The Perfect Holiday Treat
The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious treats, and this Easy No-Bake Cheesecake fits perfectly into that festive spirit! Not only is this cheesecake a breeze to make, requiring minimal time and effort, but it also provides a delightful dessert that everyone will rave about. With its creamy filling and delicious Biscoff cookie crust, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite at your holiday celebrations!
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
(3) 8 oz blocks of cream cheese
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Crust
32 Lotus Biscoff cookies, crushed
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Whipped Cream Topping
2 cups heavy cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
Directions
Prepare the Crust: Begin by crushing the Biscoff cookies. You can do this using a food processor, which will give you a fine crumb, or by placing the cookies in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin to crush them into crumbs. Once the cookies have been crushed into small pieces, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then pour it over the crushed cookies. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
Assemble the Crust: Take a 9-inch springform pan and ensure it is properly greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour the Biscoff cookie and butter mixture into the bottom of the pan. Using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it is tightly packed. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the cheesecake filling, allowing it to firm up.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the three blocks of cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese until it becomes creamy and smooth, typically about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing it in on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud from forming. Once combined, add in the vanilla bean paste or extract and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
Whip the Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using a clean electric mixer or a whisk, beat the whipping cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. To ensure the cream is whipped properly, keep an eye on it as it transitions from liquid to soft peaks and finally to stiff peaks, which hold their shape well.
Combine Mixtures: Now it’s time to bring the cheesecake filling together! Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. To do this, add one-third of the whipped cream to the cheesecake mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula or wooden spoon. This helps lighten the cream cheese, making it easier to incorporate the rest of the whipped cream without deflating it. Repeat this process, adding the whipped cream in two more additions until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Assembly: Remove the prepared crust from the freezer. Spoon the cheesecake filling onto the Biscoff crust, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles and to ensure the filling settles into the crust. Once smoothed out, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to firm up. For a quicker setup, you can place the cheesecake in the freezer for about 2-3 hours.
Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: When you’re ready to serve the cheesecake, it’s time to make the whipped cream topping. In a clean mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, whip the mixture on high speed until it forms stiff peaks, similar to how you whipped the cream earlier. You can adjust the sugar based on how sweet you like your whipped cream.
Serve: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag for a decorative touch or use a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe it on top of the cheesecake. Create dollops or swirls, depending on your preferred style. For added flair, consider topping with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Easy No-Bake Cheesecake at your next holiday gathering, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “cheesecake”!