When you’re looking for a rich, impressive, hands-off dessert but don’t want to turn on the oven, look no further than this no-bake cheesecake. Unlike heavier cheesecakes, this one has a mousse-like texture and flexible raspberry topping: You can make a quick raspberry sauce (as written in the recipe); macerate fresh raspberries; or take the easiest route and use your favorite raspberry jam (see “tips,” below). All options add a flash of vibrant color and fresh, tart flavor to this easy no-bake cheesecake.
Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.
To make the raspberry topping: In a blender or food processor, blend the raspberries and water until smooth. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepan; discard the raspberry seeds.
Add the sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture boils, then reduce to a simmer. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it has thickened and a line drawn in the bottom of the saucepan with a spatula holds its shape for a few seconds. You should have a scant 1/2 cup (about 140g) of topping.
Remove the raspberry topping from the heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the rest of the no-bake cheesecake. The topping can also be made up to 5 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use.
To make the crust: Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined.
Press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a 9" pie pan at least 1 1/4" tall. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
To make the no-bake cheesecake filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater attachment or working with an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla, lemon emulsion or zest, and salt. Mix at low speed until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add 3/4 cup (85g) of the confectioners’ sugar and all the sour cream; mix until smooth. Transfer the cream cheese mixture to another large bowl.
In the same bowl used to make the cream cheese mixture (no need to clean it first), combine the cream with the remaining 1/4 cup (28g) confectioners’ sugar. Use the whisk attachment to whip on medium-low speed until stiff peaks form.
Using a whisk, fold the whipped cream, about 1/3 at a time, into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
Remove the crust from the refrigerator and transfer the filling to the pan. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the filling over the crust.
Pour the raspberry topping over the filling, spreading it evenly over the entire surface, from edge to edge.
Chill the no-bake cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. (A cake carrier or large container is the easiest way to cover the cheesecake while it chills without disturbing the topping.) When ready to serve, slice the cheesecake and serve chilled with additional raspberries, if desired.
Storage information: Store any leftover no-bake cheesecake, covered, in the refrigerator for several days; freeze for longer storage. To serve from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving the next day.
Tips from our Bakers
If you want to make this recipe entirely no-bake (and no-cook) substitute 1/2 cup (170g) of your favorite seedless raspberry jam in place of the cooked raspberry topping. Stir the jam together in a small bowl until it's smooth and easily spreadable before transferring to the top of the cheesecake. Refrigerate and serve the cheesecake as described.
To make an easy fresh raspberry topping: In a medium bowl, combine one 6-ounce container (170g/about 1 1/3 cups) fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar. Cover and let the mixture rest for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days in the refrigerator so the berries can macerate and release their juices. When serving the cheesecake, spoon the fresh berry topping (with some of the juice) over each slice.
