No bake lemon cheesecake is a refreshing, four ingredient dessert that is perfect for spring and summer. It is so simple, easy and delicious!
With so many spring and summer celebrations and holidays on the way, I thought it would be the perfect time to share this little gem of a recipe.
I struggled with what to name it. Easy lemon pie? No bake lemon pie? 🤷🏼♀️
I finally landed on no bake lemon cheesecake, since cream cheese is one of the main ingredients.
No matter what you call it, this recipe is flat out delicious. And bonus that it is super easy!
This would be great for Easter, Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day or any gathering where you want a yummy and refreshing dessert.
This no bake lemon cheesecake recipe is based on my existing no bake key lime pie recipe, which y’all seem to love. It is basically that same recipe, made with lemons instead of limes. So if you prefer lime, you may want to check out that version.
Four ingredients is all it takes, people (if you use a store-bought crust like I did). 😎👊🏻
No ovens, cooking or heat necessary, and that is a hallelujah selling point here in Alabama.🙌🏻 It gets hot down here during summer, and we don’t always want to be heating up our (already hot) homes by turning on the oven!
How to make easy no bake lemon cheesecake
You are going to want to start by letting your cream cheese sit out to soften at room temperature. Do not skip this step! It is key to getting a creamy filling.
Next, start adding your cream cheese and other ingredients to the bowl.
The filling is three ingredients: cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and lemon (both juice and zest).
Next, you are going to beat everything together. You have options here. You can use a stand mixer, a hand mixer or even a blender. I am using a hand mixer to help show you as clearly as possible how to make this recipe and what to expect.
When you start beating the filling, start on low to prevent splashing yourself. Then slowly increase your mixer speed to medium-high. After a minute or so, it will still look chunky, like this.
No worries, friends! Just keep that mixer working a few minutes until it gets creamy like this.
After you get your filling looking creamy, you will transfer it to a graham cracker pie crust. I am using a store-bought one, but feel free to use a homemade one if you prefer.
Use a spatula (or even the back of a spoon) to smooth everything around.
Then I like to reserve some of the lemon zest to sprinkle on top.
Last, you will want to let it set up in the refrigerator until everything is solid. This process should take at least 3 to 4 hours.
Of course, it can sit in the fridge longer, if need be. When it is set, it comes out in perfect slices, just like this.
No bake lemon cheesecake recipe
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No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
No bake lemon cheesecake is a refreshing, four ingredient dessert that is perfect for spring and summer. It is so simple, easy and delicious!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (I used two 8-ounce blocks, softened at room temperature)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (2 large lemons were enough for me, but get some extras just in case)
- zest of 1 lemon divided leave 1/3 for garnish
- graham cracker crust 10-inch, store bought
Instructions
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Add softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and 2/3 of the lemon zest to a large mixing bowl, and beat on high until smooth and creamy (about 4 minutes).
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Transfer to a graham cracker crust.
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Sprinkle reserved lemon zest in top, and refrigerate until filling is set, about 3 to 4 hours.
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Serve chilled, and garnish with extra lemon slices, if desired.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
I used a store-bought crust, but if you want to use homemade, that works too!
It may set quicker than what I recommend here, but this is how long until I checked mine.
I highly recommend using full fat cream cheese for this recipes, but you could use light (1/3 less fat) cream cheese. I would not recommend fat free cream cheese.
Lei says
Can I make this crustless?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
It will just be the filling, but it will be very tasty.👌🏻 Enjoy!
Sheryl says
Can it be frozen?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Sheryl! Several people have frozen this, and have told me it works well. I have not frozen it myself. I hope you enjoy it!
Nisa says
Very simple and easy! I did add about 1/4 cup of sugar for little bit more sweetness, but it was very good.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay Nisa!
Deb says
Sounds delicious. Who doesn’t love desserts with lemons? I’m going to make this for our family’s Easter gathering. Thanks for the recipe.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I hope y’all enjoyed it Deb!💛
Colleen says
Marjorie, could I substitute lime without changing anything else?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Colleen! Yes, in fact I have that very recipe here: https://www.apinchofhealthy.com/easy-key-lime-pie/
Daphne D'Mello says
I made it with half the reccommended amount of cream cheese and it was pretty good. Still formed well . It could use a little more lemon juice. Otherwwise a quick and easy to prepare treat. Thanks for your recipe Marjorie.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am glad you enjoyed it Daphne💛
Wendy says
Easy to make and is very tasty, I will make it again. Great recipe!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Glad you enjoyed it Wendy!
Debbie Derouen says
I haven’t made it yet but I was thinking about adding a cup of sour cream. I make a nobake blueberry cheesecake with sour cream and cream cheese and it’s delicious.
Samantha says
Not disgusting but definitely leaves a lot to be desired. Very easy to make but not very pleasant to eat. I know the ingredients are mainly cream cheese but it really feels like I am just spooning cream cheese in mouth, which I don’t love. Will make a more complex cheesecake next time. Was feeling lazy today and have a fridge full of consequences
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Thanks for the honest feedback🙏🏻
Dot says
Hi oh this recipe was very yummy
Easy to make
Thank you for sharing
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Denise says
Perfect bite!
I have transformed your recipe into lemon Cheesecake bites using a silicone mold. Super super hit!
I am just a home Baker and I am happy how these turn out. So professional!
I have requests to bring for every potluck!
Thank youuuuuuuu ❤️
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay, Denise! This makes me so happy to hear.💛