No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is easy to make and requires no oven! It’s rich, creamy and full of chocolate flavor with melted chocolate, cocoa powder and a crunchy chocolate cookie crust! The perfect quick and easy dessert that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

While I love a good baked cheesecake, there are times when a no-bake cheesecake is exactly what you need, especially when a chocolate craving hits! This No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake is so easy and quick to put together, you’ll be quenching that chocolate craving in no time. Here’s why I love it.

  • Simple directions. No-bake cheesecakes typically don’t require a lot of ingredients or steps to put them together. And because it’s no-bake, there’s no water bath. This is a great choice for a beginning baker.
  • Easy to make. The prep time to make the cheesecake is ridiculously fast. Just pop it in the fridge after putting all the ingredients together, and it will set on it’s own in about 5-6 hours. When I know I’m going to be busy or short on time, I like to make this in advance so that it’s ready when I need it.
  • It’s so chocolatey! From the deep, rich chocolate Oreo crust to the luxurious filling, chocolate is the star of this show. My No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake is a chocolate lovers dream come true! We’ll be using a combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder to give it a really smooth chocolate flavor and thick texture.
  • Amazing texture. It’s creamy and thick, despite not being baked. And there’s no need for gelatin or anything complicated. Melted chocolate helps with thickening the filling instead.
  • Great to make ahead. Cheesecakes hold up really well in the fridge for 4-5 days, so it’s great for making ahead. They also freeze really well, so you can make this plenty in advance, if needed.
A slice of No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake on a plate with a bite removed on a fork.

What You’ll Need

You won’t need much to make this chocolate cheesecake beauty. Check out my ingredient tips so that you can bake like a pro. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list and amounts.

Labeled ingredients for No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake.

For The Oreo Crust

  • Oreo cookie crumbs – Use the full cookie. No need to remove the filling.
  • Butter – Use melted butter to bind the crust ingredients together. You can use salted or unsalted butter.

For The Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream cheese – This should be at room temperature so that it mixes well. Use brick-style cream cheese. The tub-style cream cheese is thinner and won’t firm up as well. The same goes for the fat content – use the full fat stuff. It’s worth it!
  • Sugar – Use granulated sugar to help sweeten the cheesecake filling.
  • Cocoa powder – Natural unsweetened cocoa powder amplifies the chocolate in the filling and gives the entire cheesecake a stronger chocolate flavor.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate – The melted chocolate gives the cheesecake a really smooth chocolate flavor and thicker texture.
  • Heavy whipping cream – Be sure that the heavy whipping cream is cold. Otherwise, it will not hold volume as well, and your cheesecake won’t firm up properly.
  • Powdered sugar – Do not skimp on the powdered sugar. You need it to stabilize the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla extract – For flavor.

What kind of chocolate to use in no bake chocolate cheesecake?

The type of chocolate you use in the cheesecake filling is important here. It does two things in this cheesecake. It gives it flavor and it helps to thicken it. As the melted chocolate cools and firms up, it helps firm up the cheesecake filling. Two things to keep in mind when choosing your chocolate:

  • Use chocolate bars, not chips – While chocolate chips would be fine, chocolate bars are going to melt more smoothly and sometimes firm up a little better. They are also better quality for this particular job.
  • Use a high chocolate percentage – Did you know that higher percentage chocolate is actually “thicker”, so to speak. The higher percentage refers to the amount of cocoa solids (or cocoa) added to the chocolate. the more that’s added to the chocolate, the more bitter is it. But a higher cocoa content means less room for fillers like sugar, vegetable oils, and other additives. So, when you melt a high percentage chocolate and add it to your cheesecake, it’ll be thicker than something like milk chocolate. This cheesecake ends up much thinner when made with lower percentages of chocolate, so stick with a semi-sweet chocolate or something around 60% and up. It may be a more bitter chocolate, but you’re added it to a cheesecake that will sweeten it up.
A No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake on a white serving plate with a slice removed to show texture.

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Putting this No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake together couldn’t be simpler. Check out the recipe card down below for full instructions.

To Make The Crust

  1. Mix crumbs and butter. In a small bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter and mix well.
  2. Press into pan. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Set in the fridge to chill.

To Make The Filling

  1. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder. In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa until it’s well combined and smooth.
  2. Stir in melted chocolate. Add the melted chocolate and mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Make whipped cream. In another large mixer bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold in whipped cream. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two parts until well combined.

To Assemble The Cheesecake

  1. Fill the crust. Add the filling to the crust and spread into an even layer.
  2. Place in fridge. Refrigerate cheesecake until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.
  3. Remove from pan. To finish off the cheesecake, remove it from the springform pan and set on a plate or serving platter.
  4. Make whipped cream. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract for the whipped cream topping to a large mixer bowl. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  5. Decorate. Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake. Top the cheesecake off with your desired toppings, such as chocolate shavings.

Tips for Success

These simple suggestions will help guide you through the process of making this no-bake cheesecake recipe. Make sure to read them thoroughly for best results.

  • Use a food processor. It’s best to grind up the Oreos in a food processor until you are left with fine crumbs. Big chunks can cause your crust to crumble when. you cut into it. Don’t remove the cookie filling. You’ll grind the whole cookie because the filling helps to bind the crust together, along with the butter.
  • Use a springform pan. It makes removing the cheesecake from the pan so much easier. On that note, be sure to grease the pan and add a parchment circle in the bottom. Both help the cheesecake not stick to the pan.
  • Full-fat cream cheese is a must. You’ll want to use a good quality, full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat cream cheese has a higher water content, so it won’t set as well. I highly recommend using bricks instead of cream cheese from a tub. The tub variety is thinner and will cause issues for your cheesecake when it’s time to set.
  • Bring the cream cheese to room temperature. It’s easier to blend together the filling without lumps when the cream cheese is soft.
  • Use both kinds of chocolate. A combination of melted chocolate and powdered cocoa will give the cheesecake a stronger overall flavor of chocolate.
  • Whip to stiff peaks. To make sure your cheesecake filling has the thick texture we want, keep whipping until you have stiff peaks.

Variation Ideas

This cheesecake is amazing as it is, but you can certainly use this as a base for making various versions. Here are a few ideas to get you started with toppings and options.

Side view of a slice of No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake on a white plate.

How to Store No Bake Cheesecake

  • Refrigerator. If you find yourself with leftovers, seal the cheesecake in an airtight cake carrier or wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap. If you use plastic wrap, I suggest using toothpicks to prop it away from the topping. You could also arrange slices in a single layer in an airtight container and store it that way. This cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer. Pop the cheesecake in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up before wrapping it in a double layer of plastic wrap. I suggest freezing it before adding the toppings. Sliced it? Arrange the slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can store the cheesecake in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before adding toppings and serving.

More No Bake Cheesecake Recipes

When you need chocolate, nothing else will do! Here are a few more chocolate lovers recipes to try.

Watch How to Make It

Read Transcript

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon
A slice of No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake on a small white plate.
Recipe

Easy No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Author: Life, Love and Sugar
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Chill Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake recipe is easy to make and requires no oven! It’s rich, creamy and full of chocolate flavor with melted chocolate, cocoa powder and a crunchy chocolate cookie crust! The perfect quick and easy dessert that’s sure to impress!


Ingredients

Oreo Crust

  • 2 3/4 cups (369g) Oreo cookie crumbs (about 31 oreos)
  • 5 tbsp (70g) butter (salted or unsalted), melted

Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
  • 3 tbsp (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Desired toppings, such as chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.

Instructions

For the crust

  1. Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
  2. Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
  3. Place the crust in the fridge while you make the filling.

For the filling

  1. In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder together until well combined and smooth.
  2. Add the melted chocolate and mix until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
  3. In another large mixer bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two parts until well combined..
  5. Add the filling to the crust and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate cheesecake until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.

For the whipped cream topping

  1. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  2. Remove your cheesecake from the springform pan and set it on a plate or serving platter, then pipe the whipped cream around the rim of the cheesecake. I used Ateco tip 844.
  3. Top the cheesecake off with your desired toppings, such chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.
  4. Store the cheesecake in the fridge until ready to serve. Cheesecake is best if eaten within 4-5 days.

Notes

Chocolate. Be sure to use semi-sweet chocolate or something with a 60% or higher cocoa amount. Using less will give you a cheesecake that isn’t as firm.

Refrigerator storage. If you find yourself with leftovers, seal the cheesecake in an airtight cake carrier or wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap. If you use plastic wrap, I suggest using toothpicks to prop it away from the topping. You could also arrange slices in a single layer in an airtight container and store it that way. This cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing. Pop the cheesecake in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up before wrapping it in a double layer of plastic wrap. I suggest freezing it before adding the toppings. Sliced it? Arrange the slices in a single layer in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can store the cheesecake in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before adding toppings and serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 283.6 mg
  • Fat: 33.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44.2 g
  • Protein: 7.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 80.4 mg

Categories

Share a Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

30 Comments
  1. Samia Samdani

    Why is my cheese cake filling runny when left out of the fridge for some time . It doesn’t hold firm like store bought one

    1. Lindsay

      No bake cheesecakes aren’t as firm as baked cheesecakes and I’m guessing the store bought one was baked. When you leave a no bake cheesecake made primarily of cream cheese at room temperature, it’ll get softer.

  2. Mayanka Khetarpal

    Hi Lindsay,

    Can I line the tin with an acetate sheet so that the edges comes out clean.

    Thanks,
    Mayanka

  3. E

    I made this recipe a few months ago and it tasted great! saved it but today I wanted to make it but don’t have enough cream cheese, is there any way to reduce it?






  4. Stacey

    I made this for Mother’s Day. It was a little time consuming but SO worth it and much easier than the traditional cheesecake. It was very very good and got rave reviews from my family.






  5. Elizabeth MacPherson

    Made this cheesecake for a valentines dinner with special friends. It was a great hit and all requested a copy of the recipe. Thank you so much for sharing






  6. Sherry

    I would like to add Red food coloring for Christmas, making the cheesecakes in individual cups for a party. Do you think adding the coloring will effect it in any way negatively?

    1. Lindsay

      Adding red to a chocolate cheesecake might not give you a true red color, but if you aren’t to add it, I’d suggest using gel icing color so you aren’t having to add too much and thin out the filling.

  7. Krithika

    This looks amazing! I’ve made cheesecake before, but it was baked. Do you think this would hold in a car for about an hour?
    Also, could I bake the crust for about 10 minutes to crisp it up a bit?

      1. Krithika

        This was delicious! Next time I won’t bake the base, or bake for a very short time. It was very hard and close to impossible to cut easily.






  8. Marta Brown

    Made your nobake cheesecake. I went one step further and made chocolate rice krispe crust to make it gluten free. Very smooth, pretty, and deliciouse. Thanks






  9. Sabrina Thomas

    I have made several of your recipes and the one’s that I’ve tried have been a big hit. Thanks for posting such great recipes.

  10. Suzy-q

    Nice! Who can resist chocolate? Not me!!!! Besides being quick and easy, it looks delicious–
    creamy and oh so chocolatey. Thanks, Lindsay!!! Have a great day.

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29