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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Desserts

    No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

    November 29, 2020 by Sharon Rigsby 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cranberry cheesecake on a festive napkin, Pinterest pin.

    No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake features a fresh cranberry topping that covers a luscious cream cheese filling. This delightful and decadent cranberry dessert recipe, with a homemade graham cracker crust, is perfect for the holidays and will look spectacular on your Christmas or holiday dessert table.

    Cranberry Cheesecake on a Christmas napkin.

    It seems as if there is never enough time during the holidays to get everything done, and this recipe is a real timesaver! Although it takes less than 30 minutes to make, this cranberry cheesecake looks like something you could have slaved over for hours and is sure to bring on compliments and plenty of happy smiles.

    This Christmas dessert recipe is reminiscent of the retro cherry cream cheese pie that was so popular many years ago, made with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. But in this recipe, the topping made with fresh cranberries is front and center, and it’s a match made in heaven.

    Here’s what you will need:

    To make this easy cranberry cheesecake recipe, you will need:

    a bowl of cranberries, a lemon and other ingredients to make a cranberry cheesecake.

    • Fresh or frozen cranberries: these ruby red beauties with their signature tart flavor are the centerpiece of this dessert
    • Granulated sugar: sweetens up the cranberry topping and the graham cracker crust.  
    • Cornstarch: is used as a thickening agent in the cranberry topping. It also adds a beautiful silky sheen to the topping. 
    • Graham cracker crumbs: add a slightly nutty flavor, a little sweetness, and a familiar crunch to the homemade crust. 
    • Unsalted butter: provides richness and combines with the graham cracker crumbs to make the cheesecake crust. 
    • Cream cheese: like cranberries is an essential ingredient in this easy dessert. The cream cheese adds a mildly sweet and tangy taste and creaminess to the filling. 
    • Sweetened condensed milk: with its rich and thick sweet texture is the nectar of the gods.  
    • Vanilla extract, lemon juice, and kosher salt: these flavor enhancers bring everything together to make this flavorful dessert. 

    Here’s how to make it:

    1. To make the cranberry topping covering the cheesecake, combine one-third cup of sugar and one tablespoon of cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix well. Add one-half cup plus two tablespoons cold water and two cups of fresh or frozen cranberries. Stir to combine.Cranberries cooking in a saucepan.
    2. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for ten minutes, remove from the heat, and set aside to cool.
    3. To make the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and butter in a large bowl.  Mix to combine everything.
    4. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a nine-inch springform pan. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you make the cheesecake filling.A graham cracker crust.
    5. To make the cheesecake filling, add the cream cheese to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for a few minutes or until it is smooth, light, and fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice and beat until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.Cheesecake filling in a bowl.
    6. To assemble the cheesecake, pour the cream cheese mixture into the pie crust. Smooth out with an offset spatula. Top with the cranberry mixture and spread it out evenly.Cooked cranberries poured on top of a cheesecake.
    7. Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours to give the filling time to firm up. Before serving, unhinge the clasp on the springform pan and carefully lift off the sides. 

    A cheesecake topped with cooked cranberries.

    Sharon’s tips:

    • After removing the pan’s sides, I recommend leaving it as-is on the pan bottom to serve. Or, if you prefer, you can remove the bottom by carefully sliding the cheesecake onto a serving platter. 
    • I left the edges of my graham cracker crust a little shaggy because I liked the rustic look. You can certainly even it up if you prefer to smoothing it out while in the springform pan. You can also place the crust on the bottom only of the pan and not bring it up the sides. 
    • To make this recipe ahead, make the crust and cheesecake filling as directed. Make the cranberry filling up to 24 hours ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, add the cranberry topping. 
    • Try using crushed gingersnaps or another of your favorite cookies instead of the graham cracker crumbs for a little different crust. You can also use a purchased pre-made deep-dish graham cracker crust.  
    • If you substitute salted butter for unsalted, leave out the salt when making the crust.
    • To ensure a lump-free filling, be sure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the other ingredients. For two eight-ounce blocks of cream cheese, place the unwrapped cheese on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for 30 seconds. Test to see if they are soft. If not, microwave for additional 10-second increments until it is. 
    • If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a deep-dish pie plate or pie pan. 

    Related recipes:

    If you like this recipe, you also might like these delicious recipes with fresh cranberries: 

    • Cranberry Sauce with Fruit and Pecans
    • Roasted Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries
    • Sweet Potato Biscuits with Cranberry Aioli
    • Cranberry Infused Vodka
    • Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
    • Cranberry Upside Down Cake
    • Christmas Cranberry Pie with Orange Marmalade

    If you would like more Christmas dessert recipes, check out my roundup post: 29 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes. You can also find all of my Christmas related recipes by clicking on the link.

    ★ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    Cranberry cheesecake with a small Christmas tree behind it.

    Easy No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Easy No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake is delicious and loaded with fresh cranberries and luscious cream cheese. With its festive appearance, It's a perfect make-ahead holiday dessert!
    4.06 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Chilling time 4 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 25 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 370 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Cranberry Topping Ingredients:

    • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

    Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients:

    • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    Cheesecake Ingredients:

    • 16 ounces cream cheese softened or at room temperature
    • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    Cranberry Topping:

    • Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Mix well. Add ½ cup plus two tablespoons of cold water and the cranberries and place the pan over medium heat. Stir to combine.
    • Bring the cranberry mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat, and set aside to cool.

    Graham Cracker Crust:

    • Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and butter in a large bowl. Mix to combine.
    • Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a nine-inch springform pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you make the cheesecake filling.

    Cheesecake Filling:

    • Add the cream cheese to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for a few minutes or until it is smooth, light, and fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice and beat until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
    • To assemble, pour the cream cheese mixture into the pie crust. Smooth out with an offset spatula. Top with the cranberry mixture and spread the topping out evenly.
    • Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours to give the filling time to firm up. Before serving, unhinge the clasp on the springform pan and carefully lift off the sides. 

    Notes

    After removing the pan's sides, I recommend leaving it as-is on the pan bottom to serve. Or, if you prefer, you can remove the bottom by carefully sliding the cheesecake onto a serving platter. 
    I left the edges of my graham cracker crust a little shaggy because I liked the rustic look. You can certainly even it up if you prefer to smoothing it out while in the springform pan. You can also place the crust on the bottom only of the pan and not bring it up the sides. 
    To make this recipe ahead, make the crust and cheesecake filling as directed. Make the cranberry filling up to 24 hours ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, add the cranberry topping. 
    Try using crushed gingersnaps or another of your favorite cookies instead of the graham cracker crumbs for a little different crust. You can also use a purchased pre-made deep-dish graham cracker crust.  
    If you substitute salted butter for unsalted, leave out the salt when making the crust.
    To ensure a lump-free filling, be sure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the other ingredients. For two eight-ounce blocks of cream cheese, place the unwrapped cheese on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for 30 seconds. Test to see if they are soft. If not, microwave for additional 10-second increments until it is. 
    If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a deep-dish pie plate or pie pan. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 213mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 4.1mgCalcium: 170mgIron: 0.9mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    1. Kathi B.

      December 15, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      I made this for a Christmas gathering last weekend & it was a hit! I admit I was a bit nervous when the first person was taking a slice & I realized I had never made this before — what was I thinking taking a never-tried recipe to a party??? But Sharon has not let me down to date, and tried & true, she pulled through for me this time too. The combination of the sweet & the tart makes this a little different of a cheesecake and a great flavor combination. Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Linger

      December 01, 2020 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      This is such a lovely Christmas dessert. And does it get any better than a “no-bake” recipe? Yuuuum! Looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Ashley Lentini

      May 25, 2020 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      I was exited to try this! It was so pretty that I did not want to cut into but, I was really happy when I did. Very Delicious 🙂

      Reply
    4. LeighAnn

      May 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Leah

        December 03, 2021 at 6:16 pm

        I didn’t see the comment about making ahead by not adding cranberry until serving. I made the entire thing for a party 24 hrs from now, including topping with cranberry. Any thoughts on how this will hold up?

        Reply
        • Sharon Rigsby

          December 03, 2021 at 7:34 pm

          Hi Leah, You should be fine! I hope you enjoy it!
          Sharon

        • Leah

          December 03, 2021 at 7:54 pm

          Thank you for the quick reply! I’m very excited to serve it tomorrow. I had a little extra filling and ate it all with a spoon in a second flat. So good. It reminds me of the no-bake cheesecake my mom used to make — I’d made similar desserts with cool whip and cream cheese before but the lemon and condensed milk add a richness and depth that’s really great.

        • Leah

          December 18, 2021 at 10:18 am

          it turned out wonderfully and was enjoyed by all! This is my new no-bake cheesecake base for sure. Can’t wait for blueberries and strawberries in the summer.

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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