If you’re a fan of nostalgic desserts that impress without stress, the Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake will be your new go-to. It’s bursting with creamy, tangy cheesecake goodness, layered over a buttery cookie crust, and crowned with a blanket of strawberry crunch reminiscent of those classic childhood ice cream bars. Every bite is a cool, luscious treat that demands no oven and only a handful of pantry staples, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that the ingredients here are simple but each plays a starring role in creating the taste, texture, and color of this dreamy Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake. From velvety cream cheese to that eye-catching strawberry crunch, here’s why every item matters:

Golden Oreos (for crust): These cookies create a sweet, vanilla-infused foundation that holds everything together and stays perfectly crisp without baking.
Nila Vanilla wafers (for crust): They add an extra dimension of flavor and their texture blends seamlessly with the Oreos in the crust.
Unsalted butter (for crust & crunchies): Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs for both the base and the crunchy topping, adding richness and helping everything set beautifully.
Cream cheese: Opt for full-fat and room temperature; it’s the base of our filling, giving the cheesecake its signature luscious texture.
Powdered sugar: Adds light sweetness without the graininess, keeping the filling smooth.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and gives the cheesecake a little more structure.
Sour cream: The tanginess cuts through all the sweetness and adds creaminess to the filling.
Vanilla extract: Just a little brings warmth and rounds out all the dairy flavors in the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: When whipped, it makes the cheesecake filling fluffy and gives it that cloud-like bite.
Golden Oreos (for strawberry crunchies): You’ll want more for the crunchy topping—trust me, this is non-negotiable for texture!
Straweberry gelatin powder: This is the magic ingredient that gives the strawberry crunchies their unmistakable strawberry flavor and vibrant color.
Whip cream: For beautiful swirls on top, use freshly whipped or store-bought—whatever you love best.
Handful of strawberries: Sliced fresh, these are the perfect juicy jewels for a bright finish.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake

Step 1: Build the Cookie Crust

Start by crushing the Golden Oreos and Nila wafers—either with a food processor or the old-fashioned way, in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Mix them together with melted unsalted butter until you have a damp, sand-like texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a lined springform pan, using the back of a spoon to make sure it’s nice and compact. This step gives you a sturdy, golden base that holds up to the creamy layers to come.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until it’s ultra-smooth and free of any lumps. Add in the powdered sugar and granulated sugar, beating again until fully combined. Next, blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract for tang and depth. Transfer this mixture to a separate bowl while you whip the heavy cream in your mixer until stiff peaks form—it should hold its shape but still look silky. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate all that fluffiness. The result is a mousse-like cheesecake filling that’s light as air.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Scoop the cheesecake filling onto your prepared cookie crust. Use a straight-edge spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top, getting into all the corners. Once assembled, cover the cheesecake and chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours (overnight is even better). This rest time lets the filling set fully, giving you perfect slices that hold their shape, and allows the flavors to mingle.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Crunchies

While the cheesecake is setting, make the iconic strawberry crunch topping. Combine coarsely crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and strawberry gelatin powder in a bowl and toss until all the crumbs are evenly coated and bright pink. Spread the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and let it air dry or chill for a bit so it gets that signature crunchy texture—these bits are pure strawberry nostalgia and the ultimate finishing touch.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, sprinkle the strawberry crunchies generously over the top—don’t be shy! Pipe or dollop whipped cream along the edges, then arrange a handful of fresh, sliced strawberries for a burst of color and freshness. Grab a sharp knife, slice, and get ready for the happiest forkful you’ll have all week.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake

Garnishes

The crowning glory of any great no-bake cheesecake is in the garnishes. For the Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake, a swirl of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and extra crunchy bits turn every slice into a showstopper. You can also add mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to dress it up even more for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is definitely the star of any dessert table, but it pairs beautifully with simple side options like a fresh fruit salad, a glass of bubbly prosecco, or even light lemon cookies. If you’re serving after a summer cookout, offer a platter of mixed berries or crisp apple slices for guests to refresh their palates between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunches, try making mini Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecakes in jars or small glasses for adorable, personalized portions. You can even layer the crust, filling, and crunch in parfait glasses for an eye-catching trifle effect. If you love a bit of drama, drizzle with white chocolate or serve with a scoop of strawberry ice cream alongside each slice for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cheesecake covered and refrigerated—tightly wrap the pan with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, though the crunchy topping is best enjoyed in the first day or two while it’s at its crispiest.

Freezing

If you want to make the cheesecake further in advance, you can freeze it (without the crunch topping) for up to a month. Wrap the chilled, fully set cheesecake tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add fresh strawberry crunchies before serving. Freezing adds an ice cream-like chill that’s unexpectedly delightful!

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you like your cheesecake extra creamy, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving to take off the fridge chill. Never microwave, as this will ruin the texture and that luscious layered look.

FAQs

Can I use other cookies for the crust?

Absolutely! Golden Oreos and Nila wafers create the classic flavor, but you can swap in graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies for a different twist. Just be aware this will slightly change the taste and color of the base.

Do I have to use strawberry gelatin powder for the crunchies?

Strawberry gelatin powder is what gives the topping its signature strawberry flavor and pink hue. If you must substitute, try freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed with a touch of sugar, but the color and taste may be a bit different from the classic Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake vibe.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can make this cheesecake in a regular 8 or 9-inch cake pan lined with enough parchment to lift out the cake, or opt for individual dessert jars for single servings. A springform pan simply makes unmolding and slicing extra neat and easy.

Can I make the cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free sandwich cookies or your favorite gluten-free vanilla cookies in place of Golden Oreos and Nila wafers. Most store-bought strawberry gelatin powders are gluten-free, but double-check the ingredients just to be sure.

How can I get perfectly clean slices?

For picture-perfect slices, dip your knife into hot water, wipe it dry between cuts, and cut straight down rather than sawing back and forth. Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly is also key to neat, sharp edges.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the combination of creamy filling, playful crunch, and sweet strawberry that makes the Strawberry Crunch No Bake Cheesecake impossible to resist. Give it a try and watch it become a requested favorite at every summer gathering or whenever you want a taste of pure childhood joy, no oven required!