No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake – A Decadent, Creamy, and Fruity Delight for Any Occasion

Get ready to indulge in a luscious and smooth No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake, a dessert that brings together the rich, velvety flavors of chocolate and cherries with the creamy texture of cheesecake—all without the need to turn on the oven! This is a dessert that’s perfect for summer or any time you're craving something cool, refreshing, and a little indulgent. The layers of chocolate and cream cheese, paired with juicy cherries, make every bite a dream.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecakes have a way of stealing the show with their creamy texture and the ability to customize flavors. This version takes it up a notch by combining two delicious layers—one chocolatey, one fruity—into a single, stunning dessert. The Oreo cookie crust adds a delightful crunch, while the marinated cherries infuse the entire cake with a touch of boozy sweetness. It’s an elegant yet easy dessert that will make you feel like a pro pastry chef!

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cheesecake

With its silky texture and decadent flavors, this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and fruity cherries. The no-bake factor makes it incredibly simple to prepare—just mix, layer, and chill. The chocolate layer is indulgent, while the cream and cherry layer brings a refreshing lightness. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, holiday gathering, or just treating yourself, this dessert is a guaranteed hit.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 25g

This cheesecake is rich and indulgent but perfect for a sweet treat when you're in the mood to celebrate!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cheesecake is beautiful on its own, but feel free to dress it up with additional fresh cherries, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, or even a dollop of whipped cream. To balance the richness, you might serve this dessert with a cup of hot espresso or a glass of dessert wine like port or Moscato. If you want to get fancy, a dark cherry compote could also be a great topping to complement the flavors in the cheesecake.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

This no-bake cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, make it the night before and allow it to chill overnight for the best texture. Freezing is also an option—just wrap the cheesecake (without any garnishes) in a double layer of plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Fun Fact: The Origins of No-Bake Cheesecakes

Cheesecakes date back to ancient Greece, but the modern no-bake version became popular in the 20th century as an easy and refreshing alternative to the traditional baked versions. The use of gelatin and whipped cream in no-bake cheesecakes allows for a creamy texture without the need for an oven, making it perfect for warm climates or quick, fuss-free preparation.

Cooking Tips

• Cool the Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin mixture has cooled to room temperature before adding it to the cream cheese to avoid lumps.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake needs plenty of time to set in the fridge (at least 6 hours), so it’s a great option for making the day before you plan to serve it.
• Substitutions: Don’t like chocolate? You can skip the chocolate layer and make the entire cheesecake with the cream cheese and cherry mixture!

Optional Variations

• Liqueur Swap: If you’re not a fan of chocolate or almond liqueur, swap it for kirsch or amaretto for a slightly different flavor.
• More Chocolate: For extra indulgence, sprinkle chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cheesecake.
• No Alcohol: If you prefer to make the recipe alcohol-free, simply skip the marinating step and use fresh or frozen cherries as is.

No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

• Crust:
• • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos with the filling removed)
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• Filling:
• • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, chopped in half
  • ½ cup chocolate or almond flavored liqueur
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • ¾ cup cold water
  • 2 ½ (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and ⅓ cup sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Cherries:Place the cherries in a small bowl with the chocolate or almond liqueur. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes. Afterward, drain the cherries and discard or drink the leftover liqueur.
3. Dissolve the Gelatin:In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over ¾ cup of cold water. Let it stand for 1 minute without stirring. Then, heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and allow the gelatin mixture to cool.
4. Make the Filling:In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar until well combined and smooth. Stir in the cooled gelatin mixture, dividing the cream cheese mixture in half into two separate bowls.
5. Create the Chocolate Layer:In a separate small bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Cool slightly before stirring the melted chocolate into one half of the cream cheese mixture. Pour this chocolate mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
6. Prepare the Whipped Cream Layer:In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture and the drained cherries. Pour this mixture over the chocolate layer in the crust.
7. Chill and Set:Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set.
8. Serve and Enjoy:Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform pan and garnish with more fresh cherries if desired. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. With its velvety texture and decadent layers of chocolate and cherries, it’s a showstopper at any event. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or as a holiday treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!