Lighter Lemon Walnut No Bake Cheesecakes Recipe - Quick & Easy! (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep a no-bake cheesecake firm? ›

For a sturdy no-bake cheesecake with beautifully neat slices, refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This makes for a great make-ahead dessert! Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. The filling won't slice and you'll lose the velvet texture!

But given time to chill all the way down to 40°F (4°C), which takes about six hours, the filling becomes firm and dense, much more like a "real" cheesecake and far easier to slice. During that time, the filling will lend some of its moisture to the crust, making it considerably less crumbly.

Nigella found that adding just 1 teaspoon of lemon juice gave the right balance. You could add a few drops extra if you wish but be careful as too much acid could start to curdle the other ingredients.

The primary reason a no-bake cheesecake is too runny or doesn't set up properly is generally the temperature of the ingredients. If your cream cheese is too warm, the mixture will be too soft and will never set up properly.

Add Gelatin or Cornstarch

Gelatin is great for adding firmness, while cornstarch can thicken the mixture without making it too firm. Just make sure to dissolve the gelatin or cornstarch in a little bit of warm water before adding it to the filling.

Runny Cheesecake mixtures

Sometimes, you can simply over whisk, or under whisk a mixture. I cannot explain the differences, as it can vary as to why! You need to make sure when whisking a no-bake cheesecake mixture that you keep an eye on the mixture constantly so you can see when it thickens up!

Yes, Philadelphia makes a 24-ounce tub of pre-made cheesecake filling that you can use directly from the fridge—no baking necessary. The tub has everything you want from the sugary, sweet, cream cheese filling of a cheesecake, and it's ready to serve as-is.

Eggs: Three whole eggs hold the cheesecake together. I also add an extra yolk, which enhances the cake's velvety texture. (Whites tend to lighten the cake, which is actually fine — if you don't feel like separating that fourth egg and don't mind some extra airiness in the texture, just add in the whole egg.)

Make sure not to scrimp on the lemon juice – it's the magic ingredient that's going to set your cheesecake. If you add too little, the mix won't thicken enough and your cheesecake (although still delicious!) won't set in the fridge.

Why is my lemon cheesecake not setting? ›

The cheesecake also needs to be thoroughly chilled before serving and ideally overnight. If it is too runny it could be that it has not chilled for long enough for the cheesecake to set properly, so we suggest making the cheesecake the day before.

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between no-bake and baked cheesecake. No-bake cheesecakes are quick, easy, and perfect for those who prefer a lighter, chilled dessert. On the other hand, baked cheesecakes require more time and effort but offer a more classic, rich, and decadent experience.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours and up to 2 days. For best results, 12 hours is best. I chill mine overnight. The longer refrigerated, the nicer the no-bake cheesecake will set up.

What's the Difference? Baked cheesecake has a denser texture and fuller flavor than no-bake cheesecake. They are made using different ingredients.

Leaving cheesecake out overnight is not recommended, as it can lead to food safety concerns. It should be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving to prevent spoilage and maintain its freshness.

The USDA says to avoid the “danger zone” you must place a cooled cheesecake in the fridge within two hours. You can set a timer for yourself so you don't forget and risk wasting all that beautiful, rich dessert.

Hi Leslie - sorry that your cheesecake crust comes out soggy. It may be that water leaks into the seams of the springform pan. You can line the bottom with tin foil (overhang it), then attach the side, then take the overhanging part and crumple it to try to seal all the edges. That may help.

It is much better to let the cheesecake cool to room temperature and then put it in the fridge to chill out. Also it speeds the process of up of when you get to eat it. The fridge firms it up so you definitely want to do that process.