

  • Crown with Cherry Goodness

Once the cheesecake has firmed up, drizzle a luscious layer of cherry pie filling across the top. The vibrant red topping will create a stunning contrast against the creamy white surface.

Topping Tips for a Pretty Finish

  • Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the most incredible texture and flavor development, allowing ingredients to meld perfectly.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth filling that spreads like a dream.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the heavy cream whip faster and reach stiff peaks more easily.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal for a celiac-friendly version of this delightful dessert.
  • Replace canned cherry pie filling with fresh pitted cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch for a more natural, vibrant topping that bursts with fresh flavor.

Serve This Dessert Cold With Whipped Cream

  • Sweet Summertime Serving: Top each slice with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a gorgeous, rustic presentation that screams homemade elegance.
  • Brunch Bliss Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming cup of vanilla latte or iced coffee to complement the creamy cheesecake's rich flavor profile and enhance the dessert experience.
  • Cooling Garnish Trick: Add a delicate dollop of whipped cream next to each slice and garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing visual and taste contrast that elevates the whole dessert.
  • Elegant Plating Style: Use a white porcelain plate to make the ruby-red cherry topping pop, creating a stunning visual that makes this no-bake cheesecake look like a professional bakery creation.

Store Cheesecake Covered to Keep Fresh

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep it chilled at 40°F or below for maximum freshness.
  • Prepare this dessert up to 3 days in advance, which allows flavors to meld and develop a richer taste. The advance preparation saves valuable time during busy meal planning.
  • Wrap the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring the texture remains smooth and creamy.
  • Cut and individually wrap single slices in plastic wrap before storing. This method prevents freezer burn and provides convenient grab-and-go dessert options for quick sweet treats throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 8

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Ingredient Guide

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a buttery, crunchy foundation that adds delightful texture and classic dessert flavor.
  • Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and provides rich, golden moisture.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps crumbs stick together perfectly.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers smooth, tangy richness and signature cheesecake character.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens the filling with delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and balances the creamy flavors.
  • Heavy Cream: Whips into light, airy texture that makes the filling incredibly silky and luxurious.
For Topping:
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant color, fruity sweetness, and elegant finish to the dessert.

Tools That Help Assemble This Creamy Treat

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining crust ingredients and mixing cream cheese filling.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Used for whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  • 9-inch pie dish or springform pan: Perfect for creating and setting the cheesecake.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Helps beat cream cheese and whip cream smoothly.
  • Spatula or spoon: Great for folding ingredients and spreading filling evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Knife or offset spatula: Helps spread cherry topping neatly.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Luscious Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Luscious Cherry Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy, dreamy no bake cherry cheesecake invites dessert enthusiasts on a delightful journey through layers of silky indulgence. Rich cream cheese and luscious cherry topping create a heavenly dessert that promises pure bliss with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (2 blocks/454 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
  • ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup (75 g/80 ml) melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
  • 1 can (21 oz/595 g) cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, then firmly compress into the base of a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to solidify the foundation.
  2. Filling Creation: Whisk cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Simultaneously, whip heavy cream to stiff peak consistency, then delicately incorporate into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
  3. Layering and Chilling: Distribute the creamy filling uniformly across the chilled crust. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the dessert to set completely and develop rich, velvety consistency.
  4. Cherry Topping Finale: After the cheesecake has solidified, lavishly spread cherry pie filling across the surface, creating a vibrant and luscious top layer that complements the creamy base.

Notes

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact base that won’t crumble when serving. Refrigerate for minimum 15 minutes to ensure sturdy foundation.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve silky, creamy texture. Beat thoroughly until no visible chunks remain.
  • Whip heavy cream in cold bowl for maximum volume and stiff peaks. Stop whipping just when peaks hold shape to prevent over-beating which can make cream grainy.
  • Prepare cheesecake night before serving for optimal flavor development and firm set. Refrigeration allows ingredients to meld and creates better texture and taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star