If you want the BEST no bake cheesecake, Philadelphia no bake cheesecake with cool whip recipe is it! It's made with a 5 ingredient easy no bake cheesecake filling! It's a quick cheesecake with cool whip that is sure to be your new favorite! If you've got 5 minutes, you can make this Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling recipe! No need for cheesecake pans - a store-bought crust is all you need for this cool whip cheesecake!
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If you like this cool whip cheesecake, you'll love my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, my No Bake Oreo Cheesecake, and my Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe!
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Recipe with Cool Whip
This Philadelphia cheesecake recipe is a go-to recipe in our house! It's always a great idea -- with a 5 ingredient no bake cheesecake filling, store-bought Keebler pie crust, and whatever toppings you like!
Because sometimes you just want cheesecake, but you don't want to spend so much time, or deal with a springform pan or water bath. No bake desserts like this recipe are the easiest way to feed that craving, without all the work of a traditional cheesecake!
I like to keep this handful of ingredients on hand for whenever we want a quick dessert! This easy cheesecake recipe is the perfect dessert for last minute guests or family gatherings!
Jump to:
- Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Recipe with Cool Whip
- Is cheesecake better baked or not baked?
- Can I use Cool Whip in Cheesecake?
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese No Bake Cheesecake
- How do you keep a no bake cheesecake firm?
- No Bake Cheesecake with Cool Whip Ingredients
- Equipment
- How to Make Quick Cheesecake with Cool Whip
- Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Recipe Without Cool Whip
- Add-Ons for No Bake Cream Cheese Cool Whip Pie
- Cool Whip and Cream Cheese Cheesecake Storage
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Is cheesecake better baked or not baked?
No-bake cheesecake filling can be so easy, and the light and fluffy texture is so amazing! So it's really up to you -- if you prefer an easy recipe with a lighter consistency, then a no bake cheesecake using Cool Whip might be your favorite!
Plus, no bake cheesecakes are so much easier! Just whip up your filling, pour it into a graham cracker crust, let it set in the fridge, and enjoy! No need to turn on your oven!
Can I use Cool Whip in Cheesecake?
Can you use Cool Whip instead of cream? Of course you can! That's my favorite shortcut to a quick and easy no bake cheesecake recipe -- Cool Whip! It skips the step of whipping cream cheese, and it adds flavor and sweetness, all in one ingredient!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese No Bake Cheesecake
I prefer to use Whipped Philadelphia cream cheese for no bake cheesecake using Cool Whip because the amazing fluffy whipped texture and classic Philadelphia cream cheese flavor makes the BEST no bake Philly cheesecake!
If you don't have the whipped Philadelphia cream cheese available near you, you can definitely use another brand of whipped cream cheese and still get great results! And definitely try this Dr. Pepper Pie for another fun dessert!
How do you keep a no bake cheesecake firm?
Some recipes may firm up their no bake cheesecake with gelatin, but this easy no bake cheesecake with cool whip uses a combination of lemon juice and cream cheese to achieve a firm yet fluffy texture! The key is to the best no bake cheesecake is to let your cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but even better if it's in there overnight!
No Bake Cheesecake with Cool Whip Ingredients
Because it's only a 5 ingredient no bake cheesecake filling, this cool whip and cream cheese cheesecake pie only calls for a handful of simple ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- whipped cream cheese - instead of softened cream cheese we're using chilled whipped cream cheese! I like using full-fat Whipped Philadelphia cream cheese for this recipe. Using whipped cream cheese provides a light and fluffy texture, and you don't have to wait for the cream cheese to soften to room temperature!
- whipped topping - I like to use Extra Creamy Cool Whip! Make sure it's thawed, but still cold. If you prefer, see below for instructions on how to make this Philadelphia no bake cheesecake recipe without Cool Whip!
- powdered sugar - using powdered sugar helps give this kraft no bake cheesecake recipe a little more structure. And you can adjust the amount to your preference!
- fresh lemon juice - this is the secret for this quick cheesecake with cool whip! It provides tart lemon flavor and helps to set the cheesecake texture. If you can't find any crystallized lemon powder, you can just use fresh lemon juice.
- pure vanilla extract - it should be the good stuff -- pure vanilla extract. I like to make my own!
- classic graham cracker crust - the best part of any decadent cheesecake is the buttery graham cracker crust! You can use food processor to make a homemade graham cracker crust out of crushed graham crackers or graham cracker crumbs and melted butter like the one from my Lemon Icebox Pie recipe, or do it the easy way and use a store-bought graham cracker crust!
- your favorite toppings - I like to add cherry pie filling and whipped cream to this delicious dessert, but lemon curd, blueberry filling, or any other topping would be great on this Kraft no bake cheesecake! You could also try my Amarena Cherry Chocolate Sauce! If you love lemon curd, check out my full collection of recipes with lemon curd!
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment
If you're making a homemade pie crust for your Cool Whip cheesecake, you'll need a pie pan or pie plate. Otherwise, you can just use a mixing spoon and mixing bowl to whip up this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe!
How to Make Quick Cheesecake with Cool Whip
This Cool Whip cheesecake is such an easy recipe, giving you classic cheesecake flavor without the effort! You can check out the recipe card below for detailed instructions, but here are the basic steps for this delicious recipe:
Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped topping, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Add lemon juice and stir until smooth -- be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Press cream cheese mixture into prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
Cover and let chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, then serve and enjoy!
Hint: Don't overmix the cheesecake filling -- you want to mix it just until combined so that it stays fluffy. I like to use a fork, rubber spatula, or whisk instead of an electric mixer to avoid deflating the mixture.
Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Recipe Without Cool Whip
If you'd rather make this Philadelphia no bake cheesecake recipe without Cool Whip, it's easy! Just add 1 ½ cups very cold heavy whipping cream to a bowl and whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form -- you can also use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
Add-Ons for No Bake Cream Cheese Cool Whip Pie
I love to top this 5 ingredient no bake cheesecake filling with cherry pie filling, but you have so many different options for whatever delicious toppings or mix-ins you like!
- Your Favorite Fruit Pie Filling - add a can of cherry pie filling, apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or peach pie filling to the top of this kraft no bake cheesecake!
- Strawberry Crunch Topping - sprinkle my strawberry crunch topping to this cheesecake to add delicious flavor and complement the cheesecake's creamy texture, like I do with my Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes!
- Lemon - add lemon curd to the top for a bright burst of citrus flavor.
- Chocolate or Caramel - add caramel sauce or chocolate sauce to the top of your Cool whip and Cream cheese cheesecake!
- Fresh Fruit - fresh berries, bananas, kiwi -- anything you like to make this the perfect summer dessert!
- Chocolate Chips - fold them in right before you spread the mixture into the pie crust!
Check out my Cannoli Pie for another delicious no bake recipe that's the perfect easy dessert for special occasions, and my Blueberry and Lemon Pound Cake or my Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust for another perfect spring or summer dessert!
Cool Whip and Cream Cheese Cheesecake Storage
Another reason I love to use a store-bought graham cracker pie crust for this Keebler no bake cheesecake with Cool Whip is that they usually come with an easy storage option! You can just flip over the plastic top that comes with the packaging and secure it to the finished pie with the edges of the foil pan!
Once the pie has set, it can be stored this way in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Top Tip
For best results and to make sure your no bake cheesecake with Cool Whip and cream cheese is light and fluffy, be sure to use whipped cream cheese and don't leave out the lemon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure you use full-fat whipped cream cheese, and chill your cream cheese Cool Whip cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least a few hours (or overnight) before serving. This will allow the creamy filling to set up properly.
There are a few reasons your cheesecake could not be firming up -- you could have overmixed the cream cheese filling, or your ingredients could have been too warm before adding them. You may also have left out the lemon, or not given it enough time to chill before digging in.
So how do you keep a no bake cheesecake firm? Make sure you let it chill for the full 6 hours, or even better -- overnight! Also, don't omit the lemon, and don't substitute the ingredients listed. All of this can affect the consistency of your no bake cheesecake!
It depends on your personal taste preferences and the occasion for which you are making the cheesecake. If you prefer a lighter, creamier dessert with less effort, no-bake cheesecake may be a great recipe for you. But if you are looking for a richer, more indulgent dessert, traditional cheesecakes like my Biscoff Cheesecake may be the better choice.
Yes it does! It should be returned to the fridge just after serving to keep it fresh.
A Philadelphia no-bake cheesecake can last in the fridge for up to 4 days, assuming it is stored properly. To store your cheesecake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
For an easy side dish or lunch recipe, try my Shrimp Macaroni Salad or my Puff Pastry Pizza! I also love my Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake or my Rum Pound Cake with Brown Butter Glaze!
And if you like this recipe, check out my Cheesecake Mousse Cups or my Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars -- perfect for serving guests!
The top three ingredients in Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling are milk, cream, and sugar. Check the rest of the Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling ingredients on the Philadelphia website.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe? Try these:
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
- mixing spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) whipped cream cheese - cold
- 1 8-ounce container (226 g) Cool Whip - thawed but cold
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar - adjust to taste if needed
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 graham cracker crust - store-bought or homemade
- pie filling or topping of your choice - optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add whipped cream, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar and stir with a fork or mixing spoon until combined, being careful not to deflate.
- Add vanilla and lemon juice and mix together.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Spread mixture into graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top.1 graham cracker crust
- Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight. Serve cold with the topping of your choice, and keep leftovers in the fridge.pie filling or topping of your choice
Video
Nutrition
Last Updated on April 12, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Dannii says
As soon as I saw this was no bake I knew I had to try it. It was so easy!
Chenée Lewis says
Thanks! It's my go-to dessert!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this cheesecake after dinner last night and it was fabulous! Loved that it was no bake too!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you!! I love making this cheesecake on a whim!
Cynthia says
Can these be made into mini cheesecake
Bites? Or do you have a easy recipe for no bake cheesecake bites?
Chenée Lewis says
These can definitely be made into cheesecake bites! I make this recipe into mini cheesecakes all the time using store-bought mini graham cracker crusts.
Elisa says
Love this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe is easy and delicious. Definitely will make it soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
TAYLER ROSS says
I love a good no bake dessert, and this cheesecake is one of the best I've tried!! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you!
Suja md says
Every bite does indeed look amazing! All of the flavors are incredible. And I love these vibrant colors.
Charmaine says
5 Stars because the group of 12 ate it all! My oldest even said she liked it! I was intrigued because your recipe was only seven minutes and others that I saw took seven hours or more. It was nearly midnight and I didn't want to be awake for seven more hours. No cooking, no eggs, only 1-1/2 blocks of cream cheese? Yep. I did it. Everyone raved. Everyone ate! Thank you for a recipe that allowed me to have more than 30 minutes' sleep this morning!
Chenée Lewis says
Yay!! Thank you so much for the feedback and I'm so glad everyone loved it!
Daniel Hartwig Sr. says
Cheese cake
Marguerite says
Can this be frozen
Chenée Lewis says
I haven't tried freezing this cheesecake yet so I'm not sure. I'll update this post when I give it a try!
Katherine says
This is serious cheesecake perfection. Just like my Auntie's that I grew up on. Loved it.
Chenée Lewis says
Aww that's high praise! Thank you!
Kim says
The creamy texture and rich flavor of the cream cheese combined with the lightness of Cool Whip makes it an irresistible dessert and perfect for the summer months.
Chenée Lewis says
Definitely a great warm weather dessert! So glad you liked it!
Dannii says
Such a delicious and easy summer dessert. Perfect for entertaining.
Casey says
I'm a huge fan of cheesecake, and this one has me drooling! The fact that it doesn't require baking means It looks so creamy and luscious, I can already imagine savoring a heavenly slice.
Beth says
I love this recipe. It has all the classic Philly cheesecake flavor without all the hoops of traditional cheesecake.
Chenée Lewis says
Exactly what I was going for! Thank you!
Joanne Sheppard says
I have made this cheesecake before but not with the whipped cream cheese and lemon juice. So definitely going to try this. I made homemade vanilla at xmas time for little gifts and Walmart had cute fabric Christmasy drawstring bags to put them in. Everyone loved them. I used 80 proof vodka but next time I want to try the bourbon. I used Tahitian vanilla beans. Wondered if you ever used the madagascar beans and if so, how were they.
Chenée Lewis says
Hope you like it!! 🙂 I love making homemade vanilla and it's such a great gift idea! I haven't tried using Madagascar beans, but I'm sure that would be delicious too!
Kathleen says
This easy, light and creamy cheesecake is a perfect dessert during the summer.
dina and bruce miller says
We are without a kitchen so this was perfect! So light and tasty!!!
Chenée Lewis says
Fantastic! Thank you!
Quynh says
Sooooooo tasty! I love how easy it is to make. As the weather gets warmer, I really don't want to turn on my oven.
Chenée Lewis says
Same here!! I love no bake recipes in the summer.
Angela says
This is exactly the recipe I was looking for! So easy to make and perfect for the warmer weather. My new favorite way to make cheesecake!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm glad you found it!! Thanks!
Kate says
This version of cheesecake is so easy and creamy!
Chenée Lewis says
I agree! It's my go-to!