How to Make a Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake Without Cracks

Why No-Bake Cheesecake?

If you’re looking for a delicious, elegant, and easy dessert for parties or gatherings, a no-bake cheesecake is exactly what you need. This type of cheesecake requires no baking, comes together with just a few simple ingredients, and the final result looks like a café-quality dessert. It’s also an ideal and low-risk option for beginners in pastry making.

If you’re not yet familiar with different types of cheesecakes, their history, and essential tips, we recommend reading our full guide on “Understanding Cheesecake.” After learning the basics, you’ll be more prepared to make various models — including the no-bake version.

How to Make a Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake Without Cracks

Ingredients for a Professional No-Bake Cheesecake

To make a smooth, delicious, and flawless no-bake cheesecake, using high-quality and well-balanced ingredients is crucial. Below is the list of ingredients for a medium-size pan (20–23 cm diameter):

Ingredients for the Crust (Biscuit Base):

• Petit beurre or digestive biscuits: 200 g
• Melted butter: 100 g
• (Optional) Cinnamon powder or vanilla for extra flavor

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese: 400 g
• Breakfast cream (pouring cream): 200 g
• Sugar or powdered sugar: 100 g
• Vanilla: ½ teaspoon
• Gelatin: 2 tablespoons
• Cold water (to bloom the gelatin): ¼ cup
• (Optional) Lemon juice or lemon zest for a fresh flavor

Ingredients for the Topping (Optional):

• Fruit purée or jam (strawberry, sour cherry, etc.)
• Prepared matching or clear jelly
• Fresh fruit for decoration

Tip:
For the best result, use cheesecake-friendly cheeses like Labneh, Mascarpone, or unsalted cream cheese. Make sure all ingredients come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a No-Bake Cheesecake at Home

1. Preparing the Biscuit Crust

• Crush the biscuits in a food processor or manually until sandy in texture.
• Melt the butter and combine with the crumbs until the mixture becomes sticky.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
• Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

2. Preparing the Gelatin

• Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom.
• Then dissolve it gently over steam (double boiler) or in the microwave until transparent and smooth.

3. Making the Filling

• Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Add the cream and dissolved (but warm, not hot) gelatin. Mix until uniform.
• (Optional) Add lemon zest or a little lemon juice for freshness.

4. Pouring the Filling & Chilling

• Pour the filling onto the chilled crust and smooth the top.
• Refrigerate for at least 5 hours — preferably overnight — until fully set.

5. Preparing the Fruit Topping (Optional)

• After the filling is firm, pour your fruit purée or jelly mixture over the top.
• Refrigerate again until the topping sets completely.

6. Removing From the Pan & Serving

• Unlock the springform and carefully transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
• Decorate with fresh fruit or chocolate/caramel sauce.

Golden Tip:
To avoid cracks or a runny texture, always use high-quality gelatin and allow enough time for proper chilling.

Key Tips to Prevent Cracks or a Runny No-Bake Cheesecake

✅ 1. Use Proper Gelatin

Insufficient gelatin or incorrect dissolving is a common reason for soft cheesecake. Always bloom in cold water and dissolve fully before adding.

✅ 2. Cream Cheese Must Be at Room Temperature

Cold cheese causes lumps and an uneven texture, which can later lead to cracks.

✅ 3. Do Not Overmix

Over-mixing incorporates too much air, causing surface cracks during chilling.

✅ 4. Chill Long Enough

Less than 5–6 hours is not enough. Ideally chill overnight.

✅ 5. Use a Good Springform Pan

Cheap pans can cause leakage or misshapen edges.

✅ 6. Pour Filling Over a Fully Chilled Crust

A warm base can soften or destabilize the filling.

Pro Tips for a Professional Look & Perfect Flavor

✅ 1. Use Parchment Strips for Clean Edges

This gives your cheesecake smooth, café-style sides.

✅ 2. Prepare a Mirror Glaze or Creative Toppings

Fruit purée, chocolate ganache, or clear jelly add a luxury look.

✅ 3. Decorate With Piping Bags

Swirls of whipped cream or colored cream elevate your presentation.

✅ 4. Use Fresh or Frozen Fruits

Just remove excess liquid from thawed fruits.

✅ 5. Strain the Filling

This ensures a silky, lump-free texture.

✅ 6. Add Natural Aromas

Vanilla, citrus zest, or a hint of cinnamon can enhance flavor beautifully.

FAQs About Making No-Bake Cheesecake

1. Why is my cheesecake runny or not firm?

Usually because of low-quality cream cheese, insufficient gelatin, or not enough chilling time (should be 6–8 hours minimum).

2. Can I make it without gelatin?

Yes — if you use firm cream cheese and stabilized whipped cream, though gelatin ensures a more stable structure.

3. Why does my crust crumble?

Likely too little butter or not packing the crust firmly enough.

4. Why are the edges not smooth?

Using poor pans, skipping parchment lining, or unmolding too early can cause this.

5. Can I freeze a no-bake cheesecake?

Yes, but without fruit toppings. Thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature.

6. Which type of biscuit is best?

Digestive, Petit Beurre, or Sāghe Talaei are all great options. Chocolate biscuits also work well.

Introducing the Cheesecake Course – Arsa Academy

If you want to learn how to make different types of cheesecake — New York, classic, chocolate, and more — professionally and step by step, the Arsa Academy Cheesecake Course is exactly what you need!

In this course:

✔ Learn multiple cheesecake styles
✔ Master tips only professional pastry chefs know
✔ Practice alongside the instructor
📌 Visit the Arsa Academy Cheesecake Course page and take your first step toward becoming a pro!