Description
This no-bake cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a rich, creamy mascarpone and cream cheese filling. Finished with fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce, it's an elegant dessert that's perfect for making ahead.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
12 ounces mascarpone cheese, chilled
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
Strawberry sauce, for topping
Instructions
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2/3 cup sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the chilled mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Fold the cream cheese mixture into the mascarpone mixture until smooth.
- Gradually fold in the fresh lemon juice until the filling is creamy and evenly blended.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or until fully set.
- Remove from the springform pan, top with sliced strawberries and strawberry sauce, and serve well chilled.
Notes
For best texture, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving.
Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries if desired.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor.
Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a chocolate crust.
Top with lemon zest, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, toasted almonds, or chopped pistachios for variation.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 443 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg