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No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

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Cheesecakes have long been a staple of desserts worldwide, combining a rich, creamy texture with the satisfying crunch of a cookie base. When you blend that classic cheesecake structure with the flavors of a Black Forest cake—ripe cherries, rich chocolate, and whipped cream—you get an indulgent treat that is hard to resist. Best of all, you can make this show-stopping dessert without ever turning on your oven! In this guide, we’ll walk you through a no-bake version of Black Forest Cheesecake, perfect for any occasion.

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No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

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Juicy kirsch-infused cherries, velvety cream cheese, and a bourbon biscuit base topped with dark chocolate shards—this no-bake Black Forest Cheesecake is the perfect balance of decadence and simplicity. Ready to impress your taste buds? 😍

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30minutes
  • Yield: 8 slice 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1. The Base: Bourbon Biscuits

Every great cheesecake starts with a firm, flavorful base, and for this recipe, bourbon biscuits do the trick. These chocolatey cookies add a rich, slightly salty contrast to the sweet cream cheese layer.

Ingredients for the Base:

  • 150g bourbon biscuits
  • 45g unsalted butter (melted)

2. The Creamy Cheesecake Layer

A smooth, velvety cheesecake is the heart of this dessert. Using a combination of cream cheese, double cream (heavy cream), and sugar, the cheesecake is light but indulgent.

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 300g soft cream cheese
  • 60g caster sugar
  • 150ml double cream

3. The Black Forest Topping

The topping brings together cherries, blackberries, and blueberries for a tangy, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness, and kirsch (optional) enhances the cherry flavor.

Ingredients for the Topping:

  • 410g black cherry fruit filling (tin)
  • 150g blackberries
  • 125g blueberries (optional)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 tbsp kirsch (optional)

4. The Finishing Touch: Dark Chocolate

No Black Forest dessert is complete without chocolate. Dark chocolate shards add texture and depth to the final presentation.

Ingredient for the Chocolate Garnish:

  • 60g dark chocolate (chopped into flakes)

Instructions

1. Make the Black Forest Topping

This topping is the perfect blend of fruity and tangy flavors, giving the cheesecake a burst of flavor.

  • Place the tinned cherries, blackberries, and optional blueberries in a saucepan along with the lime juice.
  • Heat on low, allowing the mixture to reduce. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the fruits soften and begin to break down, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. If you’re using kirsch, add it once the mixture has cooled.

2. Prepare the Biscuit Base

The biscuit base adds a crunchy, flavorful foundation to the cheesecake.

  • Lightly grease a 6-inch loose base cake tin, adding a circle of greaseproof paper at the bottom to make it easier to remove later.
  • Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then set it aside.
  • Crush the bourbon biscuits in a food processor, or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated.
  • Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the cake tin to form a firm base. Place the tin in the fridge to set while you prepare the cream layer.

3. Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

The creamy cheesecake layer should be light, smooth, and slightly sweet.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the soft cream cheese and caster sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, lightly whip the double cream until it starts to thicken. Don’t overwhip, as you still want the cream to be soft.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining them until smooth.
  • Remove the cake tin from the fridge and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Place the tin back into the fridge to set for about 45–60 minutes.

4. Assemble and Garnish the Cheesecake

Now comes the fun part—bringing all the elements together.

  • Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the tin and place it on a serving plate.
  • Spoon the cooled Black Forest fruit mixture over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to spread naturally.
  • Chop the dark chocolate on a diagonal to create elegant flakes, then sprinkle them generously over the fruit topping.

Notes

  • Chill Time is Key: Make sure you give your cheesecake enough time to chill and set. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
  • Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key flavor in this dessert, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best taste.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake layer, or use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
  • Add Kirsch for Authenticity: While optional, adding kirsch (a cherry-flavored brandy) to the fruit topping brings a touch of authentic Black Forest flavor. If you’re serving this dessert to children or those avoiding alcohol, simply omit it.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 35minutes
  • Cook Time: 30minutes
  • Cuisine: American, English, International

What Makes Black Forest Cheesecake Special?

The Black Forest cheesecake is inspired by the Black Forest gâteau (or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), a traditional German dessert named after the Black Forest region. This cake typically layers whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate sponge cake, all spiked with kirsch (a cherry-flavored brandy). The Black Forest cheesecake version captures those same decadent flavors but presents them in a cheesecake form—creamy, sweet, and bursting with flavor.

This no-bake recipe has several advantages:

  • No oven needed: Perfect for warm weather or busy days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
  • Simple yet impressive: Even beginner bakers can create this dessert with minimal effort, yet it looks like it came straight from a fancy bakery.
  • Versatility: You can make it for birthdays, holidays, or just as a special weekend treat.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need for a Perfect Black Forest Cheesecake

To ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly every time, it’s important to understand each component.

1. The Base: Bourbon Biscuits

Every great cheesecake starts with a firm, flavorful base, and for this recipe, bourbon biscuits do the trick. These chocolatey cookies add a rich, slightly salty contrast to the sweet cream cheese layer.

Ingredients for the Base:

  • 150g bourbon biscuits
  • 45g unsalted butter (melted)

2. The Creamy Cheesecake Layer

A smooth, velvety cheesecake is the heart of this dessert. Using a combination of cream cheese, double cream (heavy cream), and sugar, the cheesecake is light but indulgent.

Ingredients for the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 300g soft cream cheese
  • 60g caster sugar
  • 150ml double cream

3. The Black Forest Topping

The topping brings together cherries, blackberries, and blueberries for a tangy, fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness, and kirsch (optional) enhances the cherry flavor.

Ingredients for the Topping:

  • 410g black cherry fruit filling (tin)
  • 150g blackberries
  • 125g blueberries (optional)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 tbsp kirsch (optional)

4. The Finishing Touch: Dark Chocolate

No Black Forest dessert is complete without chocolate. Dark chocolate shards add texture and depth to the final presentation.

Ingredient for the Chocolate Garnish:

  • 60g dark chocolate (chopped into flakes)

Step-by-Step Instructions for a No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

Follow these easy steps to create a flawless no-bake Black Forest Cheesecake.

1. Make the Black Forest Topping

This topping is the perfect blend of fruity and tangy flavors, giving the cheesecake a burst of flavor.

  • Place the tinned cherries, blackberries, and optional blueberries in a saucepan along with the lime juice.
  • Heat on low, allowing the mixture to reduce. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
  • Once the fruits soften and begin to break down, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. If you’re using kirsch, add it once the mixture has cooled.

2. Prepare the Biscuit Base

The biscuit base adds a crunchy, flavorful foundation to the cheesecake.

  • Lightly grease a 6-inch loose base cake tin, adding a circle of greaseproof paper at the bottom to make it easier to remove later.
  • Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then set it aside.
  • Crush the bourbon biscuits in a food processor, or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated.
  • Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the cake tin to form a firm base. Place the tin in the fridge to set while you prepare the cream layer.

3. Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

The creamy cheesecake layer should be light, smooth, and slightly sweet.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the soft cream cheese and caster sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, lightly whip the double cream until it starts to thicken. Don’t overwhip, as you still want the cream to be soft.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining them until smooth.
  • Remove the cake tin from the fridge and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Place the tin back into the fridge to set for about 45–60 minutes.

4. Assemble and Garnish the Cheesecake

Now comes the fun part—bringing all the elements together.

  • Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the tin and place it on a serving plate.
  • Spoon the cooled Black Forest fruit mixture over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to spread naturally.
  • Chop the dark chocolate on a diagonal to create elegant flakes, then sprinkle them generously over the fruit topping.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

  • Chill Time is Key: Make sure you give your cheesecake enough time to chill and set. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing much easier.
  • Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key flavor in this dessert, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best taste.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake layer, or use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
  • Add Kirsch for Authenticity: While optional, adding kirsch (a cherry-flavored brandy) to the fruit topping brings a touch of authentic Black Forest flavor. If you’re serving this dessert to children or those avoiding alcohol, simply omit it.

Why You Should Love No-Bake Desserts

No-bake desserts, like this Black Forest Cheesecake, offer numerous benefits:

  • Convenience: Since no baking is required, these recipes are perfect for hot days or when your oven is occupied with other dishes.
  • Time-Saving: Without the need for baking, you can create complex, flavorful desserts in a fraction of the time.
  • Less Room for Error: Baking requires precise measurements and techniques, but no-bake desserts offer more flexibility and fewer chances for mistakes.

Variations on the Black Forest Cheesecake

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not experiment with different flavors and combinations? Here are a few ideas:

  • Raspberry Twist: Replace the cherries with raspberries for a slightly tart and equally delicious version.
  • Oreo Base: Swap out the bourbon biscuits for crushed Oreos to add a more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Mini Cheesecakes: Create individual-sized cheesecakes by dividing the mixture into muffin tins with cupcake liners for a fun, portable dessert.

FAQs About No-Bake Cheesecakes

1. How long will the cheesecake last? The cheesecake will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up well for leftovers.

2. Can I freeze a no-bake cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze it! Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Using low-fat cream cheese will result in a less rich texture. For the creamiest cheesecake, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

This no-bake Black Forest Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of chocolate, cherries, and cream in cheesecake form. Its simplicity makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. With its easy preparation and decadent flavors, this cheesecake is sure to impress.

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