This no-bake lemon cheesecake is the kind of dessert that looks fancy but comes together with ease. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, while the filling is lusciously smooth, light, and tangy thanks to fresh lemon juice and extract. Since it skips the oven, it chills in the fridge until set, making it the perfect make-ahead treat topped with whipped cream and lemon curd.

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts to make for a party; everyone is always impressed, you can make it the day before (so party day is less stressful!), and the flavor combinations are endless! Cream cheese and lemon flavor are a favorite combo of mine; they pair so beautifully. While I adore this baked lemon cheesecake recipe, sometimes I don't have the time to deal with a water bath, baking time, cooling time, etc. Enter this no-bake lemon cheesecake. You make this all together, then pop it in the fridge to set up. Easy peasy, and oh so delicious!

What Makes This Cheesecake Tick
- Graham cracker crust - buttery and crisp, the foundation that contrasts the creamy filling.
- Heavy whipping cream - whipped to soft peaks for a light, airy texture.
- Full-fat Cream cheese + sour cream - rich, tangy, and smooth-it's the heart of the filling.
- Powdered sugar - sweetens without grittiness, blending seamlessly into the cream.
- Fresh lemon juice + lemon extract - brighten it up with natural tang and amplified citrus flavor.
- Lemon curd & whipped cream topping - an indulgent final layer that elevates every bite.

For ingredient quantities please reference the recipe card below. On the recipe card there is a button for US or M (Metric) measurements.
Step by Step Instructions













Add half of the whipped cream and fold to combine.





Check out all my cheesecake baking tips here.

★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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PrintRecipe Card
Fresh & Tangy No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
This no-bake lemon cheesecake is the kind of dessert that looks fancy but comes together with ease. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, while the filling is lusciously smooth, light, and tangy thanks to fresh lemon juice and extract. Since it skips the oven, it chills in the fridge until set, making it the perfect make-ahead treat topped with whipped cream and lemon curd.
- Total Time: 8 Hours 25 Minutes
- Yield: 8-12 Slices 1x
Ingredients
Crust
- 150 grams (1 ½ Cups) Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated/ Caster Sugar
- 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 12oz (1 ½ Cups) Heavy Whipping Cream
- 24oz Cream Cheese, completely softened to room temperature
- 150 grams (1 ¼ Cups) Confectioners/ Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
- 2oz (¼ Cup) Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2oz (¼ Cup) Sour Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ Teaspoon Pure Lemon Extract
Topping
- Lemon Curd
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Fresh Berries
Instructions
Crust
- In a food processor pulse the graham crackers until a fine crumb is reached, and pour into a large bowl. Whisk in the sugar until evenly combined, then stir in the melted butter. The butter should be evenly distributed, and the mixture should look like wet sand.
- Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray, then pour the crust inside. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to gently press the crumbs into an even layer and up the sides of the pan. Place the pan in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
Cheesecake Filling
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Scoop the whipped cream into a clean bowl, then add the softened cream cheese to the dirty cream bowl. With the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until softened, 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all of the cream cheese is softened.
- Add the confectioner's sugar and lemon zest and mix on low until the powdered sugar is incorporated. Then add the lemon juice, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon extract, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything is evenly combined.
- Add half of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream in. When combined, add the remaining whipped cream and fold again. Be careful not to overfold, as this will deflate the cream.
- Pour cheesecake filling into the prepared crust and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Cover the cheesecake with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Topping
- Release the cheesecake from the springform pan and use a spatula to transfer the cheesecake from the bottom of the pan to a serving plate. Add a layer of lemon curd, then top with fresh whipped cream. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American







Chad says
I’m not the biggest lemon person, but loved this recipe so much!!! Such a refreshing treat. I can’t want to make it again!