Skip to Content

The Best No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe with Cool Whip

Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of this easy recipe for no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars! Perfect for hot summer days when you crave a sweet treat without turning on the oven.

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

When the summer heat hits and you’re craving a delicious dessert without the fuss of baking, turn to these no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars. 

What is no-bake strawberry cheesecake? Made with a buttery graham cracker pie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries, strawberry cheesecake bars are perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. 

Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this no bake cheesecake recipe requires no baking and sets in the refrigerator, making it a quick and easy dessert to prepare. 

The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries creates a refreshing and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply treating yourself on a lazy afternoon, this creamy strawberry cheesecake is sure to impress with their refreshing flavor and easy preparation.

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

How Do You Make A No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake?

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
  • 1 stick of butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

For the filling:

  • 2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 lb of fresh strawberries 
  • 1 cup of whipped topping
  • ¼ cup of heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Directions

To make the homemade graham cracker crust, start by breaking graham crackers into small pieces. You can crush them into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or manually inside a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or your hands. 

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar to make a simple graham cracker crust. 

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Press mixture down into an even layer firmly into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment paper to create the crust.

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Place in the freezer for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries.

For a smoother cheesecake layer, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.

To make the no bake cheesecake filling, combine cream cheese, whipped topping, heavy cream, and vanilla in a large bowl. 

Beat cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until creamy. 

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Mix the strawberry puree into the cream cheese filling until combined. 

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Take the crust out of the freezer and evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling on top. 

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Once set, remove the bars from the pan, cut into squares, and serve chilled.

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Garnish the top of the cheesecake with your favorite toppings

These bars will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, although they’re so delicious they’re unlikely to last that long!

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Try These Recipes:

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe FAQs

Why is my no-bake cheesecake not firming up?

If your no-bake cheesecake isn’t firming up, first, ensure you’ve allowed sufficient chilling time, typically at least 4 hours or overnight. Temperature and humidity in your kitchen can also affect the setting process, so place the cheesecake in the coldest part of your fridge and cover it well. If needed, you can briefly freeze the cheesecake to firm it up. 

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the topping?

While fresh fruit is preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the topping.

Can I make these bars ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make these bars in advance and freeze them for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of crust, such as an Oreo cookie crust?

Absolutely! You can customize the prepared crust to your liking. Oreo cookie crust, shortbread, or even a nut-based crust can be used as a delicious alternative.

Can I use a different fruit topping besides strawberries?

Absolutely! You can customize the topping with other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry blend for variety. You can also use your favorite fruit pie filling such as blueberry pie filling or cherry pie filling. 

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

no bake strawberry cheesecake bars

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Indulge in no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars: a luscious, easy-to-make dessert bursting with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberry goodness.

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
  • 1 stick of butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • For the filling:
  • 2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 lb of fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup of whipped topping
  • ¼ cup of heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

To make graham cracker crumbs, start by breaking graham crackers into small pieces. You can crush them into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or manually inside a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or your hands. 

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar to make a simple graham cracker crust. 

Press down an even layer firmly into an 8x8 baking dish lined with parchment paper to create the crust.

Place in the freezer for 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries.

Combine cream cheese, whipped topping, heavy cream, and vanilla in a large bowl. 

Beat cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until creamy. 

Mix in strawberry puree until combined. 

Take the crust out of the freezer and evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling on top. 

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the cheesecake bars are set.

Once set, cut into bars. To achieve clean and smooth slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean before each cut. This prevents the filling from sticking to the knife.

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles if desired. 

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for a few days to enjoy later.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Contains affiliate links. 

Sharing is caring!

Skip to Recipe