My easy no bake gingerbread cheesecake is a festive Christmas holiday treat without the effort!
Cheesecakes can be fussy. Who wants that when you've got a million other things to do in December? That was my motivation to come up with this easy no bake gingerbread cheesecake.
The standard no-bake cheesecake recipe goes something like this: cream cheese is mixed with any number of things - I've seen Nutella, Cool Whip, whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk (that's what I used), and then you add in your spices and other flavorings. Since I was going for gingerbread, I chose ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
The no-bake crust is typically cookie crumbs mixed with butter. I decided on gingersnaps for obvious reasons here. You simply press the crumbs into a springform pan, freeze it for a while, and Bob's your uncle.
I refrigerated the cheesecake for about five hours prior to removing it from the springform pan. It was quite delicate, but it won't come apart unless you try to move it off the parchment paper that lines the springform pan.
I don't know why you would need to do that, though. I admit I tried because I wanted to take some photos without the parchment paper. That did not work. 😛
Cheesecakes are best stored in a cool place (the fridge). If you choose, let it warm up for a bit prior to serving. You could certainly keep it in the freezer as well, especially if you're planning on transporting it somewhere.
I decorated this cheesecake with pretty chocolate pearls that I picked up at a baking supply store the other week. You can leave it bare or decorate it any fashion you like. It's what's inside that counts. 😉
Questions? Let me know!
Easy No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake
My easy no bake gingerbread cheesecake is a festive holiday treat without the effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 (10 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Chocolate pearls for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Line a springform pan with parchment paper (either use pre-cut circles or simply tear off a piece of parchment paper and close the springform pan over it. Cut away excess.
- Grind the gingersnaps using a food processor or place them in a ZipLoc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a bowl and add the melted butter. Using your hands, mix until you've distributed the butter throughout the crumbs. Press the crumbs onto the bottom of the springform pan evenly. Freeze for 20-30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese with the sweetened condensed milk (drizzle it in slowly). I used my hand mixer for this. Add in the vanilla and spices and mix until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture on top of the crust and smooth until it's even. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (I suggest covering it if you're leaving it overnight).
Recipe Notes
- I suggest waiting until after the cake is set before you decorate it. I used a 9" x 2" springform pan.
Jo82 says
I made this Cheesecake wondering why there was no gelatine required? But followed the recipe anyway as it says not required I then froze it for 8hrs to be safe and it still did not set! Very unhappy won’t be using this recipe ever again.
Natasha says
I’m really sorry it didn’t work out for you! I had no issues with it not setting, so I’m not sure what went wrong. ☹️
Jo82 says
I have no idea either! I must say though despite it not holding together it did taste absolutely amazing still! 😋
Natasha says
Well that’s a relief! ♥️
sheri says
what size springform pan did you use for this?
Natasha says
9" x 2". I will update the recipe with this info.
MochaBanana68 says
Hi...your easy no bake gingerbread cheesecake sounds delish...just want to ask you, don't I need to add in some gelatin powder into the cheesecake filling so as to set it??
Natasha says
Thank you! Nope, that isn't necessary. The cold is what helps it set. With that said, if you usually add it, then it wouldn't hurt (especially if you're transporting it or leaving it in a warm area longer).
Jennifer says
Wow! Looks and sounds delicious. 🙂
Natasha says
Thank you!
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says
it's all about no fuss deliciousness wth holiday entertaining and this fits the bill. Beautiful photos Natasha!
Natasha says
Thank you, Cathy!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Sounds so delicious Natasha! I love the creamy texture of no bake cheesecakes. And I just love how easy they are. Perfect for the busy holiday season! Thanks for sharing.
Natasha says
Thanks, Mary Ann! 🙂
Natasha's Sister says
I love cheesecake!!! Did you make this for me?
Natasha says
No.