Our no-bake blueberry cheesecake proves there’s no need to turn the oven on to make a great summer dessert. This cheesecake starts with a crushed vanilla wafer and butter crust that’s topped with a smooth-as-silk blueberry-lemon filling. It’s sweetened with marshmallow creme, flavored with blueberries and lemons, and set using unflavored gelatin. And then all that’s left to do is let it chill! Like all our favorite no-bake cheesecakes, this recipe is both easy and indulgent.
Ingredients for No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
- Vanilla wafers: Crushed vanilla wafers combined with melted butter make an easy and delicious crust for this cheesecake.
- Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin helps the filling set, so it doesn’t collapse when the cake is sliced.
- Cold water: Cold water blooms the gelatin.
- Cream cheese: Our Test Kitchen found the best cream cheese brands to bake with so your cheesecakes come out top-tier.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries create a beautiful indigo hue and bursts of tartness throughout the cheesecake filling.
- Lemon juice and zest: Lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.
- Marshmallow creme: Recipes with marshmallow creme are extra sweet with a fluffy texture.
- Whipped topping: Whipped topping fluffs up the filling for an airer cheesecake, instead of a dense one.
Directions
Step 1: Make the crust
In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs and butter. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 6-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Editor’s Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten the mixture and make the crust as even as possible. Avoid pressing the crust in too much, which will make it hard to cut later.
Step 2: Bloom the gelatin
In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it stand for one minute. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Make the filling
Put the cream cheese in a small bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, gradually beat in the gelatin mixture until smooth. Add the lemon juice and zest. Beat in the marshmallow creme. Fold in the whipped topping.
Step 4: Assemble the cheesecake and chill
Puree the blueberries in a food processor. Fold the pureed blueberries into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon the mixture over the crust. Cover the cheesecake with storage wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove the sides of the pan when you’re ready to serve.
Editor’s Tip: Do not leave the cheesecake out at room temperature for more than 15 minutes at a time or the crust will go soggy.
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Variations
- Use a different crust: There’s a whole world of other crumb crust ingredients to experiment with, like Oreos, ice cream cones and even cereal.
- Swap in cherries: Not a fan of blueberries, but still want to make a fruity, no-bake cheesecake? Our no-bake cherry cheesecake is a top contender.
- A cheesecake fit for fall: Our mini no-bake pumpkin cheesecakes have all of the perks of a no-bake recipe, plus the flavors of fall.
- Change it for the chocolate fans: Are your guests into more rich and chocolatey desserts? Instead of the blueberries and lemon, try one of these cheesecakes: chocolate peanut butter mousse cheesecake, no-bake Oreo cheesecake or no-bake chocolate chip cannoli cheesecake.
How to Store No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
To store the cheesecake, cover it with storage wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to four days.
To freeze the cheesecake, first put it in the freezer, uncovered, for one hour. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and wrap it in a few layers of storage wrap and a final layer of aluminum foil. Place the cheesecake back in the freezer for up to two months.
No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Tips
How do you know when a no-bake cheesecake is set in the fridge?
You can tell a no-bake cheesecake is set when it is firm to the touch. Our no-bake blueberry cheesecake recipe takes at least eight hours to set in the fridge, so resist testing the cheesecake before then.
Can you use a graham cracker crust for no-bake blueberry cheesecake?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust for a no-bake cheesecake. Our homemade graham cracker crust recipe is perfect. Keep in mind you may not need to use all of it.
