Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (2024)

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This irresistible no-bake gingerbread cheesecake is an easy holiday dessert made from creamy and spiced cheesecake filling chilled inside an irresistible Biscoff cookie crust.

Are you looking for more gingerbread recipes? Try these homemade Molasses Cookies or this easy gingerbread cake, too!

Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Easy No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake
  • Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How to Make a No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake
  • Recipe Tips
  • Can I Prepare This Gingerbread Cheesecake Ahead?
  • Can I Put No-Bake Cheesecake In the Freezer to Set?
  • How to Store
  • More Christmas Recipes
  • Get the Recipe

Easy No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake

The countdown to Christmas is on, and with it comes all things peppermint, eggnog, and gingerbread. This gingerbread cheesecake is rich and creamy, perfect for the gingerbread lovers out there. It’s made with the filling of my best no-bake cheesecake, dressed up for the holidays with brown sugar, molasses, and spice.

All that gingerbread goodness is chilled in a crunchy Biscoff cookie crust, and topped with fluffy swirls of homemade whipped cream. The result is a luscious no-bake dessert that you can make for Christmas, but really, any time of the year!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe

  • The best no-bake cheesecake filling. I make my cheesecake filling with melted white chocolate, my secret weapon in my most popular no-bake recipes. You don’t even notice the mild flavor, but the texture is thick and creamy.
  • Cozy gingerbread flavor. This gingerbread cheesecake is filled with holiday flavor. Warm spice, sweet molasses, and caramelized brown sugar shine through in every bite.
  • No oven! Best of all, you can give your oven a rest for this no-bake cheesecake. In the throes of Christmas baking, who doesn’t love a dessert that you can whip up in 10 minutes and pass over to your fridge instead?
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Ingredient Notes

I’ve included some notes on the important ingredients you’ll need for this no-bake gingerbread cheesecake recipe. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card below the post for the full amounts as well as recipe instructions.

  • Biscoff Cookies –For the cheesecake crust. You can also substitute gingersnaps in a 1:1 ratio, or use a graham cracker crust.
  • White Chocolate –Choose a high-quality white chocolate for smoother melting. I recommend using a white chocolate bar, like Ghirardelli, over white chocolate chips (however, chips will do in a pinch).
  • Heavy Whipping Cream –The creamiest cheesecake filling calls for full-fat heavy cream.
  • Cream Cheese –Like your heavy cream, use full-fat cream cheese. Make sure to use the kind that comes in blocks and not the spreadable kind.
  • Spices –Ground cinnamon and ginger for that cozy gingerbread flavor.
  • Molasses – Essential for gingerbread recipes, from gingerbread cookies to gingerbread cupcakes, and this cheesecake. I recommend dark molasses for baking. Avoid bootstrap molasses, as it has a bitter flavor.
  • Whipped Cream –For garnish. I include my easy homemade whipped topping, or you can use store-bought.

How to Make a No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake

Between the no-bake crust and the rich gingerbread cheesecake filling, this dessert couldn’t be easier to make! All it takes is a few short steps to have this no-bake cheesecake ready for the fridge:

  • Make the crust. Crush up your Biscoff cookies into a fine crumb, and mix the crumbs with melted butter. Afterward, press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased springform pan.
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Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (4)
  • Melt white chocolate. Next, melt white chocolate in the microwave for the cheesecake filling (see my tutorial on how to melt chocolate for tips).
  • Prepare the whipped cream. To make the whipped cream, whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl, then slowly add powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Set this aside with the melted chocolate for now.
  • Combine the cheesecake filling. Beat cream cheese together with brown sugar and spices, followed by the molasses and vanilla. Then, add the melted chocolate, and fold in the whipped cream.
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Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (6)
  • Chill. Finally, transfer the cheesecake batter to your prepared Biscoff crust.Place the cheesecake into the fridge. This no-bake cheesecake will need to chill for about 3-4 hours before you add the topping.
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Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (8)
  • Add the whipped topping. Whip up a fresh batch of whipped cream and pipe or spread it all over your chilled gingerbread cheesecake. Sprinkle on some leftover cookie crumbs and themed sprinkles, then serve!

Recipe Tips

In case you’re new to making no-bake cheesecake from scratch, here are some tips that I picked up while creating this recipe:

  • Use white chocolate bars. Chocolate bars are best for melting, as they melt more smoothly and give the cheesecake filling a better texture.
  • How many cookies do I need? For this gingerbread cheesecake, you’ll need two 8-ounce packages of Biscoff cookies. You’ll use about 1½ packages for the crust.
  • Use full-fat ingredients. For the best cheesecake, use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions have a higher water content, and the cheesecake filling won’t stay as firm. The same applies to your whipped cream topping. Make sure to use full-fat heavy cream for stiff, stabilized whipped cream.
  • Press the crust firmly into the pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to press the crust into the baking pan in a thick, even layer. Make sure the crumbs are tightly packed so that the crust holds together. Check out my in-depth tutorial on how to make a no-bake crust in a springform pan for loads of helpful tips.
  • Budget enough time for the cheesecake to chill. Your cheesecake needs at least 3-4 hours to set up in the fridge before topping and slicing. Don’t skip it! For best results, make this cheesecake a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. See below for make-ahead tips.
  • Use a different crust. If you don’t have Biscoff cookies, as mentioned, you can make this no-bake cheesecake with crushed gingersnaps, a graham cracker crust, or try an Oreo cookie crust for a chocolatey twist.
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Can I Prepare This Gingerbread Cheesecake Ahead?

Absolutely, and it’s better if you do! Most no-bake cheesecake recipes take at least 6 hours to set in the fridge, and ideally overnight. It’s the perfect excuse to make this gingerbread cheesecake the day before. Prepare this cheesecake 1-2 days in advance, leaving off the whipped topping. Cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve, then make a fresh batch of whipped cream for decorating.

Can I Put No-Bake Cheesecake In the Freezer to Set?

No, I would not rush this step. Properly allowing the cheesecake to set is crucial to allow the proper texture. While placing this cheesecake in the freezer can help speed up the setting process, you want to give the ingredients time to go from room temperature back to chilled before freezing it.

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How to Store

  • Fridge. The finished no-bake cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to store it tightly covered so that it stays fresh.Whenever possible, I recommend leaving the whipped topping off until you’re ready to serve.
  • Freeze. Once the cheesecake has set, you can move it to the freeze. Leave off the whipped cream topping and store your gingerbread cheesecake tightly wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap. Keep it frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, defrost the cheesecake overnight in the fridge, then add the toppings.

More Christmas Recipes

  • White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
  • Candy Cane Cookies
  • Mini Peppermint Bark Cheesecakes
  • Chocolate Pudding Pie

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Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (11)

No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake

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  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

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Description

This no-bake gingerbread cheesecake is an easy holiday dessert made from a creamy and spiced cheesecake filling chilled inside an irresistible Biscoff cookie crust.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 3 Cups Biscoff cookie crumbs
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 4 ounces (113g) White chocolate bar, melted
  • 1 cup (236ml) Heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ cup (65g) Powdered sugar
  • 16 ounces (452g) Full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup (56g) Light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Molasses
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Pure vanilla extract

Topping

  • ¾ cup (177ml) Heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons (16g) Powdered sugar

Instructions

For the Crust

  1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the edges of the pan with cooking spray, and then wiping gently with a paper towel.
  2. Grind one and a half packages of the cookies into a fine crumb using a food processor or blender. Save leftover cookies for garnish.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are well coated and easily stick together. Pour the crumbs into the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom and up on the sides to create a thick crust. Refrigerate or freeze the crust while you are preparing the filling.

For the Filling

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the white chocolate at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring each time until the chocolate is melted. Stir until completely smooth. Set aside
  2. Prepare the whipped cream. Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  3. Beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, add the brown sugar, and spices and beat until well combined and free of lumps. Then add the molasses and vanilla, beating to combine. Finally, incorporate the melted chocolate, until combined. Fold the prepared whipped cream into the cheesecake batter until it’s completely smooth.
  4. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours minimum.

For the Topping

  1. Prior to serving, make a second batch of whipped cream as instructed above. Pipe the borders using a large open round tip. Garnish with leftover cookie crumbs or sprinkles.
  • Category: Cheesecake
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake - No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Why is my no-bake cheesecake not setting up? ›

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.

How do you keep a no-bake cheesecake from being runny? ›

Use Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream

To thicken your no-bake cheesecake filling, make sure you're using a full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese won't give you the same results. Adding heavy cream can also help to thicken the filling and give it a smoother texture.

What is no-bake cheesecake filling made of? ›

For the Filling: Combine cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix at low speed to form a thick paste, then increase to medium speed until soft and smooth.

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

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6-8 hours, but overnight is better. 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.

How do you know if no bake cheesecake is bad? ›

When in doubt, give it a smell. A sour, off-putting odor is a definite sign it has spoiled and should not be consumed. Always store your no bake cheesecake in the refrigerator. If not consuming immediately, cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap, not foil as it can give off a metallic taste.

How long does it take for cheesecake to fully set? ›

Many recipes say to let the cheesecake sit in the turned-off oven with the door cracked for about an hour, then let it cool completely on the counter. It also needs to spend four hours, or ideally overnight, in the fridge before slicing and eating to ensure the perfect velvety smooth texture.

Should I cover no bake cheesecake in the fridge? ›

Cover the cheesecake with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. I usually use foil as I find plastic wrap tends to want to stick to the top of the cheesecake.

What brand of cream cheese is best for cheesecake? ›

Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular brand of cream cheese that is often used in cheesecake recipes, but there are many other brands of cream cheese that can be used as well.

Can no bake cheesecake sit out? ›

No-bake cheesecake must be refrigerated when it is first made to allow it to set properly. It also requires refrigerating for storage and should not sit out longer than two hours for serving. Any leftovers should also be refrigerated.

Can you eat Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling? ›

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.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in cheesecake? ›

A combination of half-and-half and butter makes the best all-around heavy cream substitute. Both heavy cream and half-and-half are made from cream — the distinction is that half-and-half is a mixture of cream and milk and has about a third as much as fat.

Are cheesecake Factory cheesecakes baked or not? ›

We own and operate two bakery production facilities, one in Calabasas Hills, California, and one in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where we produce approximately 70 varieties of cheesecakes and other baked desserts based on proprietary recipes.

What happens when you overbeat cheesecake batter? ›

Overmixing may lead to cracks and a grainy texture

With a batter mainly composed of cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolks, you can quickly form cracks in your cheesecake with the excess air that comes from overmixing (via Cheesecakes World).

What happens if you don't chill cheesecake enough? ›

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

Why did my cheesecake turn out dry? ›

Overcooking: Cooking the cheesecake for too long can cause it to become dry and crack, leading to a sunken center. Not allowing the cheesecake to cool properly: If the cheesecake is removed from the oven an.

Can you put no bake cheesecake in the freezer to set? ›

Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. The filling won't slice and you'll lose the velvet texture! You can put a no bake cheesecake in the freezer but make sure you check on it after 2–3 hours to see how it is doing.

Can you put a no bake cheesecake in the freezer to speed up the process? ›

We do not recommend freezing our no-bake cheesecake as a way to speed up the chilling and setting process because freezing will impact the texture of both the filling and the crust. We also do not recommend freezing the cheesecake as a make-ahead strategy.

Will cheesecake set after baking? ›

Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 4 hours before serving. This will help it set and become even creamier.

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