This No Bake Lemon Cheesecake is made with lemon juice and zest and no artificial flavors! It sets and slices perfectly and is even great frozen! Includes step by step recipe video.
If there are two things I love in this world, it’s lemon and cheesecake.
Especially a light, airy, and just tangy enough No Bake Lemon Cheesecake like this one!
As a kid, I didn’t enjoy citrus or lemon desserts very much at all. It seemed wrong that they just weren’t that sweet!
Now that I’m older (more experienced and more mature, I’d like to think 😉 ), my tastes have changed and I much prefer a tangy lemon dessert with the right amount of sweetness over some sugar-laden cake with several inches of frosting.
If you feel the same, I know you’ll love this Lemon Cheesecake, and you might also enjoy these Lemon Cheesecake Bars, this Lemon Icebox Pie, or this Easy Lemon Meringue Pie recipe!
How to make No Bake Lemon Cheesecake:
This No Bake Lemon Cheesecake is easy to make, but there are a few important steps and tips I’m going to highlight here — see the full instructions down below.
- Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature — this ensure your cheesecake will be smooth and creamy with no lumps!
- Beat your cream cheese first to make sure it’s smooth, before adding the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla.
- Add the cream (no pre-whipping required!), and beat on low until it’s incorporated, but don’t stop there. Beat with an electric mixer on high until the filling is thick and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but if you don’t do it you may end up with cheesecake soup, and no one wants that.
- Taste before you add it to the crust — this way you can add more lemon or more sugar if you prefer!
- Pour it in the crust, and let it chill overnight if you can, but at least 6 hours. If you don’t let it chill thoroughly, you won’t be able to slice it.
How to store No Bake Lemon Cheesecake:
You can store in this prepared Lemon Cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (make sure your ingredients are as fresh as possible when you start!).
You can also freeze this Lemon Cheesecake as a whole (I recommend leaving any whipped cream topping off of the cheesecake until serving if you are going to freeze it), or in individual slices for a quick treat.
If you want, you can even serve this cheesecake partially frozen! I recommend letting sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving so it is nice and creamy.
December 2019 updates to the original recipe from May 2017:
My original No Bake Lemon Cheesecake recipe was made with Greek yogurt and gelatin, but I wanted to simplify the recipe and still get great results.
The new and improved recipe takes no time at all and just a few ingredients! It still has great lemon flavor and is light and fluffy.
I know there are a few people who really loved the original recipe, but I encourage you to give this one a try! It is just as delicious, but fewer ingredients and steps.
In my book, that’s a win!
More lemon desserts you’ll love!
- Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe
- Easy Homemade Pink Lemonade Recipe
- Cream Cheese-Filled Blueberry Lemon Bread
- Frosted Lemon Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Real Deal No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (375g)
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Filling:
- 3 packages cream cheese (24oz or 750g total) full fat
- 1 1/2 cups powdered icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- zest of 2 lemons (1 if you want a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (30-35% fat ONLY)
Instructions
- Line a 9" Springform pan with parchment paper — optional but makes for easy removal once set!
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter and press into prepared pan, and about 1/2" up the sides.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Add whipping cream and beat on low until combined, then beat on high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and thickened (the mixture should hold stiff peaks on the beaters — see the recipe video for the texture and thickness you are looking for). Taste the filling, and add more sugar or more lemon zest if you want it sweeter or more lemony.
- Pour filling into crust, cover and refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours or overnight is even better! Serve with sweetened whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
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Lenore Neuharth says
Hi Ashley! Have you ever tried using regular granulated sugar instead of the powdered sugar?
Ashley Fehr says
I don’t in no bake cheesecakes because the powdered sugar acts as a thickener which helps them to set nicely
Lenore says
Thanks, Ashley. That makes sense. And, yes, I’ve made this twice since my husband came home with a bag full of lemons! I prefer to freeze it and then let it set at room temp for maybe 10 minutes before cutting it. Thanks for the wonderful recipe. One more question……..have you ever substituted full fat evaporated milk for the whipping cream?
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lenore! Evaporated milk definitely cannot be substituted in this case as it does not whip
Peri says
Trying the recipe, right now. I had a box of lemon up Girl Scout cookies that I’m trying for the crust and making individual servings in a muffin tin! Wish me luck! 🤞🏼
I’d love to follow you and see more recipes, but I’m having an issue with pop-up ads covering half of the recipe/video. Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with this? Even using the x to close it doesn’t help. Another (larger) ad takes its place. Computer instead of tablet? 🤷🏼♀️😒
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry to hear that Peri! Once the ad is closed, another should not pop up. I have tried it out on my phone and haven’t had any issues with closing the pop up.
Dorothy says
Made this no bake lemon cheesecake yesterday and my family loved it,,soooo yummmy😋 thank you for sharing your recipe…
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Dorothy!
Lyn Christiansen says
Am I missing something here or what? Looked everywhere for the gelatin in the recipe and couldn’t find anything about it. So, just where does it come into this cheesecake, I really want to know
Ashley Fehr says
The recipe has been improved since the original, which had gelatin in it. This recipe does not have gelatin in it
Angela says
How come no sugar is added to the graham cracker crumbs? Is that correct it’s just graham cracker crumbs and butter?
Ashley Fehr says
That is correct. If it’s really important to you you can add some.
Joanne Wiebe says
Hi. Made your no bake lemon cheesecake. It turned out to be cheesecake soup 😔
I followed your video and directions. The one difference is I used a stand mixer rather than a hand mixer. I was very disappointed. I ended up whipping more whipping cream and folding it into the lemon cheesecake batter.
Any ideas of what went wrong? Thanks! Joanne
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry to hear that Joanne! The stand mixer shouldn’t make a difference, as long as it was whipping at high speed until thick and fluffy. Was it soupy before chilling? Because the long chill in the fridge really does make a difference. It sounds like maybe you adding more cream before pouring it into the crust?
Kerry Rousselle says
I made this to take to a dinner party last evening and it was a hit! I want to add that it was my very first time making any type of cheesecake, so the fact that it turned out enough to take to dinner, was a bonus….brave or just crazy!! Lol! Anyways, I’m very happy with the results! BTW, I used Greek yogurt, but no gelatin and it was perfectly fine.
Cheers!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kerry! I’m so glad it turned out well for you!
Jennifer says
I don’t know what went wrong, but I could not get this to whip up thick for the life of me. I used the beater attachment for about 10 minutes and then switched to the whisk attachment. Whisked it on high for probably another 20 minutes total. Tried adding more powdered sugar. At the end I even tried meringue powder to no avail. It still had the consistency of melted ice cream. I finally just poured it into a premade crust and stuck it in the fridge over night. Today it has the consistency of pudding and a vague powdery flavor/texture from the extra sugar and meringue powder. My kids will still enjoy it even so. But I’d still love to know what went wrong! I added the right amounts of zest, lemon juice, and about 1/2 tsp of Boyajian lemon oil. Could it have been the oil? I’ve used it in whipped cream, frosting, and baked cheesecake before without any problems.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Jennifer! I’m sorry that happened! I don’t think such a small amount of oil would make a difference. There are a few things that can cause a thinner filling. I would check the fat and water content of your cream cheese, to ensure that it is full fat and I’ve found that store brand varieties sometimes have a higher water content than name brand. I would check to make sure that your cream is heavy cream and at least 30-35% fat. The high fat content is needed to get a thick fluffy filling!
Melanie says
I’m really glad have made an updated recipe without the gelatin. Members of my family don’t eat pork for religious reasons and gelatin does contain some. Hopefully I’ll be able to successfully attempt this when the weather gets warmer
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Melanie! I’m all about making things simpler and easier to enjoy!
Evy says
Hi I really liked the original recipe with gelatin & yogurt. I made it last year for thanksgiving and wanted to do it again this year. I saw you updated the recipe. Could you please share the amount needed for each ingredient? Thanks!
Samantha A Jones says
What happened to the original recipe????
Ashley Fehr says
2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup butter (melted). Filling: juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup (zest it before juicing!)), 1 package unflavored gelatin (about 7g), 2 packages light cream cheese (16oz), 1 cup vanilla 0% Greek yogurt, zest of 1 lemon (or 2 lemons for big lemon flavor!), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cup powdered icing sugar, 1 cup whipping cream (not whipped)
Jim Poage says
I believe I missed something. When you add yogurt, how much and do you reduce the cream cheese? Same with gelatin; how much and does it change any other measurements? Feel like I failed to click on alternative recipe but looked for it 3 times.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry about the confusion! I’ve updated the post to make it clearer, but I’m in the process of updating and simplifying the recipe. If you follow the recipe in the recipe card, that is the new and improved version.
Jim Poage says
Sorry but where do I find the recipe catd?
Ashley Fehr says
Below the post and above the comment section
Sofia says
Hi! I just wanted to be sure that the 1/2 cup of melted butter is the right amount in grams 115?
Thanks 😊
Ashley Fehr says
Yes it is correct 🙂
Pam N. says
Am making this for Hubby’s 60th Birthday. Is cream cheese at room temperature or cold?
Ashley Fehr says
You’ll want the cream cheese at room temperature to beat it, then chilled before serving.
Alyssa says
Hello! Do you happen know what I’d need to do to make this in a 9×13 pan? Would just doing 1.5x the recipe work, or will it need to be doubled?
Ashley Fehr says
I think you could stick with the original recipe for a 9×13 pan but they would be a little shorter like bars. 1.5x the recipe should work too!
Josue Charles says
What is the consistency of this cheesecake with the gelatin incorporated?
Josue Charles says
Is it like Jello or does it hold form to a standard Juniors Cheesecake cheesecake? I’ve never had a cheesecake with gelatin before, I would like to make this.
Ashley Fehr says
It just helps it keep its shape, it does not have the consistency of Jello. Let me know if you try it!
Libby says
Is there anything I can substitute for the Greek yogurt? I just can’t handle the taste. Sour cream maybe?
Ashley Fehr says
You could use sour cream, but it will be pretty tangy! I would try using a little less (it shouldn’t change the texture much)
peighton says
Are you using plain gelatin or lemon gelatin?
Ashley Fehr says
plain gelatin
Maggie says
What is the best way to warm the gelatin and lemon juice mixture if you don’t have a microwave?
Ashley Fehr says
I would just do it on the stove on low heat
Ambika Sood says
Hi do we need to hang the Greek yogurt (to remove excess liquid) or use as is straight from the tub?
Ashley Fehr says
I use it straight from the tub!
Maria says
Can I use regular yogurt if I don’t have Greek yogurt on hand ?
Ashley Fehr says
Greek yogurt is significantly thicker, so it might be less sturdy if you use regular yogurt, depending on the brand.
nadia javed says
Hi, can you tell me the weight of 1 package of cream cheese? We get different sizes where I live…and I’m DYING to try this ASAP!!! thank you so much!
Ashley Fehr says
About 8oz or 250g
Debbie says
Ashley, did you add sugar to the fresh fruit before using it as a topping. It’s beautiful. Just wondering if it would be too bitter.
Thank you,
Debbie
Ashley Fehr says
I didn’t! Thank you 🙂 You’ll just want to use fruit that is totally ripe.
Kimberly says
I don`t want to sound lost, but what is powdered icing sugar ?? I really want to make this. please help me. Thank you.
Ashley Fehr says
Powdered sugar, icing sugar, or confectioners sugar — they’re all the same. Whichever is available to you!
Duva horsley says
I just made this for Mother’s Day , it tastes amazing!!!! Hard to screw up too!
Ashley Fehr says
Yay! I’m so glad!
Gail says
What if I used full fat plain Greek yogurt? Would that negatively affect the outcome?
Gail says
May I add as well as regular cream cheese.
KK says
I just made this last night for mothers day and it turned out Great !
I have been informed that this is now my official potluck “dish to pass”
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Gail, not at all! You can use full fat yogurt and cream cheese. You may want to taste the cheesecake before pouring it into the crust to ensure it’s sweet enough with plain yogurt.
Kaitlyn says
Not only the best cheesecake that I`ve ever made but is the best that I ever ate. My son is going insane when I`m making this desert.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Ashley, this looks amazing! LOVE the lemon! Can’t wait to try it!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Alice!
D Higgins says
I will definitely try this since lemon is one of my family’s favorite flavors. I was wondering how it would be to substitute lime and lime zest and juice to make a Key Lime type cheesecake as well? Just wondering.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, that would work great!
Donna Higgins says
Made the lemon cheesecake for Mother’s Day dessert and everyone loved it! My little grandson had to have two servings! Thanks and next I will try it as a key lime no bake cheesecake. Although I got your other key lime recipe in my mail today and that one looks yummy too.I really liked the consistency of the lemon cheesecake. When I sliced it, it came right out of the pie pan in nice pieces and held up beautifully. Very creamy. Definitely will make this again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Donna! I’m so glad everyone loved it! It is my favorite cheesecake ever I think — so light and creamy!
Glenda says
Okay, so I have no idea what I did wrong with the cheesecake, but it certainly didn’t set up at all! I think I followed the recipe just like it said (except that the gelatin/lemon juice mixture wasn’t totally cool…could that have been my problem?). I thought things were looking pretty good until I added the real cream….and then it seemed to get runnier rather than stiff. Was I supposed to beat the cream first? So right now the mixture is still in the mixing bowl chilling overnight in the fridge. Any ideas for how to make it stiffen up? It was supposed to be dessert for a banquet tomorrow evening. =) Thanks for any help offered!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Glenda! I’m so sorry to hear that! I add the cream and then beat until fluffy, so I would beat it on high until it starts to thicken up. I hope that helps!
Glenda says
So, here is the outcome of what I thought was going to be a flop….I left the mixture in the mixing bowl and put it into the fridge overnight. Checked it out this morning and thought I’d probably need to try to add more gelatin or freeze it or something….and it had all set up nicely! =) Imagine that! But then it was in the mixing bowl and certainly wouldn’t transfer nicely to my pan. So I whipped it up again and poured it into my (larger than 9×13) pan….and stuck it back into the fridge hoping that it would set up again. And it did! I was so grateful! To top it off, I actually added another thin layer of lemon topping that you cook up in the microwave, cool, and spread on top. Made the whole dessert amazing! I ended up serving it at the banquet this evening and getting a host of compliments on how delicious it was. So, all that worrying last evening for nothing. Thanks for the delicious recipe. (Oh, and if you’re wondering how I’m talking about this evening already….I live in Thailand and our day is about over when yours is beginning.)
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Glenda! I am so happy to hear that it worked out for you! That lemon topping sounds incredible — we can never have too much lemon here! I’m glad it was a success for you!
Leslie says
I am so glad you left this comment because I had the same issue – I beat it for a long time and nothing happened. So I came to see if anyone else had the same problem and when I saw yours set anyway I went ahead and poured it in the crust. In the morning it was set perfectly and ready for my son’s birthday! Next time I may try whipping the cream separately and then folding it in.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
Looks amazing! Love lemon and cheesecake!! Will have to try it!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kendra!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
No judgment here! I totally get using box mixes and jello from time to time. But this cheesecake looks like utter perfection without that shortcut.
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
What a beautiful cheesecake! No bake cheesecakes are the best, especially when lemon is involved!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Totally not gonna question your use of a shortcut ingredient every now and then! After all, you’ve got two little ones to chase after every day! 😉 I ALWAYS love your cheesecakes, but I think this one just takes the “cake.” LOVE how creamy and luscious it looks! (p.s. we’re no-bake cheesecake buddies today!!)
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
This looks so ridiculously creamy and just overall PERFECT! Love how you styled the cheesecake… gorgeous!
Monica says
Hi can you tell me the exact weight of the cream cheese per package please? Can’t wait to make this cheesecake – looks lovely!
Ashley Fehr says
They should be 8 oz. Enjoy!
Monica says
Made this cheesecake today and it’s a winner 🙂 thanks for the recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for leaving a comment!
marcie says
I would never judge you, Ashley — just please give me a slice! haha This cheesecake is gorgeous!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! Thanks Marcie! I wish I could 🙂
Stacey @ Bake Eat Repeat says
This cheesecake looks amazing Ashley – I love lemon anything! I’ve never actually made a no bake cheesecake though – definitely need to change that ASAP!
Ashley Fehr says
What!? You need to! It might be my favorite dessert ever!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Giiirl, I’d never judge you for using jello! But then again, I’m not classy. hahahaha. 😉 Either way, I’m totally fine with you posting all the cheesecakes, no bakes, and lemony desserts possible! Bring.It.On! Love this “real deal” cheesecake! So pretty and I bet it tastes even better! Cheers, girlfriend!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I want a big slice of this gorgeous cheesecake! I totally don’t judge you for using lemon Jello, but love the freshness of this one! Yum 🙂
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
This cheesecake sounds incredible Ashley!! Love that it’s no bake! I feel like lemon screams summer and I love that you added it to this cheesecake!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
This is beautiful Ashley!! And I absolutely struggle with foodie shame sometimes too. I do my best to avoid box mixes and Jellos. But hello!!! I have kids. I think that gives us some kind of a pass in that area. This cheesecake looks fantastic though 🙂 Love it!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
You can never have too many no bake cheesecake recipes, especially when they look as good as this cake. So beautiful! I love lemon and know that I would love this cheesecake. Perfect for summer too!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Ashley! We are big lemon lovers too!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This real deal lemon cheesecake sounds incredible, Ashley! Your other version sounds delicious too, but I’m loving the real lemon flavor in here. And I love that you used Greek yogurt, too…I always trying to sneak that into my baked goods whenever I can!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gayle! An extra boost of protein in your dessert never hurts! 😉