Hey there, friends! Sophie here, back again with another tasty treat that’s both delicious and fuss-free. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe for 3 ingredient no bake cheesecake. It’s creamy, smooth, and ridiculously easy—perfect when you’re short on time or simply craving something sweet without the hassle.
Trust me, this cheesecake will become your new go-to dessert for every occasion!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
It’s Super Easy to Make
There’s no baking required here! You won’t even have to turn on your oven—just mix, chill, and enjoy. This cheesecake is perfect for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who appreciates the magic of simplicity.
Like my no bake lemon pie, this one leans into that cool, creamy vibe—without ever touching the oven.
Ready in Minutes (Plus Chill Time)
You can prepare this cheesecake in just 10 minutes flat! Sure, it needs some time in the fridge, but the actual work involved is minimal. It’s ideal when you have unexpected guests or a sudden cheesecake craving (we’ve all been there!).
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
With only three ingredients—cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust—it’s super budget-friendly. No fancy or expensive ingredients, just pantry staples.
The 3 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into these essential ingredients and why each one matters!
Cream Cheese: Creamy and Dreamy
Cream cheese is the backbone of every good cheesecake. Make sure to use the full-fat version (I promise, it’s worth it!) for the smoothest and creamiest texture. Don’t forget to let it soften at room temperature to avoid lumps!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweet Simplicity
This magical ingredient sweetens your cheesecake and gives it a luxurious, creamy texture. There’s no need to add extra sugar or vanilla, making this cheesecake incredibly straightforward. It also helps the cheesecake set beautifully.
Graham Cracker Crust: Crunchy Base
You can use a homemade or store-bought graham cracker crust. Personally, I often go store-bought—it saves time and always turns out great. But if you want that extra homemade touch, crushing graham crackers with melted butter works wonders!
3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 graham cracker crust store-bought or homemade
- For homemade crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prep the Crust:
- If using store-bought crust, simply unwrap and set aside.
- For homemade, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish and chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue mixing until silky and lump-free.
- Assemble and Chill:
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Notes
- Ingredients flat lay (cream cheese, condensed milk, graham crust)
- Step-by-step crust prep in glass dish
- Finished cheesecake with one slice removed
- A slice served on a plate
Nutrition
(Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on actual ingredients used)
How to Make Your 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your cheesecake turns out perfect every time!
Step 1: Prep the Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, you’re already ahead of the game! Just unwrap and set aside.
For a homemade crust, crush graham crackers (about 1½ cups) into fine crumbs, mix with 6 tablespoons melted butter, and press firmly into your pie dish. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you make the filling.
Step 2: Mix Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Next, add one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and mix until fully combined. You want a silky, lump-free filling.
Step 3: Fill and Chill
Pour your creamy cheesecake filling into the crust, smoothing out the top. Place it in the fridge to set for at least 3-4 hours—overnight is best if you can wait that long!
My Best Tips for Perfect 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake
From my kitchen to yours, here are a few of my tried-and-tested tips to make your cheesecake experience delightful every single time!
It’s also one of our favorite quick no bake treats with kids—a great one to whip up together on lazy afternoons.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Always start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese creates lumps and makes mixing a struggle. If you’re short on time, remove the cream cheese from the foil and microwave for 10-15 seconds—it works like a charm!
Beat the Mixture Well, But Not Too Much
While mixing thoroughly is crucial for smooth texture, overbeating can introduce air bubbles, making the cheesecake less dense. Aim for a creamy consistency, stopping as soon as everything is nicely blended.
Be Patient While Chilling
The hardest part is waiting, I know! But chilling your cheesecake for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) ensures it sets properly. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Want to go mini? Try these mini no bake cheesecakes for individual treats that look adorable on a dessert tray.
Tasty Variations to Elevate Your Cheesecake
This one’s also a perfect fit in your go-to easy dessert recipes for summer list—no heat, all flavor. Feel like mixing things up? Here are a few delicious twists you can easily incorporate!
Fresh Fruit Toppings
Cheesecake loves fresh fruit! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches add freshness and color. Simply slice your fruit and arrange it beautifully on top just before serving.
Strawberries are always a win—especially when layered like these strawberry cheesecake bars.
Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle
A simple drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can take your cheesecake from simple to stunning. Warm up the sauce slightly and drizzle over each slice to impress your guests (or yourself!).
Different Crusts for Fun
Switch things up by using Oreos, shortbread cookies, or even pretzels as your crust. My personal favorite? Oreo cookies—they add just the right amount of chocolatey indulgence.
My favorite? A crushed Oreo base—just like in this easy no bake Oreo cheesecake that’s always a hit with my kids.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
We all make mistakes in the kitchen—here are a few I’ve learned to avoid, so you don’t have to!
Not Softening the Cream Cheese
I’ve mentioned this before, but seriously, cold cream cheese equals lumpy cheesecake. Set a timer if you must, but always let your cream cheese soften fully.
Rushing the Chilling Process
Cutting corners on chilling time leads to runny, soft cheesecake. Patience pays off—keep it chilled for the recommended time, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly sliceable cheesecake every time!
Nutritional Info and Healthier Twists
I love dessert, but moderation is key! Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown, along with some tips to lighten things up.
Calorie Check
A typical slice of this cheesecake has about 350 calories, depending on portion size. It’s indulgent, so savor it in moderation!
Healthier Alternatives
- Lower-Fat Cream Cheese: Using reduced-fat cream cheese slightly reduces calories but still tastes great.
- Homemade Fruit Puree: Replace sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt sweetened with honey or fruit puree for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze a 3 Ingredient No Bake Cheesecake?
Absolutely! Wrap it well with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How Long Will It Last in the Fridge?
Properly covered, your cheesecake stays fresh for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I Make it Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut condensed milk—it tastes equally amazing!
Why Didn’t My Cheesecake Set Properly?
Usually, insufficient chilling or too much liquid can cause this. Chill overnight to ensure a perfect set.
Can I Double the Recipe Easily?
Definitely! Double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two separate crusts.
What Can I Substitute for Graham Crackers?
Oreos, digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even crushed nuts mixed with butter make tasty alternatives.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cheesecake Is a Must-Try
This 3 ingredient no bake cheesecake recipe is my secret weapon—easy, delicious, and always impressive. Whether it’s a weeknight dessert, family gathering, or holiday treat, it never disappoints.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag me with your delicious results—I love seeing your creations. Happy cheesecake-making, friends!
For even more delicious inspiration and cheesecake ideas, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest!
Sophie 💖
