No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

Posted on August 25, 2025

So, there I was, smack in the middle of a chaotic Saturday, wrangling with my kid over math homework, and trying to keep our golden retriever from serenading the squirrels outside. That’s when I remembered the No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake I had whipped up the night before, chilling in the fridge. Let me tell you, the second that cheesecake made an entrance, homework dilemmas faded away, and all was right in the world. Everyone gathered around, forks at the ready, and the only question was: “Can I have another piece?” Spoiler alert: the answer was always yes. This cheesecake is SO GOOD, my family can’t help but ask for it every week. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be ME? OBSESSED? too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: No baking means you can whip this up in no time, perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver on flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because—it’ll definitely wow your guests.
Comfort Food: The classic flavor combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream cheese is like a hug in dessert form.
Kid-Approved: It’s a sure win for picky eaters with its layers of sweet cream and fruity cherries.

If you’ve tried other cheesecakes that just didn’t hit the mark, this No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake brings the fun without the fuss. It’s unlike those dry, baked versions that leave you scratching your head—you won’t need to worry about any of that here.

Ingredients Needed

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (think classic Oreos or any chocolatey treats)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (gets that crust sticking together like a superhero)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

2 cups cream cheese, softened (makes this creamy dream smooth)
1 cup powdered sugar (because we all need a little sweetness)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (for that luscious texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kicks the flavor up to another level)

For the Toppings:

1 cup cherry pie filling (the cherry on top, literally)
1/2 cup chocolate shavings (for that gourmet touch)
Fresh cherries (for garnish and extra oomph)

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. You want it to resemble wet sand—now that’s the good stuff! Once you’ve got it all mixed up, press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. This is your base, so don’t rush it! Pop it in the fridge while you whip up the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want a uniform texture—no lumps allowed! It should look like a beautiful cloud of goodness.

Step 3: Whip It Good

In another bowl, pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Whip that bad boy until stiff peaks form. This means it should hold its shape, and you’ll be tempted to take a little taste! Gently fold this fluffy cream into your cream cheese mixture until everything is blended but still airy. You want a light texture—it’s called cheesecake, not concrete cake!

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now it’s time for the fun part. Spread half of the cheesecake filling over your chilled crust. Then, spoon on half of that luscious cherry pie filling. Repeat the process—layering the remaining cheesecake filling followed by the remaining cherries. You’ll want this to look pretty, but don’t stress too much; it’s about to be covered!

Step 5: Chill

Cover your cheesecake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This is the moment it really comes together. When you’re ready to serve, garnish it with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries to impress everyone at the table!

How to Store It & Expert Tips

How to Store It

Keep your cheesecake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for a month. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Save the chocolate shavings and fresh cherries for just before serving, so they stay nice and fresh!

Expert Tips

Pick Your Cookies: Feel free to substitute chocolate cookie crumbs with crushed graham crackers or even vanilla wafers for a unique twist.
Boost the Flavor: Adding a splash of cherry liqueur or a sprinkle of almond extract to the filling can elevate the taste even more—trust me on this!
Short on Time? If you’re in a real pinch, skip the crust and serve the cheesecake in individual cups. Just layer them in and go!

Conclusion

There you have it, folks: a No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake that’ll make your heart sing and your taste buds dance! It’s everything you want in dessert—easy to make, absolutely delicious, and bursting with nostalgic flavors that remind you of family gatherings. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a star rating and drop a comment below. Share this with your cousin who never shows up empty-handed, and let’s spread the joy of baking. Did you add your own spin? I wanna hear it!

FAQ Section

Can I use different fruits for this recipe?

Real talk… absolutely! While cherries are classic, you could totally swap in strawberries or raspberries for a delightful twist.

How can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Here’s the deal: This cheesecake is perfect for prepping the day before. Just assemble and chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want to mix it up, mascarpone is a fantastic alternative and adds a different richness to the cheesecake.

If your sweet tooth isn’t done yet, my Chocolate Avocado Mousse Cups are another decadent treat you won’t want to miss!