Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert with Graham Cracker Crust

This easy, no-bake cherry cheesecake dessert brings back so many memories of the holidays at my grandparents’ house. My grandma handled most of the cooking (as grandmas tend to do), but dessert was always passed down to her daughters. And without fail, my aunt would show up with a triple batch of this cherry cheesecake.

And somehow, no matter how much she made… it never felt like enough. We’d all circle back to the fridge later that night—or the next day—hoping there was still a square left.

Now, years later, this is the version I make. Still simple. Still reliable. And still one of those desserts that disappears faster than you expect.

What Makes This No Bake Cherry Cheesecake So Good

There’s something about this recipe that just works:

• No baking required
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Creamy, light filling with just enough sweetness
• That classic cherry topping that makes it feel like a holiday

It’s the kind of dessert you can pull together without overthinking—and it always feels a little special.

Ingredients for No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert

Crust Ingredients

• 20 Honey Graham Crackers, Finely Ground
• 1/2 c. Confectioner's Sugar
• 1/4 c. Butter, Melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 1 8oz Package of Cream Cheese
• 3/4 c. Confectioner's Sugar
• 1 8oz Tub of Whipped Topping

Topping Ingredients

• 1 21 oz Can of Cherry Pie Filling
• Additional Whipped Topping if Desired

How to Make No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

The easiest way to crush the graham crackers is by placing them in a large zippered storage bag and using a rolling pin.

This was always a favorite “helper job” in our kitchen. I used to divide the crackers between my girls and let them each have their own bag—it kept them busy and made them feel part of the process.

• Place crumbs in a mixing bowl
• Add confectioner’s sugar and stir well
• Pour in melted butter and mix until evenly moistened
• Press into the bottom of a 9x9-inch glass baking dish

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar
• Mix until smooth (low speed or by hand)
• Gently fold in whipped topping
• Spread evenly over the crust

Step 3: Top, Chill, and Serve

• Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour
• Slice into squares and serve

I usually set out extra whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate syrup—because no one ever complains about a little extra.

Tips That Make This Even Better

• Let the cream cheese fully soften for a smoother filling
• Chill longer if you can (2–3 hours gives cleaner slices)
• Use a glass dish for easy serving and presentation
• For cleaner cuts, wipe your knife between slices

Easy Variations to Try

Once you’ve made this once, it’s easy to switch it up:

• Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry or strawberry
• Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel
• Use chocolate graham crackers for a richer crust
• Make individual servings in small jars for gatherings

How to Store This Dessert

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
• Best served chilled straight from the fridge
• Not ideal for freezing (texture can change)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—this is actually a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before for best results.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
You can, but whipped topping holds its structure longer, which helps this dessert stay firm.

Do I have to use cherry topping?
Not at all—any pie filling works beautifully here. Or you can make your own fruit topping!

A Dessert That Stays With You

Some recipes are complicated. This isn’t one of them.

But somehow, it’s the simple ones—the ones made in busy kitchens, passed between family members, and eaten straight from the fridge the next day—that end up meaning the most.

This is one of those.

Enjoy! 

Recipe Card

Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dessert

A creamy, easy no-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust, fluffy cheesecake layer, and sweet cherry topping.

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Yield 9 servings

Cuisine American

Ingredients

• 20 honey graham crackers, finely ground
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• Additional whipped topping, if desired

Instructions

1. Place the graham crackers in a large zippered storage bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground.
2. Add the graham cracker crumbs to a mixing bowl. Stir in the confectioner's sugar until well combined.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch glass baking dish.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and confectioner's sugar. Mix until smooth.
5. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the filling is smooth and creamy.
6. Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.
7. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
8. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares and serving.

Helpful Note: Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. For a prettier finish, add a small dollop of whipped topping to each slice just before serving.