Description

This No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake features a zesty orange and tangy cranberry topping atop a creamy, luscious cheesecake filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a refreshing, festive dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for holiday celebrations, requiring no oven baking and setting in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sugar

Filling

16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cranberry Orange Sauce

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan creating an even layer. Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
Cook cranberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let sauce cool completely.
Assemble the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake filling is set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Spoon the cooled cranberry orange sauce evenly over the top.
Final chilling: Return the assembled cheesecake to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice and serve for a light, citrusy, and refreshing holiday dessert.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Chilling the crust before adding the filling helps maintain its structure.
The cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a slightly tangier filling, add a teaspoon of lemon juice along with orange juice.
This cheesecake can be garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices for extra holiday flair.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, cranberry orange cheesecake, holiday dessert, Christmas cheesecake, no-bake dessert, festive cheesecake