No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

My kitchen adventure with this no bake chocolate cheesecake began on a lazy weekend afternoon when chocolate cravings hit hard.

Smooth cream cheese and rich cocoa powder dance together in a chilled dessert that skips the oven entirely.

Decadent layers promise pure indulgence without complex cooking techniques.

Silky textures blend effortlessly, creating a dreamy treat that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate how quickly this dessert comes together with simple ingredients.

Professional-level results emerge from basic mixing and chilling, making you feel like a culinary genius.

Let’s whip up a dessert that promises maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake: Rich & Effortless Dessert

  • Whip Up a No-Fuss Dessert: This no-bake chocolate cheesecake brings pure joy without complex baking skills. Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results with minimal effort.
  • Quick Chocolate Indulgence: Prepare this decadent dessert in under 30 minutes of active time. Chilling does the hard work while you relax, making it an effortless showstopper for any gathering.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: Rich dark chocolate and creamy cheesecake create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults. Its smooth texture and intense flavor guarantee clean plates and happy smiles.
  • Versatile Party Treat: Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties. Easily made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, this dessert reduces last-minute stress and impresses guests with minimal preparation.

What Forms No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Oreo Cookies: Classic cookie base with rich chocolate flavor, provides crunch and sweetness.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and creates a solid crust foundation.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich and intense chocolate base for deep flavor, choose high-quality chocolate for best results.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth ganache and adds luxurious texture, use full-fat cream for best consistency.
  • Instant Coffee (Optional): Enhances chocolate flavor with subtle depth, use sparingly.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for cheesecake, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances cream cheese tang, use granulated white sugar.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Whipping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light and airy texture when whipped, use cold cream for best peaks.

Chilling Directions for No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Base

Line a springform pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

This prevents the cheesecake from sticking and makes removal easier.

Step 2: Crush the Cookie Base

Place Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they transform into fine, even crumbs.

The goal is to create a smooth, consistent texture that will form a perfect foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Bind the Cookie Crumbs

Melt butter and pour it over the cookie crumbs.

Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely coated and start to clump together.

This helps create a solid, compact crust.

Step 4: Form the Crust Layer

Press the moistened cookie mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to compress the crumbs firmly and create an even layer.

Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.

Step 5: Create Chocolate Ganache

Combine dark chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl.

If desired, add a touch of instant coffee for deeper flavor complexity.

Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, creating a double boiler.

Stir until the chocolate melts completely and becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Cool the Ganache

Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

This prevents the hot chocolate from cooking the cream cheese in the next step.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 8: Combine Chocolate and Cream Cheese

Slowly pour the cooled chocolate ganache into the cream cheese mixture.

Mix on low speed until fully incorporated, creating a rich, chocolatey base.

Step 9: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

This adds lightness and volume to the cheesecake.

Step 10: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese mixture using a spatula.

Use a light, sweeping motion to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.

Step 11: Fill the Crust

Pour the chocolate cheesecake filling over the prepared cookie crust.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.

Step 12: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

This allows the dessert to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator, release from the springform pan, and slice.

Serve chilled for a decadent, no-bake chocolate dessert.

Cheesecake Tips For No-Bake Perfection

  • Add a pinch of espresso powder or instant coffee to the ganache for a deeper, richer chocolate taste that enhances the overall complexity.
  • Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface that looks professionally made.
  • Swap Oreo cookies with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or chocolate wafers to create unique base variations that suit different preferences.
  • Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to achieve stiff, stable peaks that will maintain the cheesecake's light and airy texture without deflating.
  • Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the top doesn't touch the wrap by creating a tent with toothpicks.

Chocolate Cheesecake That Holds Up in the Fridge

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Carefully wrap the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep individual slices in sealed containers or wrap separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth slices.

Smooth Matches For Cheesecake

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich chocolate flavor, balancing the creamy cheesecake with its tannic structure and deep fruit notes.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: The coffee-infused cocktail echoes the instant coffee in the recipe, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony that intensifies the chocolate's depth.
  • Serve with Raspberry Coulis: A bright, tart raspberry sauce cuts through the cheesecake's richness, providing a refreshing contrast and adding a vibrant color accent to the dessert plate.
  • Accompany with Dark Chocolate Truffles: These bite-sized chocolates enhance the dessert's chocolate profile, offering a textural variation and intensifying the overall cocoa experience.

Chocolate Cheesecake No-Bake Flavors

  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap dark chocolate for dairy-free dark chocolate. Use vegan graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Substitute Oreos with gluten-free chocolate cookies or almond flour-based cookie crumbs. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including chocolate and vanilla extract.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Treat: Use sugar-free dark chocolate, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt to reduce overall sugar content. Choose a nut-based crust for added nutrition.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Bliss: Swap Oreo crust with almond flour and crushed pecans, use sugar-free chocolate, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a high-fat, low-carb version.

FAQs

  • Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate provides a richer flavor and better texture for this cheesecake. Milk chocolate might make the filling too sweet and less stable.

  • Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?

No, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. The key is to ensure ingredients are well combined and smooth.

  • What if I don't have a springform pan?

Use a regular cake pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy removal. Make sure to leave some overhang for lifting the cheesecake out.

  • Is instant coffee necessary for the recipe?

No, it’s optional. The instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted without significantly changing the overall taste of the cheesecake.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky smooth no bake chocolate cheesecake delivers a luxurious dessert experience that melts effortlessly on your palate. Creamy chocolate layers promise pure indulgence without turning on the oven, making sweet satisfaction just moments away.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base:

  • 25 Oreos or chocolate creme cookies (10 ounces / 285 grams)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (2.5 ounces / 70 grams)

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (680 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 250 grams dark chocolate
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled and divided (360 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)

Chocolate Topping:

  • 100 grams chocolate (dark, semi-sweet, or milk)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 grams)
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled (240 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted (25 grams)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base by transforming Oreo cookies into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, creating a consistent texture for the foundation.
  2. Incorporate melted butter into the cookie crumbs, ensuring thorough and even distribution throughout the mixture.
  3. Transfer the moistened crumb mixture into a springform pan, pressing firmly with a spoon to create a compact, stable crust layer.
  4. Chill the crust in the refrigerator to solidify while preparing the filling.
  5. Create a double boiler setup by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water, maintaining gentle heat.
  6. Melt dark chocolate with heavy cream, stirring continuously to develop a smooth, glossy ganache.
  7. Add instant coffee to the ganache for enhanced depth of flavor, stirring until completely integrated.
  8. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly, preventing potential curdling when combined with other ingredients.
  9. Whip cream cheese with sugar and salt until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  10. Gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate ganache into the cream cheese mixture, mixing at low speed to maintain a uniform texture.
  11. Whip remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light, airy volume.
  12. Delicately fold whipped cream into the chocolate cheesecake base, preserving the mixture’s airiness.
  13. Pour the finished filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the surface for an elegant presentation.
  14. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 6 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop rich, complex flavors.

Notes

  • Avoid overworking the crust by gently pressing the Oreo mixture to prevent a dense, hard base that can be difficult to cut through.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content to achieve a rich, intense chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and using coconut whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version of this decadent dessert.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 564
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 246 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star