Quick Description
This High-Protein No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is a light, creamy, and indulgent dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a sweet cherry topping. Perfect for easy gatherings, holidays, or when you want a refreshing, rich dessert with minimal effort.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: ~6 hours
Ingredients List
Crust
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Mix until fully combined and crumbs are coated.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or 9×9-inch baking pan.
Chill for 10–15 minutes to set.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until creamy and well combined.
Fold in Cool Whip gently until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Add Cherry Topping
Spoon cherry pie filling evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
5. Chill
Refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight for best results.
6. Serve
Slice and serve chilled.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 350
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 47g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 35g
Benefits
- Higher Protein Dessert from cream cheese and Cool Whip
- No-Bake & Simple
- Perfect for Entertaining
- Light Yet Satisfying
- Easy & Quick to Prepare
Additional Notes
- Use sugar-free Cool Whip for a lighter option
- Try different pie fillings, such as blueberry or strawberry
- Add crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) for extra texture
Dietary Info
High-Protein: ✅
Vegetarian: ✅
Low-Carb: ❌
Gluten-Free: ❌ (unless using GF graham crackers)
Keto-Friendly: ❌
Brief Introduction
This no-bake cherry cheesecake is perfect for when you need a dessert that’s both easy to make and completely delicious. The creamy filling and sweet cherry topping make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Make crust
- Prepare filling
- Assemble the cheesecake
- Add cherry topping
- Chill
- Serve
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs:
Use any cookie crumbs for a different flavor (e.g., digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers).
Cool Whip:
Homemade whipped cream or whipped topping can be substituted.
Cream Cheese:
Use reduced-fat or light cream cheese for a lighter option.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Mixed berry topping
- Chocolate chip cheesecake
- Lemon cheesecake
- Peanut butter cheesecake (add peanut butter to the filling)
Serve With
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee or iced tea
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate drizzle
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate: 4 days
Freeze: 1 month
Reheat: not recommended
FAQs
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, it’s best chilled overnight.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit topped with a glaze.
Optional Personal Story
This cheesecake is my go-to dessert for potlucks. It’s always the first to disappear, and everyone is surprised by how easy it is to make!
