American Flag No Bake Cheesecake is a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling that's topped with fresh berries. It's an easy dessert that comes together in about 30 minutes!
1tablespoonlemon zestsub with lime or orange zest, or omit
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1cupcold heavy whipping cream
1/2cupblueberries
12strawberrieshalved or sliced; sub with raspberries
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
Place the butter in a medium bowl and melt it for up to 1 minute in the microwave. Add the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt and stir until the crumbs are well coated with the butter.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt
Pour the crust into a 9" pie plate and press evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Pack it in well to ensure that it holds together once it's sliced. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling:
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
Beat the heavy whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer at medium high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over whip or will turn to butter. Fold or whisk the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture just until incorporated.
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and spread until smooth. Place the no bake cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours or overnight until set.
Pipe the edges of the cheesecake with additional whipped cream if desired, and decorate with the blueberries and strawberries to resemble the American flag up to a few hours in advance. Slice, serve and enjoy!
1/2 cup blueberries, 12 strawberries
Notes
Pro tip: Make sure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.
For best results, prepare this no bake cheesecake recipe a day in advance to ensure that it is set when you plan to serve it.
Decorate the cheesecake with additional whipped cream and berries to resemble the American flag up to a few hours prior to serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an air tight container or covered with plastic wrap for 3-5 days.