Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake – Creamy, Tangy & Easy

Lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake is the ultimate dessert when you want something creamy, zesty, and totally fuss-free. This chilled treat brings together a tart lemon cheesecake filling, sweet raspberry swirls, and a buttery graham cracker crust all without turning on your oven. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sunny weekend. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a simple recipe to impress, this one’s for you. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make every layer perfectly and share my favorite tips for that ultra-smooth, sliceable finish.

The Story & Intro to Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake

A Valentine’s Day Inspiration

My husband and yes, he really calls cheesecake his ultimate “meal” loves a good bake, but this year I wanted something pink, light, and tropical-spring perfect. Growing up in Canada, my kitchen memories include Sunday stews and cozy sweetness; now, I find that a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake brings all that warmth into a bright, no-fuss dessert. With Valentine’s Day in mind, I borrowed my classic no‑bake cheesecake base and added fresh lemon juice and raspberries for that pretty‑in‑pink look. It wasn’t just about making a show‑stopper it was about celebrating real‑life kitchens, the ones with toddlers and dogs underfoot, where the love is in the simplicity.

Why No‑Bake Works Wonders

If you’ve never tried a no‑bake cheesecake, you’re in for a treat. Unlike baked cheesecakes that require an oven and a water bath, this one sets in the fridge. That simplicity makes the lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake perfect for beginners and low‑stress cooks. It uses whipped cream folded into cream cheese, lemon zest, and juice for tang and firmness. The raspberry swirl adds color and fruity kick, while the graham cracker crust ties it all together with crunch. No cracking, no sweating over oven temps just creamy, dreamy flavor.

How to Make Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake

Building the Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake Base

A great lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake begins with a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust that brings everything together. I love how the subtle sweetness and crunch balance the creamy filling. For the best results, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs, stir with sugar and melted butter, and press into your springform pan. I usually refrigerate the crust while prepping the rest, though baking it briefly adds a slightly toasted flavor. If you enjoy crust-forward desserts, check out my classic Blueberry Cheesecake Bars No Bake for variations using vanilla wafers or shortbread.

Creamy Filling and a Bright Raspberry Swirl

The real star is the luscious filling. Start with room temperature cream cheese it’s key to avoiding lumps. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and airy, then mix in the powdered sugar, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla. Separately, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture this keeps the filling fluffy but stable. For the swirl, mash or purée raspberries and strain out the seeds for that silky texture. Dollop spoonfuls of raspberry across the surface and swirl with a toothpick or butter knife. I use a toothpick when I want neat marbled lines, like I do in my No-Bake Cheesecake Collection.

After swirling the raspberry through the filling, let the cheesecake chill for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight for the firmest set. You’ll find the filling sets up beautifully, with a soft, creamy bite that still holds its shape.

lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake
lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake

No-Bake Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake Tips

Why Lemon Juice Matters in No-Bake Cheesecake

Lemon juice isn’t just for flavor it’s a structural hero in a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake. The acidity helps firm up the filling by reacting with the proteins in the cream cheese. That means a more stable slice without the need for gelatin. It also gives the dessert that fresh citrus kick that pairs beautifully with sweet raspberries. If you’re making this for the first time, always use fresh lemon juice bottled just doesn’t give the same brightness or setting power. I use this same trick in my No-bake lemon cheesecake, and it never fails.

Common No-Bake Cheesecake Troubleshooting

Having trouble getting the right texture? You’re not alone. One of the biggest issues with no-bake cheesecakes is a soft, soupy middle. The fix? First, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing cold cream cheese causes lumps. Second, whip your cream to stiff peaks, not soft ones. That volume is what supports the filling. And finally, don’t skip the chilling time. Three hours is the minimum, but overnight chilling gives you the cleanest cut and best flavor blend.

If your lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake still doesn’t firm up, check the balance of liquid to fat too much lemon juice or under-whipped cream can tip the texture. And remember: folding, not stirring, keeps the mixture light. For more tricks, check out my Easy Cheesecake Recipes, where I cover everything from mixing mishaps to summer heat fixes.

With a few careful steps, your lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake will set up beautifully and taste as good as it looks.

Storing and Serving Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake

The Best Way to Store No-Bake Cheesecake

One of the many joys of a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake is how well it holds up. Once fully chilled and set, it can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to four days perfect if you’re planning ahead for a dinner party or holiday. I recommend keeping it in the springform pan if you haven’t sliced it yet, covered tightly with plastic wrap. If you’re freezing it, wrap the whole cheesecake first in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

For more ideas on what freezes well, check out my freezer-friendly No-Bake Cheesecake Collection, which includes variations like pumpkin spice and key lime.

Garnish & Presentation Tips

To give your no-bake lemon and raspberry cheesecake that extra wow factor, I love to decorate just before serving. Fresh raspberries and thin lemon slices add brightness, while a swirl of whipped cream gives height and texture. You can even sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers or white chocolate curls over the top. Want a fancier finish? Pipe a whipped cream border or drizzle a little raspberry sauce over each slice.

For neat slices, wipe your knife clean between cuts and serve slightly chilled not too cold, not too warm. I keep my cheesecake in the fridge until just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Whether it’s a special occasion or a sweet finish to a quiet evening, this lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake is always a standout.

lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake
A slice of chilled lemon and raspberry no-bake cheesecake ready to serve

Conclusion

Making a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake is one of those sweet wins in the kitchen a recipe that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and doesn’t require an oven or complex techniques. With its creamy lemon filling, swirls of tart raspberry, and crisp graham cracker crust, this dessert delivers on both flavor and ease. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because you want something refreshing and fuss-free. Be sure to chill it well, start with soft cream cheese, and fold gently to keep the filling smooth and airy. From my UK kitchen to yours happy no-baking!

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FAQs About Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake

Is no-bake cheesecake better than baked cheesecake?

It depends on what you’re looking for. No-bake cheesecake has a lighter, mousse-like texture and is easier to make since there’s no oven or water bath involved. It’s perfect for warmer weather or when you want a fuss-free dessert. Baked cheesecakes, like New York style, tend to be denser and richer. If you love creamy and chilled, a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake might become your new go-to.

What does lemon juice do in a cheesecake?

In a no-bake cheesecake, lemon juice adds both flavor and structure. Its acidity helps thicken the cream cheese mixture, creating a firmer set without gelatin. That’s especially important in a lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake, where the lemon flavor is a key feature and helps balance the sweetness of the raspberry swirl.

What sets a no-bake cheesecake?

The filling sets thanks to a combination of whipped cream and cream cheese. Whipping the cream to stiff peaks and folding it into softened cream cheese creates a light, stable texture. Chilling it in the refrigerator allows it to firm up. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice can also help stabilize the mix, giving your cheesecake that perfect sliceable texture.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake not firm?

Soft or runny cheesecake usually means one of three things: the cream cheese wasn’t fully softened, the whipped cream wasn’t beaten to stiff peaks, or the cheesecake didn’t chill long enough. For the best results with your lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake, chill overnight and use full-fat ingredients for structure.

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lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake

Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake No Bake – Creamy, Tangy & Easy


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 3 hours (chill time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This lemon and raspberry cheesecake no bake is a creamy, zesty dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, whipped lemon cheesecake filling, and raspberry swirl topping. It’s fridge-set, no oven required, and perfect for spring and summer celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

200g (2 cups) graham crackers, crushed

50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar

113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

170g (6 oz) fresh raspberries

470ml (2 cups) heavy cream, very cold

452g (2 cups) cream cheese, room temperature

80g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice


Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers and mix with sugar and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and refrigerate.

2. Purée raspberries and strain to remove seeds if desired. Set aside.

3. Whip cold cream to stiff peaks and set aside.

4. In another bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

5. Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

6. Spread filling into crust. Dollop raspberry purée on top and swirl with a knife or toothpick.

7. Cover and chill in fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

8. Remove from pan, garnish with fruit or whipped cream, and serve chilled.

Notes

For a more toasted flavor, you may bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes before filling.

Use full-fat cream cheese and whip cream to stiff peaks for best texture.

Chilling overnight helps achieve the firmest set.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg


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