Why isn't my no bake cheesecake setting?

No bake cheesecake needs to be refrigerated for at least 6 hours before it starts to firm up. The longer it's in the refrigerator the better, preferably overnight. I find day 2 the cheesecake is at its firmest. Also, when making your cake make sure your whipping cream is whipped to stiff peaks and is folded into the batter. You want to make sure you keep the air in the whipping cream, avoid stirring it into the batter. Also, if the strawberries are too juicy they can throw off the ratio in the recipe, causing too much liquid. This makes it more difficult for the batter to set.

Can I freeze a no bake cheesecake to set it faster?

Yes, you can freeze a no bake cheesecake to help it set. It's better to use the refrigerator and let it set slowly but in a pinch you can help it along by putting it in the freezer for approx. 1 hour. Then let it finish setting in the refrigerator. Be warned though, a frozen cheesecake can become gritty and once it starts to defrost will sweat and lose its shape.

How far in advance can I make a no bake cheesecake?

Two days is the ideal time to make a no bake cheesecake ahead of time. It will last approx. 5-6 days stored in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Make ahead, No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Name: Make ahead, No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Cheesecake
Ingredients: 1 box (200g) Mr. Christy Chocolate Wafers; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 – 1 1/2 cups (200g) chopped strawberries; 16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks), cubed at room temperature; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks; 1/3 cup whipped cream; edible flowers (or fresh strawberries, or mini eggs)

Make ahead, No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

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5 from 2 reviews

These cheesecake squares taste more like a light strawberry mousse on a bed of buttery chocolate, than actual cheesecake, perfect for a light summer treat. The longer you keep the squares in the fridge the better for setting. I found on day two the squares were at their best.

Author: Alie Romano
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: Cheesecake

Ingredients

Units Scale

Crust

1 box (200g) Mr. Christy Chocolate Wafers
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

1 – 1 1/2 cups (200g) chopped strawberries
16 ounces cream cheese (2 blocks), cubed at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Topping

1/3 cup whipped cream
edible flowers (or fresh strawberries, or mini eggs)

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Instructions

Line a 9 x 9 pan with parchment paper, making sure there is lots of overhang (this way you can easily pull out the cheesecake when it’s ready.
In a food processor, add chocolate wafers and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and mix well.
Pour out crumble into your prepared pan and pat the cookie crumbs down firmly. Make sure to get into the corners as well. Place in the refrigerator.
Clean out your food processor. Add strawberries and pulse until smoothly chopped, add sugar and continue to mix. Add cubed cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
Whip up whipping cream and fold into cream cheese batter. Pour batter on top of the chilled cookie crust. Smooth out the top and cover with plastic wrap (making sure not to touch the batter).
Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight or up to 2 days in advance.
Once cheesecake is completely set, gently lift the the cheesecake out of the pan by using the overhang of the parchment paper. Using a large sharp knife, slice cake into 16 squares.
Add a dollop of whipping cream and lightly press edible flowers or strawberry slices into the whipping cream.
Store cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Remember this is a no bake recipe so the filling will not be as stable as a baked cheesecake. I don’t recommend travelling with this dessert, as it’s best served cold, right from the fridge.

The longer you leave the squares in the fridge the better. I found on day 2 the squares were completely solid and at their best for serving.

Use edible flowers on top or chocolate mini eggs or fresh slices of strawberries.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 239
Sugar: 12.3g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18.1
Saturated Fat: 10.6
Unsaturated Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 18.3g
Fiber: 0.6g
Protein: 2.9
Cholesterol: 50mg

Find it online: https://bakingforfriends.com/make-ahead-no-bake-strawberry-cheesecake/