If you’re looking for a festive dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re going to want to try this Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe. It’s my go-to holiday treat because it combines creamy, dreamy cheesecake with a crunchy biscuit base—no oven required! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for it every Christmas. I absolutely love how the fresh berries and citrus brightens the whole thing up, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and last-minute celebrations alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed: Perfect for when your oven’s busy or you want to keep your kitchen cool during the holidays.
- Festive and fresh: The berries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs give this cheesecake a Christmas sparkle you’ll adore.
- Make ahead friendly: Prepare up to a day in advance—ideal for busy holiday hosting.
- Kid and crowd-pleaser: This slab feeds a crowd with ease and the flavors are universally loved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of creamy texture and crunchy base. I like to use Biscoff biscuits for their spicy sweetness, but you have options based on what you prefer or have on hand.
- Biscoff biscuits or plain biscuits: Biscoff adds holiday spices naturally, but plain digestive or graham crackers work well too.
- Unsalted butter: Melts right into the biscuit crumbs to help the crust hold together perfectly.
- Cinnamon powder (optional): Adds warmth and holiday cheer, but you can skip if you like a more neutral base.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes in the crust.
- Gelatin powder (unflavored): The secret to that perfect set without baking.
- Cold water: For blooming the gelatin properly.
- Thickened or heavy cream: Needs to be fridge-cold for a fluffy, stable whipped cream texture.
- Cream cheese blocks: Make sure they’re softened at room temp—this makes mixing so much easier!
- Caster sugar: For smooth sweetness without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Classy, comforting flavor in your cheesecake filling.
- Lemon juice (optional): Adds a subtle brightness, I always add it but it’s not a deal-breaker.
- Extra thickened or heavy cream (for Chantilly cream): Whipped with sugar to dollop on top.
- Christmas decorations (berries, strawberries, cherries, rosemary, orange slices): Your festive canvas! Adds color and fresh flavor.
- Icing sugar: For that snowy dusting finish.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, especially when it comes to something as festive as the Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe. I’ve tried a few different tweaks over the years that make it just as special without losing any of the magic.
- Spiced Up Crust: I sometimes add a mix of nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger to the crust for an extra layer of Christmas flavor. It makes the room smell amazing while you’re making it!
- Dairy-Free Version: By swapping cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and using coconut cream, you can create a tasty vegan-friendly cheesecake. Just note the texture may be slightly different.
- Chocolate Twist: Mixing some melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling transforms this into a decadent Christmas treat that even chocoholics will crave.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to use whatever winter berries or fruits are in season near you; blueberries, cranberries, or even pomegranate seeds add a festive pop.
How to Make Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro
First things first, line your 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on the longer sides. This little trick is a game-changer because it lets you lift the entire cheesecake slab out easily once it’s set—no mess, no fuss. Lightly grease the pan before lining to help the paper stick and prevent sticking. I learned this the hard way after trying to pry my cheesecake out without the paper overhang—spoiler alert: it’s a nightmare!
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Crust
Grab your biscuits, break them roughly, and blitz them in a food processor until fine crumbs form—about 30 seconds. Add in melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and the pinch of salt, then blitz again just until it looks like wet sand. It should stick together if you pinch it. If not, a splash more butter does the trick. Press this mixture firmly into your lined pan to form an even base. The firmer you press, the sturdier your crust will be. Don’t skip refrigerating the crust for a bit—that helps everything set before adding the filling.
Step 3: Bloom and Melt the Gelatin
Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over cold water in a small bowl—don’t dump it all in one spot or it might clump. Let it sit for 3 minutes to bloom into a rubbery texture. Then, microwave it for 15 seconds or until just melted (no boiling!). If it’s cooled too much and has a skin, a quick 5-second reheat brings it back to liquid. This is key, because adding warm but not hot gelatin to the filling helps it set without lumps.
Step 4: Whip the Cream and Cream Cheese Mixtures
Whip your cold cream in a large bowl on high speed for about 2.5 to 3 minutes until firm peaks form — I like my whipped cream to hold its shape really well here, it’s a big texture factor. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and caster sugar until smooth and fluffy, around a minute and a half. Then add the vanilla, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and the melted gelatin. Mix gently for about 10 seconds to combine everything smoothly.
Step 5: Fold for Fluffy Filling
Here’s where you want to be gentle: fold about a quarter of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a rubber spatula, using slow, sweeping motions to avoid deflating the cream. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined. This folding technique locks in that light, airy texture without losing volume. Pour the filling evenly over your chilled crust in the pan and smooth the top with your spatula.
Step 6: Chill and Decorate
Refrigerate the cheesecake slab for at least 12 hours, or overnight, to let it set into a firm, sliceable texture. When you’re ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift it gently from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. For the finishing touch, whip up Chantilly cream (cold cream plus caster sugar) until softly whipped, spread it across the cake with big swirly motions, and pile on your festive berries, cherries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs. A light dusting of icing sugar looks like Christmas magic dust!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe
- Use the parchment overhang: It makes removing the cheesecake a breeze, trust me—I’ve skipped this step and it ended in disaster!
- Keep cream super cold: Cold cream whips better and faster, so always keep it refrigerated until right before use.
- Don’t over-mix the cream cheese: Just beat it until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream—less air bubbles mean prettier slices.
- Reheat gelatin gently: If your gelatin solidifies before folding into the batter, a quick 5-second zap helps keep it liquid without cooking the mix.
How to Serve Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this cheesecake with a colorful mix of fresh berries and cherries—it looks so festive and tastes fresh against the creamy base. Rosemary sprigs add a lovely evergreen aroma, and orange slices bring in that sunny citrus brightness. A dusting of icing sugar on top gives that authentic snowy Christmas vibe that delights guests every time.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake slab pairs beautifully with light, winter-inspired sides like spiced mulled wine, peppermint hot chocolate, or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. I also like serving it alongside delicate sugar cookies for another sweet treat that complements its texture.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m serving this for a holiday party, I sometimes cut the slab into smaller rectangles and place them on individual festive plates with a drizzle of berry coulis or chocolate sauce. Adding little sprigs of mint or dusting edible gold flakes makes it extra special for guests and kids alike. If you’re gifting, wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine—it’s both thoughtful and adorable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cheesecake should be tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my place! Just be sure to keep it covered, so it doesn’t absorb any fridge odors.
Freezing
I’ve had good success freezing the cheesecake slab before decorating. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap for protection. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and decorate fresh before serving. Freezing after decorating is less successful because the fresh berries and whipped cream don’t freeze well.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t typically needed. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing—it softens just enough for melt-in-the-mouth bites!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of biscuit for the crust?
Absolutely! While Biscoff biscuits give a nice spiced flavor, you can substitute digestives, graham crackers, or Marie biscuits. Just make sure they’re plain and not covered in chocolate or cream-filled, so the crust binds well with the butter.
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What if I don’t have gelatin? Can I still make this cheesecake?
Gelatin is key for the no-bake cheesecake to set properly. Without it, the filling won’t firm up well. If you can’t use gelatin, you might want to explore recipes that use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative, but note the texture changes slightly.
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How long should I chill the cheesecake before serving?
For the best texture, chill your cheesecake slab for at least 12 hours or overnight. This ensures the gelatin fully sets and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Can I make this cheesecake in a different shape or size pan?
Definitely! The recipe works in any pan, though the thickness will vary with size. Just be mindful to adjust chilling time if you use a thinner slab or a smaller mold.
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How can I stabilize the whipped cream for decorating ahead of time?
I learned that adding a bit of gelatin to your whipped cream while whipping helps keep it stable for 2-3 days, perfect if you want to decorate your cheesecake ahead. Just bloom and melt your gelatin and add it halfway through whipping the cream.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive it felt. It’s one of those recipes you can whip up without stress, but it looks and tastes like you put in way more work. The balance of creamy filling, crisp spiced crust, and fresh festive decorations hits all the right notes for holiday cheer. You’ll love how it keeps well, feeds a crowd, and gets rave reviews every time. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead and make this your new holiday tradition!
Print
Christmas No-Bake Cheesecake Slab Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This Easy Christmas Cheesecake Slab is a no-bake delight perfect for festive gatherings. Featuring a buttery Biscoff biscuit crust and a smooth, creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, it’s topped with whipped Chantilly cream and decorated with fresh berries, cherries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs for a festive finish. The recipe is straightforward, requiring no oven and just refrigeration to set, making it ideal for stress-free holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Biscuit crust:
- 300g (10 oz) Biscoff biscuits (about 38 pieces) or other plain biscuits/cookies (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs)
- 120g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (optional, recommended)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
No-bake cheesecake filling:
- 3 1/2 tsp (13.5 g) unflavoured gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold tap water
- 1 1/2 cups thickened or heavy cream (whipping cream), fridge cold
- 750g (24 oz) cream cheese block (3 blocks), well softened at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Whipped cream (Chantilly cream):
- 2 cups thickened or heavy cream (whipping cream), fridge cold
- 3 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar) or 6 tbsp sifted icing sugar
Christmas decoration:
- Strawberries, halved or quartered for larger ones
- Blackberries and raspberries
- Cherries
- 6 orange slices, cut into half moons
- Rosemary sprigs
- Icing sugar (confectionary sugar) for dusting
Instructions
- Line pan with overhang: Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper leaving a generous overhang on the long sides to easily lift out the cheesecake once set.
- Prepare biscuit crust: Break biscuits roughly by hand and place in a food processor. Blitz until fine crumbs (about 30 seconds). Add melted butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt; blitz again until mixture resembles wet sand and holds when pinched. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Refrigerate until needed.
- Bloom gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Whisk until dissolved and let sit for 3 minutes until it firms to a rubbery texture.
- Melt gelatin: Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 15 seconds on high (do not boil), or until melted. Cool for 5 minutes but keep it liquid. If a skin forms, warm briefly to liquify again.
- Whip cream: In a cold bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups cold thickened cream with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until firm peaks form.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and caster sugar on high speed for 1 1/2 minutes until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lemon juice, and the melted gelatin, and beat for 10 seconds to combine without incorporating too much air.
- Fold cream into cream cheese mixture: Gently fold about one quarter of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a rubber spatula to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until combined. Avoid overmixing to retain airiness.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the biscuit crust in the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Remove cheesecake from pan: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake slab from the pan and transfer it onto a serving platter. Slide the parchment paper out from under the cheesecake carefully. Keep refrigerated until ready to decorate.
- Prepare whipped Chantilly cream: In a cold bowl, whip 2 cups cold thickened cream with caster sugar on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until softly whipped peaks form. For best results if prepping in advance, stabilize the whipped cream with gelatine as per notes.
- Decorate cheesecake: Spread the whipped cream in large swirls across the cheesecake surface. Arrange strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, orange half moons, and rosemary sprigs decoratively on top. Lightly dust with icing sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Biscoff base: Use one full 250g packet plus 6 extra biscuits to get 300g total. Substitute with any plain sweet biscuits like Marie crackers, digestives, or graham crackers. If the mixture is dry, add more melted butter until it holds together.
- For a holiday spice twist, add 1/8 tsp each of nutmeg, allspice, and ginger powder or an extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the biscuit crumbs.
- Gelatin: Sold in small sachets or containers; must be liquid when used. If it sets too much or forms skin, gently rewarm to liquify.
- Cream: Use whipping cream labelled for whipping and straight from the fridge to achieve proper texture. Warm cream will not whip well.
- Cream cheese blocks are preferred over tubs for firmness; if using tubs, increase gelatin to 4 tsp to set properly.
- Sugar: For finer results, use superfine or caster sugar. Regular granulated sugar requires longer beating to dissolve.
- This cheesecake is mildly sweet to suit French or Japanese patisserie styles. Increase sugar to 1 3/4 cups for a sweeter American-style cheesecake.
- Stabilized whipped cream: To prepare whipped cream ahead (day before or 3+ hours ahead), bloom 2 tsp gelatin in 2 tbsp water, melt and cool, then add gradually while whipping cream. This keeps whipped cream stable for 2–3 days without weeping.
- Not suitable for freezing, as the filling may become sloppy.
- Nutrition per serving is calculated excluding additional whipped cream decoration and assumes 18 servings in total.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/18th of slab)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg