As you know doubt know by now if you are a frequent reader of our blogs, I have a helluva sweet tooth. Giving up desserts is an absolute no no but, who feels like baking in this heat? No one I imagine, but, when there are so many no-bake desserts available, especially the delectable no-bake cheesecakes, there’s no need to miss out.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between baked and no-bake cheesecakes, and why the latter is the ideal choice for your summer dessert cravings. Plus, we’ve got some delightful no-bake cheesecake recipes that are sure to tickle your taste buds and keep your sweet tooth satisfied all summer long!
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Baked Cheesecakes
Texture
Baked cheesecakes have a denser and creamier texture due to the extended baking process. As opposed to no-bake cheesecakes, they usually require eggs, which contribute to a firmer structure.
Preparation
Preparation: As the name implies, baked cheesecakes are, well…baked. This is done in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks on the surface.
Time
Baked cheesecakes take longer to prepare and require cooling time before serving, making them less suitable for quick and refreshing summer treats.
No-Bake Cheesecakes
Texture
No-bake cheesecakes have a lighter and silkier texture, often using ingredients like whipped cream or gelatin (although I am not a fan of using gelatin) to achieve a fluffy consistency.
Preparation
Given that no baking is required, no-bake cheesecakes are quicker and easier to prepare. They are the perfect choice for summer get-togethers and can be quickly put together to satisfy any dessert cravings. Simply crush the biscuits, mix the ingredients and let it chill in the refrigerator.
Which Is Best?
I think that this question is impossible to answer. It is quite simply a matter of personal taste and preference. Whilst many scoff at the idea of a no-bake cheesecake for me a no-bake cheesecake hands down wins the battle of the cheesecakes. I enjoy the lighter taste of the no-bake cheesecake and the fact that I can have a delicious dessert without faffing about with an oven is another major bonus point.
Countless Possibilities
I’ve made countless cheesecakes over the years and there are countless more recipes that I have saved and ready to try but, how many versions of cheesecake are there? Whilst I could not find an answer to this question, I did come across a website called cheesecakewizard.ai. This App claims to be able to generate 64,000 variations of Kosher cheesecake! That is a lot of options indeed!
The App allows you to select a crust ranging from the traditional Graham Cracker (Digestives for our readers in Europe), vanilla wafer, shortbread or Oreo to the more unusual such as brown butter and sage or Matcha and sesame. Superfood options such as Acai Berry, quinoa and chia seeds are also offered. Vegans are also catered for by way of almond flour, date & walnut, oatmeal raisin and banana nut crusts.
Filling options include traditional vanilla, boozy options, sweet and savoury combinations such as balsamic and strawberry, fruit and floral flavours such as lavender, rose or hibiscus. If you like your fillings spicy then perhaps you will enjoy a cardamom & pear cheesecake. And, if ice cream is more your thing then perhaps a mint chocolate chip cheesecake will be right up your street?
I must say that I have not tried any of these options but I will certainly be playing about with the app to see what combinations I can try next.
Perfect Light Summer No-Bake Cheesecake Recipes
Raspberry Cheesecake
Instructions
- Crush the biscuits in a food processor. Alternatively, put them into a freezer bag and take out your week’s stress bashing them with a rolling pin.
- Melt the butter and mix into the crushed biscuits.
- Press the biscuits into a 20cm springform cake tin.
- Using a mixer mix together the double cream, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract.
- Add 200g of the raspberries to the cream mix. Press some of the raspberries to the side of the bowl so that they release some juice and give the cream a lovely pinkish tone.
- Spread the cream mix onto the biscuit base and refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours (although for best results, refrigerate overnight.
- To serve remove from the tin and top with the remaining raspberries.
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
Instructions
- Crush the biscuits (as above).
- Melt the butter and stir in the sugar before mixing with the crushed biscuits.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest and half a cup of lemon curd. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.
- Gently fold in half a cup of blueberries into the cream mix.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
- Spread the remaining half cup of lemon curd over the top of the filling
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 5-6 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, garnish the top with the remaining berries and lemon slices
Tropical Mango Coconut Cheesecake
Instructions
- Crush the Digestive biscuits/coconut cookies as above.
- In a medium bowl, mix the biscuit crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add mango puree, coconut milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 5-6 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top and add fresh mango cubes for a tropical touch.
Count The Memories Not The Calories
These are just some of the countless flavour options available when it comes to no-bake cheesecakes. In my opinion, they really make the perfect end to a special summer meal. So, go ahead and indulge in these delightful no-bake cheesecake recipes and count the memories, not the calories!
If chocolate desserts are more your thing check out our summer chocolate desserts here.
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