Vegetarian no bake cheesecake is a creamy, fuss-free dessert that sets in the fridge no oven, eggs, or gelatine needed. With a smooth vanilla filling and a crunchy cookie crust, it’s perfect for warm days or easy make-ahead treats. This simple recipe delivers all the classic flavor with none of the baking.
Table of Contents
Why This Vegetarian No Bake Cheesecake Is a Must-Make
A Cozy Moment in My Kitchen
Vegetarian no bake cheesecake became a lifesaver one warm afternoon with my toddler playing nearby and zero motivation to turn on the oven. I wanted something creamy and nostalgic but light, egg-free, and stress-free. The result? A fridge-set beauty with a crunchy base and vanilla-rich filling that now sits beside my favorite Chocolate peanut butter no-bake cheesecake bars and No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake as one of our most-loved family desserts.
No Gelatin, No Oven All Flavor
What makes this vegetarian no bake cheesecake stand out is its simplicity. You won’t need gelatine, eggs, or an oven to get that smooth, sliceable texture—this cheesecake holds its shape straight from the fridge. A blend of soaked cashews, tangy lemon juice, creamy vegan cheese, and coconut oil gives it that classic cheesecake taste with a light, dairy-free twist. Just like my No-bake lemon cheesecake, it sets beautifully and looks stunning dressed with fresh fruit or a swirl of berry coulis.
The Best Ingredients for a Vegetarian No Bake Cheesecake
What You Need for the Perfect Texture and Flavor
This vegetarian no bake cheesecake comes together with about 10 pantry-friendly ingredients each playing a vital role in its creamy, no-gelatine success. The crust begins with vegan cookies like digestives or graham-style crackers, crushed and mixed with melted vegan butter. For the filling, soaked cashews, vegan cream cheese, and a touch of coconut oil blend into a smooth, creamy base that sets firm no eggs, no oven needed. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while lemon juice brings that signature cheesecake tang. And don’t forget the vanilla it’s the star flavor, so use extract, paste, or seeds for the best result.
For extra creaminess, I always include a scoop of vegan Greek-style yogurt. It lightens the texture and gives a smooth, whipped feel that’s not too heavy. You can find similar creamy elements in my No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake and Vegan Blueberry Crumble Tiramisu, where yogurt plays a big role in balancing richness.
Smart Swaps and Optional Twists
Need to make it gluten-free? Just use GF cookies in the crust. Prefer coconut milk over vegan cream cheese? Make sure it’s full-fat canned and chilled overnight only the thick cream from the top will work here. Don’t want to use cookies? Blend toasted coconut, rolled oats, cashews, and dates for a naturally sweet, whole-food crust like in my No bake lemon bars.
No food processor? No problem place the cookies in a sealed bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. Mix in melted butter and press into the pan. This cheesecake is flexible, fridge-friendly, and totally fuss-free.

How to Make the Best Vegetarian No Bake Cheesecake
Step-by-Step for Foolproof Results
Making this vegetarian no bake cheesecake is as easy as blend, pour, and chill. Start with the crust: crush your cookies into crumbs, mix with melted vegan butter, and press firmly into a lined cake tin. Press the mixture down firmly and smooth it out with the back of a spoon. Then, place the pan in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Next, blend your soaked cashews, vegan cream cheese, coconut oil, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice until completely smooth. This part matters take your time and scrape the sides of the blender as needed. Once the filling is smooth and creamy, pour it over the chilled crust and spread it evenly to the edges. Chill the whole cheesecake in the fridge for at least 5 hours, or overnight for best results.
You’ll find the same effortless method works in my No bake cheesecake pudding and Coconut cheesecake no bake, proving that no-bake can still mean no-fail.
Setting, Slicing, and Serving Like a Pro
Once fully set, gently release the cheesecake from the tin by lifting the removable base. If needed, run a damp cloth along the edges to help loosen it. Use a hot, sharp knife to slice for clean cuts.
Top it with whatever you love fresh berries, a drizzle of raspberry sauce, even shaved dark chocolate. I love adding a swirl of blended strawberries and maple syrup for a quick coulis. You’ll see this kind of fresh topping magic in my blueberry cheesecake too it brings brightness and color to every bite.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Storing Leftovers and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about this vegetarian no bake cheesecake is how well it keeps making it perfect for both planned gatherings and last-minute cravings. Once it’s set, store your vegetarian no bake cheesecake in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to five days. The texture stays creamy and firm, never soggy. Want to make it ahead? Slice the vegetarian no bake cheesecake into portions, wrap them individually, and freeze in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, let slices thaw overnight in the fridge or sit at room temperature for about an hour. I use this method for my no bake cherry cheesecake and it always works beautifully.
Toppings, Finishes, and Final Touches
This vegetarian no bake cheesecake makes an ideal canvas for a variety of toppings. Try it with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a classic look, or drizzle it with a quick berry-maple syrup coulis. For a richer finish, top it with shaved dark chocolate or a dollop of creamy nut butter.
A swirl of vegan whipped cream adds elegance, while keeping it plain lets the vanilla filling shine. For another chilled favorite with minimal effort, my Cottage cheese chocolate mousse also delivers big flavor with no oven time.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, prepping desserts in advance, or just craving a sweet bite on a busy weeknight, this vegetarian no bake cheesecake fits effortlessly into your day and disappears fast.

Conclusion
This vegetarian no bake cheesecake is everything you want in a dessert creamy, chilled, and incredibly easy to make. With no gelatine, no eggs, and no oven required, it’s perfect for warm days, busy weeks, or when you just want a sweet treat without the fuss. Whether you top it with fresh fruit, drizzle it with berry sauce, or enjoy it as-is, this cheesecake delivers every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a no-bake cheesecake without gelatine?
Yes! This vegetarian no bake cheesecake sets beautifully without gelatine thanks to a combination of soaked cashews, coconut oil, and a chilled rest time. Coconut oil firms up when cold, giving the cheesecake a stable, sliceable texture without any animal-based setting agents.
Why is my no-bake cheesecake runny without gelatin?
A runny texture usually means one of two things: the filling wasn’t blended smoothly enough, or the cheesecake didn’t chill long enough. Make sure to use full-fat ingredients like vegan cream cheese and solid coconut oil, and chill your vegetarian no bake cheesecake for at least 5 hours or overnight for best results.
What’s the difference between cheesecake and no-bake cheesecake?
Traditional cheesecake contains eggs and is baked until set, while a vegetarian no bake cheesecake skips the oven entirely. It relies on chilled ingredients and a solidifying fat like coconut oil to set firm. The result is a lighter, often creamier texture with no baking required.
Can cheesecake be made without baking?
Absolutely. This vegetarian no bake cheesecake is proof! You’ll get all the creamy texture and tangy flavor of a classic cheesecake without ever turning on your oven. Just blend, chill, and serve it’s perfect for warm days or simple prep.

Vegetarian No Bake Cheesecake: Easy, Creamy, Gelatin-Free Dessert
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vegetarian no bake cheesecake is creamy, egg-free, and gelatin-free with a cookie crust and silky cashew filling perfect for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Crust:
160 g vegan cookies (digestives or graham-style)
½ tsp sea salt
60 g vegan butter, melted
Filling:
200 g cashews (soaked)
300 g vegan cream cheese
120 g vegan Greek-style yogurt
118 ml pure maple syrup
50 g coconut oil (solid)
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Topping (optional):
Fresh berries, berry coulis, or vegan whipped cream
Instructions
1. Line the bottom and sides of a round 8″ pan with parchment.
2. Crush cookies and sea salt in a food processor or sealed bag.
3. Mix with melted vegan butter until evenly combined.
4. Press the crust into the base of the pan and smooth with a spoon. Chill.
5. Blend all filling ingredients until silky smooth.
6. Pour filling onto chilled crust and level the top.
7. Chill in fridge for at least 5 hours or overnight.
8. Remove from pan carefully, garnish, and slice with a hot wet knife.
Notes
To quick-soak cashews, place in boiling water for 1 hour.
For a gluten-free version, use GF vegan cookies.
Coconut milk can be used in place of vegan cream cheese if chilled and full-fat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: No Bake Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American