If you are looking for an easy Philadelphia cheesecake recipe then you are in the right place. Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling is perfect for any occasion, from a dinner party to summer picnic. This easy vanilla cheesecake recipe is easy to make, endlessly adaptable for your favourite flavours, and always delicious.
In this post I will share my guide on how to make a no bake cheesecake and share my huge selection of cheesecake recipes with Philadelphia cream cheese.
No-bake cheesecakes are easy and this Philadelphia cheesecake is equal parts easy as it is tasty! Philidelphia cream cheese gives the best flavour to a no-bake cheesecake. You can keep it simple as I have in this no-bake vanilla cheesecake, or you decorate a fancy cheesecake with fruit, chocolate or whipped cream!
Why you’ll love this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe
Philadelphia cheesecake is a velvety smooth, rich cheesecake that melts in your mouth.
This is an easy no bake cheesecake recipe that is easy to follow with minimal ingredients. It’s a fuss-free dessert that yields impressive results, even for beginners.
This cheesecake is a perfect blank canvas for you to add your own flavour flair! Add your favourite toppings, from fresh fruit and chocolate! Brilliantly adaptable for any occasion or season.
No bake cheesecake is the perfect get-ahead dessert. This cheesecake can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for parties or events. It stores well in the fridge and even freezes.
This is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert. With its rich creamy flavour, this cheesecake is always a hit. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, it’s a timeless dessert that appeals to all palates!
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Philadelphia
It wouldn’t be a Philadelphia cheesecake without Philadelphia cream cheese. I adore cream cheese. I find that the full-fat version is the best as it offers the best flavour.
Biscuit Base
The secret to any good cheesecake is to have a sturdy and delicious biscuit base. I love using shortbread for my cheesecake bases; they’re crumbly and light which just pairs perfectly with the cheesecake filling and whipped cream decoration.
You can use any biscuit you like though, chocolate digestive, shortbread or even a crumbly custard cream. It’s completely up to you!
How to make Philadelphia no bake cheesecake – step by step
Crush the shortbread biscuits in a food processor, or put them in a plastic sandwich bag and use a rolling pin to break them up (my preferred method to leave them as a larger crumb).
Stir the biscuit crumbs in a bowl with the melted butter.
Scoop the crumbs into the tin and push down gently with the back of a spoon to make a hard layer. Place the cake tin in the fridge and leave to harden for 30 minutes while you make the cream layer.
Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling
In a bowl cream together the cream cheese and caster sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste if you want to go extra fancy.
In a bowl whip the double cream / heavy cream until thick and has soft peaks.
Sieve the icing sugar into the cream cheese.
Combine the cream cheese and double cream until combined. Don’t over mix.
Spoon the Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling mixture into the cake tin and level off. Place it in the fridge for at least an hour.
Decorate how you love. I recommend swirls of double cream pipped on top. They make good stands for decorations.
No Bake Philadelphia Cheesecake Top Tips
Ensure your cream and cream cheese is at room temperature before you whisk and combine your ingredients, this will ensure it doesn’t curdle and combines well. Even out of the fridge for 5 minutes will help.
place some greaseproof paper around the edge of your cake tin, this stops your vanilla cheesecake from sticking to the sides and means you can enjoy it quicker! Investing in a springform tin will also help get your cheesecakes out quickly and easily.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste are my top tips for this recipe. It really boosts the vanilla flavour and makes the finished cheesecake absolutely delicious.
Philadelphia Cheesecake Serving Suggestions
I suggest enjoying this Philadelphia cheesecake with strawberries and a big glass of prosecco!
The great thing about this basic vanilla cheesecake is that it is a perfect base for whatever you want to top it with.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness and colour to the creamy cheesecake. If you don’t have fresh fruit you could drizzle the cheesecake with berry coulis or compote.
For a more tropical flavour, you can try mango slices, passion fruit pulp, or slices of kiwi. The sweetness of these fruits pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese.
Sauces
There are a great range of sauces you can drizzle over a Philadelphia no bake cheesecake. Melted dark or milk chocolate over the cheesecake creates a striking dish and adds a snap texture that compliments the soft cream cheese really well.
Caramel sauce or salted caramel is a popular choice in our house as it adds a perfect sweet and salty contrast to the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
Textures
Crushed cookies on top of the cheesecake give an extra crunch and flavour that is absolutely delicious. Toasted pecans, walnuts, pistachios or almonds drizzled with a little honey or caramel provide a delightful crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake filling.
Seasonal Variations
For Christmas add a sprinkle of gingerbread crumbles, or peppermint shards to really boost the festive flavour. A cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkle can also give the cheesecake a warm, holiday-inspired flavour.
For Easter you can decorate with chocolate eggs or pastel speckled sweets.
In the summer you could add some Pimm’s to the cream layer to add a burst of flavour. Or top with homegrown strawberries.
Philadelphia cheesecake recipe no bake UK is perfect on its own, there isn’t much you can add to this to make it better.
Equipment
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- 8 inch Cake Tin (loose base cake tin or spring form cake tin)
- Sandwich Bag
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Electric whisk
- Whisk
- Piping bag
- Star nozzle
Philadelphia Cheesecake recipe – Substitutions and variations
There are so many variations you can have with this vanilla cheesecake and nearly all of them come with different toppings. Check out all my Cheesecake recipes with Philadelphia cream cheese.
Swap the Philadelphia for Mascarpone
For a slightly sweeter flavour, try using mascarpone cheese in place of Philadelphia cream cheese. Mascarpone has a higher fat content, which gives it a rich, velvety texture and slightly different flavour. It’s worth trying both options if you can as they are both delicious and slightly different.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Fresh summer strawberries, washed and cut in half and stirred through your Philadelphia mix. You can then decorate the top of your easy no-bake vanilla cheesecake UK with some more strawberries.
Sprinkle cheesecake
Sprinkles, hundreds and thousands whatever you call them, they are delicious and make any cheesecake better! Just like the strawberries above stir the sprinkles into your easy cheesecake recipe UK.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Adding chocolate to this classic vanilla cheesecake is a great way to make it a little sweeter and to use up any leftover chocolate you may have. You can make this not a chocolate cheesecake in many ways.
You can use Oreos or bourbon biscuits to make a chocolatey base and then you could even grate or roughly chop your favourite chocolate into the cream cheese layer or on top of the finished cheesecake just before serving. I’d suggest both!
Black Forest Cheesecake
Dark chocolate and cherries on a classic vanilla cheesecake. Sign me up, if you’re looking to make this Philadelphia cheesecake a more luxurious dessert then why not turn it into a black forest cheesecake. All the classic flavours of a black forest gateau without the baking! You can even sprinkle black forest sugar over the top for an extra hint of flavour.
Lemon Cheesecake
Add some fresh lemon zest to your cheesecake batter to add a citrus twist. Lemon adds a bright, tangy twist that complements the creaminess of the Philadelphia cheese beautifully.
Berry Swirl Cheesecake
Create a stunning visual and flavour effect by swirling berry puree or compote (like raspberry or strawberry) into the cheesecake cream cheese layer before chilling. The tartness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese. Make sure you don’t add anything too watery as it can stop the cream cheese from setting firmly.
Biscoff cheesecake
Peanut butter cheesecake
When you make the cream cheese base for this recipe you could add a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the mix. This would also be great when you have a few chocolate chips to go with it. Chocolate and peanut butter is a great combination.
Storing Philadelphia cheesecake / Making ahead of time options
Making ahead
Philadelphia no bake cheesecakes are best made the day before you are ready to serve them. This way they can chill and set in the fridge overnight and really take on that wonderful cheesecake flavour we all know and love.
Storing
When storing the cheesecake please make sure it’s either in an air tight box or wrapped in cling film / saran wrap. The cheesecake can absorb some strong smells and it also stops anything from tainting the leftovers.
Philadelphia cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, I never have any last that long!
Freezing
Freezing a no-bake cheesecake is a fantastic way to prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers for later enjoyment.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to freeze a no bake cheesecake:
Note – freezing without decoration is recommended for best results. Toppings like fresh fruit will become watery as they defrost and can affect the thawed cheesecake.
Before freezing, make sure your no-bake cheesecake has fully set in the fridge (overnight is best). This helps ensure the texture remains smooth and firm after freezing.
Once set, you can either freeze the cheesecake whole in the tin or remove it. I find it easier to freeze in the tin but I have a spare one. Either way, cover the surface tightly with 2 layers of cling film or saran wrap, followed by a layer of foil or two to completely cover it. Double wrapping will help protect it from absorbing any odours from the freezer.
The same can be done for individual pieces, which makes it so much easier if you fancy a slice.
Cheesecake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
How to thaw your cheesecake
When you’re ready to thaw the cheesecake. Remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Troubleshooting a no bake cheesecake
To make sure your cheesecake sets make sure to drain any liquid off the cream cheese. Some cream cheeses, especially cheaper ones, can have a thin watery layer. This can stop the cheesecake from fully setting.
The double cream needs to be really whipped up and have stiff peaks. If it is under-whipped this can also stop the cheesecake from setting as solidly.
When you mix the cream cheese and double cream together don’t over-mix it. As this can break down the beaten-up double cream and make it softer again.
Allow the cream cheese layer to set for at least the amount of time in the recipe. Longer is better but it should be nearly completely set by then.
As this is a no-bake cheesecake it will start softening once you take it out of the fridge. If it’s a warm kitchen or warm day serve it just before you need it.
Top Questions for making a Philadelphia cheesecake
What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake?
Can you buy Philadelphia cream cheese in the UK?
Is mascarpone cheese the same as Philadelphia?
Is cheesecake better with cream cheese or mascarpone?
What is the secret to making good cheesecake?
Can I use Philadelphia light for cheesecake?
Can I use Philadelphia instead of cream cheese?
What is the most popular cheesecake?
Philadelphia cheesecake FAQS
What is the difference between New York cheesecake and Philadelphia cheesecake?
The key difference between a New York cheesecake and a Philadelphia cheesecake is one is baked and one is chilled in the fridge. New York cheesecake is rich and creamy. Often baked which gives it a lovely crust. On the other hand, a Philadelphia cheesecake uses Philadelphia-brand cream cheese, which is lighter and fluffier, with a more straightforward cream cheese flavour. It is definitely worth trying both!
Can you buy Philadelphia cream cheese in the UK?
You can buy Philadelphia cream cheese accross the UK. It is available in most supermarkets in the refrigerated cheese section. It can be bought in a couple of flavour combinations and tub sizes, so choose the right weight for your recipe and make sure to choose the classic Philadelphia. You wouldn’t want to accidentally pick up the herb flavour!
Is mascarpone cheese the same as Philadelphia?
Mascarpone cheese or ‘Italian cream cheese’ is not the same as Philadelphia. Mascarpone is made from heavy cream, whereas cream cheese is made from milk. This means that mascarpone is richer, creamier and has a much higher fat content than Philadelphia.
Is cheesecake better with cream cheese or mascarpone?
I think cheesecake is better with cream cheese rather than mascarpone. Cream cheese has a slightly acidic tang which compliments the cheesecake beautifully. With Mascarpone being made from whole cream, it’s much richer and creamier.
What is the secret to making good cheesecake?
The secret to making good cheesecake is using a high-quality ingredients especially cream cheese, like in this Philadelphia cheesecake. As these cheesecake isn’t baked you need the best flavours to make the creamy layer as delicious as possible.
Can I use Philadelphia light for cheesecake?
Yes you can use Philadelphia Light to make cheesecake, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and consistency. Philadelphia Light has a lower fat content compared to the full-fat version, so the final cheesecake might be a little bit softer to the touch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, it’s a delicious choice.
Can I use Philadelphia instead of cream cheese?
Philadelphia and cream cheese is the same thing! Philadephia is one of the most popular brands of cream cheese you can find. It is easily available in supermarkets and works very well for cheesecakes.
What is the most popular cheesecake?
Although the classic baked New York cheesecake is one of the most popular cheesecakes in the world, the classic no bake Philadephia vanilla cheesecake topped with fresh fruit is a very close second.
The no bake recipe is popular because of it’s ability to be made ahead of time and can be made to include loads of different flavours and decorations. In my opinion you can’t beat a vanilla no bake cheesecake with fresh strawberries on top.
Cheesecake recipes with Philadelphia cream cheese
I love using Philadelphia cream cheese for cheesecake recipes. The flavour, the consistency and the availability make Philadelphia cream cheese a great product to use for no bake cheesecakes.
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Recipe
Philadelphia Cheesecake – Easy NoBake Vanilla Cheesecake!
Equipment
- 8 inch Cake Tin (loose base cake tin or spring form cake tin)
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 90 g (3 â…™ oz) Unsalted butter
- 300 g (1 ¼ cups) shortbread biscuits
- 600 g (2 â…” cups) Soft cream cheese (I used Philadelphia)
- 120 g (4 ¼ oz) Caster sugar
- 50 g icing sugar
- 300 ml (300 ml) double cream / heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Decoration
- 150 ml (150 ml) double cream / heavy cream
Instructions
- Lightly grease an 8-inch cake tin, use a little of the same butter that you use for the base. (I also added a greaseproof paper circle at the bottom to help it off the base later).
Making the Cheesecake Biscuit Base
- Melt the butter gently in the microwave in short bursts (in a microwavable bowl for about 20 seconds at a time) or in a saucepan on a low heat and then take off the heat so it doesn't burn.90 g (3 â…™ oz) Unsalted butter
- Crush the shortbread biscuits in a food processor, or put them in a plastic sandwich bag and use a rolling pin to break them up (my preferred method to leave them as a larger crumb).300 g (1 ¼ cups) shortbread biscuits
- Put the biscuit crumbs in a bowl and add the melted butter. Stir until all the biscuits are coated in the butter.
- Scoop the crumbs into the tin and push down gently with the back of a spoon to make a hard layer. Place the cake tin in the fridge and leave to harden for 30 minutes while you make the cream layer.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a bowl cream together the cream cheese and caster sugar until the sugar has dissolved and is well distributed.600 g (2 ⅔ cups) Soft cream cheese, 120 g (4 ¼ oz) Caster sugar
- Stir in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste if you want to go extra fancy.2 teaspoons (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- In a new bowl lightly whip the double cream until it thickens and has soft peaks.300 ml double cream / heavy cream
- Sieve in the Icing sugar.50 g icing sugar
- Mix the double cream and cream cheese mixture together.
- Remove the cake tin from the fridge. Add the cream cheese mixture to the base.
- Put back into the fridge to set for at least an hour. Longer is fine if you want to make it ahead of time for an event.
- Remove the cheesecake from the tin and place on a plate.
Cheesecake Decoration
- Whisk the remaining double cream until it starts to thicken. Add a star nozzle to a piping bag and add the cream. Pipe the cream into swirls around the outside of the cheesecake.150 ml double cream / heavy cream
- Decorate with your favourite toppings (see notes for ideas).
- Serve and enjoy or put it back into the fridge until later.
Video
Notes
- A vanilla cheesecake (no bake) is a perfect base for adding your favourite toppings too. My top picks for decorating a vanilla cheesecake have to include fresh berries including strawberries, chocolate shavings and of course SPRINKLES!
- You can create this cheesecake in advance for a party or event. Bring out from the fridge and serve.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight box. It will last about 3 days if you don’t eat it all a lot quicker than that.
- This recipe is easy to adapt to your favourite flavours. Add fresh lemon zest to the mix to add a citrus flavour. Grate chocolate into the vanilla cream cheese layer to add a chocolate chip flavour. Fresh fruit, nuts and even dried fruit can work really well.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Originally posted in May 2022, Updated in October 2024.
We loved this recipe! It’s so simple and delicious and the texture is perfection!
We loved this recipe! It’s so simple and delicious and the texture is perfection!
Thank you so much!
I love that this is a no-bake recipe and that I don’t have to turn on my hot oven. Super delicious!
I agree about not using the oven. It’s a great summer dessert.
What a beautiful presentation! I love how you put the pictures in the step by step directions in the recipe. That will make it easy to follow while baking.
This is so incredibly easy and delicious! You can literally just whip this up on a whim if need be. Everyone needs this recipe up their sleeve!
I’ve made this cheesecake several times and it always turns out perfectly! It’s become a favorite for sure!
Did your cheesecake set?? I followed the instructions directly and it doesn’t seem to have set?? Or is that just the texture of it? Please let me know!
This is a soft cheesecake but it should still be set enough to slice and hold its shape.
There are a few reasons it could be softer including any liquid with the cream cheese being added to the mix, not whipping the double cream enough or not letting set for long enough.
This is delicious! I made it for friends on New Years Day and we all loved it. Nice and easy to make, it kept well in the fridge overnight, and it’s easy to offer different topping choices – I skipped the extra cream on top, but served it with a choice of cinnamon mixed berry compote or toffee sauce.
Thank you Kay that is so lovely of you to leave a comment. I’m so glad it was enjoyed. I love the idea of a cinnamon-mixed berry compote! How delicious.
super easy recipe to follow and tasted amazing, will def use this recipe again for all future cheesecake making
Could you stir this into a brownie batter and bake??
You definitely could. It might take some experimenting to see how much to use but I think it would definitely be worth trying.
Recipe says put a little mixture on base and put back in fridge ,is this a typo ?
Yes it is thank you for letting me know! It should just be put the base mixture in the fridge.