No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

This easy no bake chocolate cheesecake is perfect for any special occasion! This chocolate no bake cheesecake recipe is made with an Oreo cookie crust, and is velvety smooth. No need for turning the oven on or preparing a hot water bath for this no bake cheesecake. 

 

When it comes to holidays, I think a cheesecake is always a showstopping dessert to bring. Cheesecake equals decadence in my opinion and that’s what the holidays are all about. A little indulgence around the holidays is what it is all about! Like maybe my peach cobbler cheesecake, pecan pie cheesecake, or gingerbread cheesecake?

But I have to say when it comes to the holidays (no matter which one – Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving) I am always a bit stressed and doing too many things. So enter a no bake cheesecake. And this chocolate no bake cheesecake might be my new favorite to serve. I usually make a chocolate cream pie or chocolate pudding pie for the holidays but I think this might become my new go to chocolate dessert to serve to family and friends.

And after one bite I think you will agree. I wish I could run a slice over to you right now to try so you could fully understand just how good it is.

But since I can’t let’s get baking.

Why This Recipe Works

• Great make-ahead dessert for the holidays or a special occasion!
• Easy no bake dessert! No need to turn the oven on.
• Lots of chocolate flavor! Made with cocoa powder and melted chocolate for a rich, chocolate taste.
• Topped with chocolate whipped cream for even more chocolate goodness!

Ingredient Needed

• Oreos – Use whole Oreo cookies and pulse them into crumbs in a food processor or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. You can also use gluten free Oreos.
• Butter – I used unsalted butter but salted butter also works. 
• Chocolate – I used bittersweet chocolate but semisweet chocolate also works. I recommend a chocolate bar you need to chop. If using chocolate chips, use a quality chocolate chip such as Ghiradelli.
• Granulated sugar
• Heavy whipping cream – You want COLD heavy cream so it is whipped up into peaks easily and can be folded into the cheesecake mixture. You will also need cream to melt the chocolate with.
• Cream cheese – I recommend full fat cream cheese for the best texture in this cheesecake. Low-fat may work, but I would not use fat-free. And do not use the whipped tub type. Make sure it’s softened before you start. Read more on how to soften cream cheese.
• Cocoa Powder– I recommend a Dutch process cocoa powder as it’s richer, and less acidic than a natural unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Powdered Sugar – Make your own homemade powdered sugar in your food processor if you run out!
• Vanilla extract
• Sour Cream – This adds richness, but also cuts through the sweetness of the filling. I recommend full-fat sour cream, but low-fat should be fine. But I do not recommend fat-free.

How To Make No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Make the crust:

Place oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oreos and melted butter until well combined and evenly moistened.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a springform pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.

Make the filling:

In a bowl with an electric mixer with whisk attachment beat 1 cup of cold heavy cream on medium high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Chill until ready to use.  

In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup heavy cream over medium heat, until hot but boiling. Or you can heat in your microwave (for me this takes about 45 seconds). Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes then stir until smooth. Set aside to thicken while you make the filling.

In the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about  2 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. 

Add the sour cream, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined until just combined. 

Beat in the ganache (heavy cream and chocolate mixture) from earlier.

Fold gently in the whipped cream until evenly combined. Be careful to not overmix and deflate the whipped cream.

Pour the batter evenly into the crust. Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or over night.

Make the chocolate whipped cream:

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer whip the cold heavy cream, vanilla, powdered sugar and cocoa powder until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes on high speed. 

Pipe or spread on top of the cheesecake before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use softened cream cheese. You want the cheesecake mixture to be smooth and lump free, so take the cream cheese out about 30 minutes before hand. Room temperature cream cheese will ensure a smooth filling.
• Pack the Oreo cookie crumbs down tightly. This will make sure the crust doesn’t fall apart when you go to cut into the cheesecake. I use the bottom of a dry measuring cup to press down the crumbs easily.
• Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream. I put my bowl and beaters into the freezer for 10 minutes before starting. Using a cold bowl and equipment will make the cream whip up quickly and easily.
• Chill for at least 6 hours. This no bake cheesecake recipe needs time to set up so make sure to chill at least for 6 hours or longer if needed.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve mine with the chocolate whipped cream but you could make regular whipped cream to serve with this cheesecake or take a shortcut and use a whipped topping, like Cool-Whip.

You could also top with some fresh fruit, like fresh strawberries or raspberries. You could also drizzle on chocolate ganache, or caramel sauce!

Storage Instructions

You can store the cheesecake up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The crust may soften a little over time. If storing with whipped cream, keep in mind the whipped cream may not hold up after 1-2 days.

Once the cheesecake has set up in the fridge, then yes you can freeze it, or any leftovers, for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap and then a final layer of tinfoil. 

Recipe FAQ’s

More Recipes To Try

If you’re craving more no bake cheesecake in your life, then check out my easy no bake cheesecake recipe. It’s wonderful with my homemade strawberry topping or my blueberry topping for cheesecake. Or try this no bake tiramisu cheesecake which is so much easier than a homemade tiramisu but with all the same flavor!

And if you need another easy no bake dessert, try these peanut butter pretzel bars!