No-Bake Cheesecake

Satisfy your cravings without turning the oven on with this no-bake kefir cheesecake recipe. Sweet, simple and full of gut-healthy probiotic goodness, I’d say this quick dessert is a win-win in my book!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy cheesecake recipe
• Contains probiotics
• Excellent way to use up excess milk kefir
• Quick dessert idea
• No oven needed
• Creamy and delicious

Kefir Dessert Recipe Idea

Easy no-bake desserts are perfect when you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up the oven (especially on those blistering hot summer days). With just a few staple ingredients and a bit of milk kefir, you can serve your guests or your family a scrumptious homemade cheesecake.

Servings: 8

Ingredients

Cheesecake Crust

10 graham cracker sheets
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar

Kefir Cheesecake Filling

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1/2 cup sugar
2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup kefir
Zest of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, optional

How to Make Cheesecake

Place the graham crackers and sugar in a food processor and blend until they are finely ground. Pour the graham crackers into a bowl and stir in the melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer. Freeze for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is set.

Fit a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add softened cream cheese, sugar and kefir. Beat until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Beat on low until ingredients are mixed together. Increase speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes. Set aside mixture in a separate bowl.

Using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), whip heavy whipping cream and cornstarch on medium until it begins to foam. Turn mixer to high and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Pour cheesecake filling into crust, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

To serve, unmold cheesecake. Top with sliced strawberries or your favorite fruit.

Tips for Making No-Bake Cheesecake

How do you remove a no-bake cheesecake from a springform pan?

If the crust sticks to the outside of the pan, wrap a hot towel around the outside edges for a minute or two. Gently remove sides, slide out springform pan bottom and cut cheesecake into slices.

How long should you leave a no-bake cheesecake in the fridge?

For a firm cheesecake, cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or up to overnight.

Do you spray the bottom of a springform pan for cheesecake?

No. For this particular cheesecake recipe, you do not need to grease the bottom or sides of the springform pan.