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.12 oz whipped cream cheese, 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip, ½ cup powdered sugar
- 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
Katherine says
Our guests all loved this cheesecake. Thanks for the detailed instructions!
Heather says
This Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake with Cool Whip is amazing! It's so easy to make and tastes delicious. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert. Thank you!
Kim says
No bake recipes are pretty much all I make in the summer and this was perfect! It wasn't too heavy and it tasted divine!
LeAnn says
I actually used regular cream cheese blocks, 12 Oz, so 1 an a half blocks of cream cheese. Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds an whipped it with my handheld mixture an did the rest as called for in the recipe. Bc whipped cream cheese is a Lil too expensive for my budget. Nonetheless it turned out amazing. My go-to no bake cheesecake recipe from now on. 🥰 Thank you for sharing!!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you liked it and that it worked with your cream cheese swap!
Anjali says
Omg this cheesecake looked so fancy but was so easy to make! It was a hit when I served it when we had friends over for dinner last night!
Chenée Lewis says
That's great! Thanks for the feedback!
Harriet Young says
I couldn’t believe this is only 5 ingredients! It’s so delicious and creamy. Loved it.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it!
Gianne says
The creamy texture combined with the light, fluffy Cool Whip made for a perfect, no-fuss dessert that impressed everyone at my gathering. It's now my go-to recipe for a quick, delicious treat that never fails to satisfy.
Chenée Lewis says
That's great to hear! Thank you!
Jill says
I love cheesecake in all its forms. Your no bake recipe really hits the spot though. So quick and simple to make. Thank you!
Chenée Lewis says
It's so easy! Glad you like it!
Kim says
Easiest cheesecake I've ever made! I swirled some chocolate syrup on top and called it a day. Perfect dessert.
Chenée Lewis says
What a great idea! I love how easy it is too!
Juli Benham says
Can this be made with the whipped berry cream cheese with a Oreo cookie crust
Chenée Lewis says
Absolutely! That sounds delicious!
Elaine E Carey says
I've made a different recipe no-bake than yours, using MORE cream cheese. My son didn't care for your version. It's OK for me, but I think the filling would go better with making stuffed french toast, than being a pie. I like the creaminess, but it tasted more like the Cool Whip than the cream cheese. I'd add another 4 oz of whipped cream cheese for a better flavor, and the filling will set better.
Chenée Lewis says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kim says
This is droolworthy! I can't wait to make this cheesecake this weekend!
Charah says
Thank you for sharing the recipe, this is something I's like to have this weekend.
Charah says
Wow, this cheesecake recipe is absolutely divine! The combination of creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust creates a dessert that's pure perfection.
Chenée Lewis says
So glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Casey says
Absolutely one of the most delicious cheesecakes I've ever tried. So easy to make too!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you liked the cheesecake! 🙂
kushigalu says
This no-bake cheesecake looks fantastic. Pinned to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Tayler says
I love a good no bake recipe, and this cheesecake is perfect! It was so delicious and easy to make!
Chenée Lewis says
No bake recipes are the best!!
Casey says
This was so tasty I couldn't believe I'd made it myself! I'm making this again this weekend for dinner with the in-laws.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you!! SO glad you liked it! It's such an easy recipe!
Elisa says
Love this Philadelphia cheesecake recipe, looks delicious and so easy to make. We love cheesecake, will make it soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lana says
Thank you for simplifying the cheesecake process for me, I’ve always thought it was so complicated. Came out perfectly and will be making this again.
Chenée Lewis says
You're so welcome! I love how easy this cheesecake is.