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Christmas No Bake Cheesecake

Rectangular slice of no bake cheesecake decorated with holiday fruit.
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A spiced cookie crust holds a smooth cream cheese filling topped with fresh berries and rosemary.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz (280g) speculoos cookies or graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp (9g) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 3 tbsp cold water
  • 24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract, divided
  • 3 1/2 cups (840ml) heavy whipping cream, cold and divided
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 2 cups (300g) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) fresh cherries
  • 1 small orange, sliced into half-moons
  • 4 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the long sides.
  2. Pulse the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator.
  4. Place the cold water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until melted, being careful not to let it boil. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a medium bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups (360ml) of the heavy cream until firm peaks form. Set aside.
  6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the vanilla extract, and the melted gelatin. Beat for 15 seconds until combined.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours to set.
  8. When ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Whip the remaining 2 cups (480ml) of heavy cream with the powdered sugar and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  9. Spread the whipped cream over the cheesecake. Arrange the berries, cherries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs on top. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

Notes

  • Use the parchment overhang to pull the cheesecake straight up. Having a second person help lift the paper prevents the crust from cracking.
  • If the melted gelatin forms a skin while cooling, microwave it for another 3 to 5 seconds to return it to a liquid state before adding it to the cream cheese.
  • Pat the berries dry with a paper towel after washing them. Excess water will cause the powdered sugar to dissolve quickly.

Keywords: christmas no bake cheesecake, no bake desserts, holiday desserts, cheesecake, make ahead

Find it online: https://recipesbysofia.com/christmas-no-bake-cheesecake/