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An easy and simple dessert that doesn't require you to fire up the oven, this no bake chocolate cheesecake has a graham cracker crust and a creamy light chocolate cheesecake filling.When you love chocolate, cheesecake, and easy desserts that don't require any baking, then you're in for a treat when it comes to this no-bake chocolate cheesecake!
It's luscious and creamy with a combination of cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, and melted chocolate. It all folds together to create a light as air chocolate filling.
Couples with a graham cracker crust this cheesecake reminds me a bit of summer s'mores!
With this recipe, you can make one large cheesecake you can cut into slices or create individual cheesecakes cups which makes a fun party dessert!
Tools and Equipment You'll Need
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake - Step by Step
Step 1: Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners and spray gently with cooking spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter.
Step 2: Pack the graham cracker mixture (about 1 - 1 ½ tbsp) at the bottom of each lined muffin section. This will create the base crust for your mini cheesecakes. (If using a springform pan, line it with parchment paper and press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan and halfway up the sides).
Step 3: Melt chocolate chunks using your favorite melting method (either by double broiler or by melting it in the microwave). In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar and softened butter.
Step 4: Slowly add melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture. Next, fold the whipped cream into the mixture.
Step 5: Scoop the cheesecake filling (about 4 tbsp) into the lined muffin tin, right on top of the graham cracker topping. Top with chocolate chips.
Step 6: Refrigerate for 4 hours or until sturdy.
Note: To make this into one large cheesecake instead of mini cheesecakes, follow the directions to make the graham cracker crust and the cheesecake filling. But instead of pressing the graham cracker crumbs into a muffin tin, press them into a springform pan lined with parchment paper. Press the crumbs into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan. Top with the filling and refrigerate for 6+ hours or until set.What Makes This No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Healthy?
While I wouldn't say this is a super healthy dessert, it is much healthier than typical cheesecakes for a couple of reasons:
- Real Dark Chocolate: I recommend using 88% dark chocolate in this cheesecake because it's super rich and has a deep chocolate flavor, it has antioxidants which are beneficial in reducing inflammation, and it's lower in sugar than other dark chocolate!
- Less Sugar: Typical servings of cheesecake will run you over 30g sugar for 1 serving (that's the equivalent of 3 fun sized Snickers bars!). But this cheesecake has only 12g sugar which is much better when you're enjoying dessert!
- Lower in Calories: 1 serving of cheesecake can run upwards of 600-700 calories, but 1 serving of this cheesecake is under 300 calories!
Will the kids enjoy this no-bake chocolate cheesecake?
Desserts are pretty much always going to be kid-friendly 🙂 The creamy cheesecake filling, the chocolate chips on top, and the crumbly, sweet graham cracker crust all make this cheesecake recipe perfect for kids! The individually sized portions are also great for small hands to enjoy.
What is a no-bake cheesecake?
No-bake cheesecake is an easier version of regular cheesecake that tastes pretty similar! Since you never have to bake it, it's a perfect dessert when the weather is warmer or when you have less time (it's basically a "set and forget" dessert!)
The flavor of no-bake cheesecake is just a little milder than classic cheesecake because there is less cream cheese - and the texture is lighter too thanks to the whipped cream.
What is the best pan to use to make a cheesecake?
If you're making this recipe as one large cheesecake, my favorite pan to use is a Springform Pan. The great thing about a Springform pan is that it has two parts: a base, and a removable ring that is around the sides. If you use a Springform pan you can just remove the ring when your cheesecake is done making it easy to slice & serve.
If you don't have a Springform pan, you can also use a 9×9 square baking dish for this cheesecake. Just make sure to line it with parchment paper so you can easily remove the cheesecake before serving.
And of course, if you are making mini cheesecakes then a muffin / cupcake tin is the best pan to use!
How to Store and Freeze
To store: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Once the mini cheesecakes (or large cheesecake) have set, wrap each cheesecake in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in the freezer for up to 2 months. To defrost, just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Top Tips for Making the Best No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
- Use a high quality dark chocolate bar instead of regular chocolate chips for this recipe - it'll taste better and will have a deeper chocolate flavor
- To make this gluten free, just use gluten free graham crackers and grind them up in a food processor to make crumbs.
- While you're making the filling, put the crust in the freezer. This will help the crust hold together even better while you're spreading the filling.
- Instead of using frozen whipped cream you can also beat heavy cream into stiff peaks and fold it in to the cheesecake filling gently.
- If you don't want to use graham crackers for the crust, you can use any cookie you like! Just grind it up in the food processor into crumbs and use it as a 1:1 replacement for the graham crackers.
- Chill the cheesecakes for at least 4 hours, but longer is better! Overnight is great too!