No Bake Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

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This Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe is a gelatin free, no bake cheesecake, perfect for any rainbow themed party, or a St. Patrick’s Day dessert. It’s as much fun to make as it is to eat!

This recipe was originally posted in March of 2018. It’s been updated in March of 2021 with more info and new step by step photos!

No Bake Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe (1)

RAINBOW CHEESECAKE INSPIRATION

A few years ago I went to the Queen Mary Tea Room in Seattle with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to celebrate our birthdays. The first thing you see when you walk into the shop is their well stocked dessert case.

And there, shining like a beautiful multi-colored beacon, was a stunning rainbow cheesecake.

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Before we were seated I snapped a quick photo with my phone, determined to make my own rainbow cheesecake that was just as lovely.

As I developed the recipe, I decided to go the no bake cheesecakerecipe route, and set each layer individually so that I could really get those distinctive colors in every slice.

ICEBOX CHEESECAKE RECIPE

There are a few different ways to make no bake cheesecake. Most no bake cheesecake recipes use gelatin to set the filling. But I was planning to serve this cheesecake to a group that included vegetarians who eat dairy but would not eat gelatin.

After doing some research, I decided to adapt Martha Stewart’s cheesecake which did not use gelatin. A lot of the reviews said that their filling never set using that recipe. So I made this an icebox cheesecake.

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Icebox cheesecake (or icebox cake) basically means it has a softer texture, so you keep your dessert in the freezer. Keeping the cheesecake in the freezer also helps the layers to stay very distinctive when you slice it.

Once you slice your rainbow cheesecake, it begins to soften as you eat it. And don’t worry, the high sugar content of the sweetened condensed milk keeps it from freezing completely solid.

HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE CHEESECAKE RECIPE

STEP 1: Crush up a box of graham crackers into crumbs. You can use a food processor or just crush them in a sealed bag.

STEP 2: Mix the crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom and up the sides of a spring form pan, then place in the freezer to firm up.

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STEP 3: Mix softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice until completely smooth and creamy.

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STEP 4: Divide the cheesecake filling between 7 bowls. Mix one color into each bowl.

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STEP 5: Remove crust from freezer and spread the red filling into the bottom. Freeze for 15-30 minutes, until set.

STEP 6: Repeat with remaining colors, freezing each color until set. Your freeze time will shorten for each layer as you go since the cheesecake is getting colder and colder.

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STEP 7: When purple layer on top is set, pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edge.

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STEP 8: Sprinkle whipped cream with funfetti.

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STEP 9: Keep cheesecake in the freezer until ready to serve.

TIPS FOR NO BAKE RAINBOW CHEESECAKE RECIPE

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  • I am a big fan of graham cracker crusts, so our crust is super thick. Feel free to use just 2/3 the amount of graham crackers and butter if you want less crust.
  • Make sure to use full fat cream cheese. The low fat kind has an even harder time without gelatin and will not set up.
  • Want to guarantee your cheesecake filling sets? If you don’t mind using gelatin, just mix one package with 1 cup boiling water. Stir that into your filling before dividing it between your bowls. Then make as directed.
  • To get those perfect rainbow layers, clean your knife between each slice, and slice the cheesecake fresh from the freezer.
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RAINBOW CHEESECAKE RECIPE SUPPLIES

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PIN TO SAVE THIS RAINBOW CHEESECAKE RECIPE FOR LATER

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Yield: 16

Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe

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This Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe is a gelatin free, no bake cheesecake, perfect for any rainbow themed party. It's as much fun to make as it is to eat! Make sure to allow a few hours of freezing time. You don't have to commit 3 hours straight, you can do the layers throughout the day before you plan to serve the cheesecake.

Prep Time20 minutes

Freezing3 hours 20 minutes

Total Time3 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Crush up a box of graham crackers into crumbs. You can use a food processor or just crush them in a sealed bag.
  2. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan, then place in the freezer to firm up.
  3. Mix softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Divide the cheesecake filling between 7 bowls, then mix one color into each bowl.
  5. Remove crust from freezer and spread the red filling into the bottom. Freeze for 15-30 minutes, until set.
  6. Repeat with remaining colors, freezing each color until set. Your freeze time will shorten for each layer as you go since the cheesecake is getting colder and colder.
  7. When purple layer on top is set, pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edge and sprinkle with funfetti.
  8. Keep cheesecake in the freezer until ready to serve.To get those perfect rainbow layers slice the cheesecake fresh from the freezer, and clean your knife between each slice.

Notes

Want to guarantee your cheesecake filling sets? If you don't mind using gelatin, just mix one package with 1 cup boiling water. Stir that into your filling before dividing it between your bowls. Then make as directed.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

16 Servings

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 456Saturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 314mgCarbohydrates: 44gSugar: 32gProtein: 6g

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No Bake Rainbow Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my no-bake cheesecake set? ›

The texture of the cheesecake will be runnier and it may not set up if using light cream cheese. Full fat cream cheese is best in this recipe. Question: Why is my cheesecake runny/why didn't it set up? Answer: This may be due to the type of cream used.

How do you know when a no-bake cheesecake is set? ›

Try this: The cheesecake should be shiny and firm to the touch when set. You can move the cheesecake to the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing, but freezing any longer will make for a frozen cheesecake without the same delightfully creamy texture as the just-refrigerated version.

Can you over whip no-bake cheesecake? ›

Runny Cheesecake mixtures

Sometimes, you can simply over whisk, or under whisk a mixture. I cannot explain the differences, as it can vary as to why! You need to make sure when whisking a no-bake cheesecake mixture that you keep an eye on the mixture constantly so you can see when it thickens up!

Why is my no-bake cheesecake so runny? ›

The primary reason a no-bake cheesecake is too runny or doesn't set up properly is generally the temperature of the ingredients. If your cream cheese is too warm, the mixture will be too soft and will never set up properly.

What not to do when making cheesecake? ›

Cold ingredients are a big no-no when it comes to cheesecake. If your ingredients are cold you will have to mix them longer which will whip too much air into your batter. If the cake has too much air, it will rise too much in the oven and then the middle will sink when cooling. Nobody wants a sad, sunken cheesecake.

What happens when you overbeat cheesecake batter? ›

When making your filling, overmixing can lead to incorporating too much air into the batter. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, and the cheesecake will fall and crack. THE FIX: The number one reason why you'd overbeat your batter is because you're having dificulty incorporating cold ingredients.

Can you leave no bake cheesecake out overnight? ›

Leaving cheesecake out overnight is not recommended, as it can lead to food safety concerns. It should be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving to prevent spoilage and maintain its freshness.

What brand of cream cheese is best for cheesecake? ›

Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular brand of cream cheese that is often used in cheesecake recipes, but there are many other brands of cream cheese that can be used as well.

Can you eat a no bake cheesecake straight away? ›

No-bake cheesecakes may not need an oven, but they do need a refrigerator and several hours to chill before serving. When the filling is still above 50°F (10°C), it's soft, loose, and airy, something like a mousse, with a crust that crumbles a bit more readily.

Can you eat Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling? ›

Yes, Philadelphia makes a 24-ounce tub of pre-made cheesecake filling that you can use directly from the fridge—no baking necessary. The tub has everything you want from the sugary, sweet, cream cheese filling of a cheesecake, and it's ready to serve as-is.

What is no bake cheesecake filling made of? ›

  1. 1 and 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream.
  2. three 8-ounce blocks (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
  3. 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
  4. 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners' sugar.
  5. 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream, at room temperature.
  6. 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
  7. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
Mar 9, 2016

How do you keep a no bake cheesecake firm? ›

Fill and Chill Ahead of Time

You need to be patient and allow enough time for the cheesecake filling to set in the refrigerator. If you rush it, you risk cutting into a cheesecake that is still liquid in the center. The recipe calls for two and a half to three hours for chilling, but longer is even better.

What can I add to cheesecake that is too runny? ›

There are a few ways to thicken cheesecake filling. One way is to use cornstarch, which is a common thickener in many desserts. You can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch into your cheesecake filling mixture before baking. Another option is to use a little bit of flour or arrowroot powder.

Can I put my no-bake cheesecake in the freezer to set? ›

This makes for a great make-ahead dessert! Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. The filling won't slice and you'll lose the velvet texture!

Can you put a no-bake cheesecake in the freezer to speed up the process? ›

We do not recommend freezing our no-bake cheesecake as a way to speed up the chilling and setting process because freezing will impact the texture of both the filling and the crust. We also do not recommend freezing the cheesecake as a make-ahead strategy.

Can I put a cheesecake in the freezer to set? ›

Before you can freeze cheesecake, you must let it cool completely at room temperature and then fully set and chill in the fridge overnight. If you're making a no-bake cheesecake, make sure it's chilled long enough to fully set. Once your cheesecake is chilled, you can wrap it and freeze it as is.

How long does it take for a Jello cheesecake to set? ›

Fold cream cheese mixture into gelatin-milk mixture to form cheesecake filling. Set graham cracker crust on a baking sheet or plate to maintain stability. Pour cheesecake filling into crust. Refrigerate until cake is set, at least 3 1/2 hours.

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