Best No-Bake Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust - Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, about 1 minute on high power

To a medium bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, drizzle or pour in the melted butter, and toss with a fork to combine

To a 9-inch springform pan* (See Notes), transfer the buttery graham cracker crumb mixture, packing it firmly on the bottom of the pan and pressing it about halfway up the sides with your fingertips. Place the springform pan in the freezer while you make the cheesecake filling

Cheesecake Filling - To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or handheld electric mixer, add the cream cheese and beat on high speed until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl

Add the granulated sugar and beat to combine, about 1 minute

Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and beat to incorporate, making sure to start on a low speed so the sugar doesn't fly everywhere. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl; set aside

To a separate medium bowl, add the heavy whipping cream (make sure it is very cold for best results), and whip using the whisk attachment of your mixer until the whipped cream has expanded in volume and stiff peaks form, 7 to 8 minutes or as necessary depending on your mixer.**(See Notes)

Add the whipped cream to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and gently fold the whipped cream in, by hand, taking care not to over-stir, over-mix, or deflate the air you created in the whipped cream. If you don't know how to fold, watch a video on the internet so you don't over-do it

Remove the graham cracker crust from the freezer and carefully turn out the filling mixture into it, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula or offset knife

Cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the refrigerator overnight to chill and set up, at least 8 hours but longer is fine. Tip - Do not try to cheat and speed it up by doing this in the freezer because the texture will change for the worse so plan ahead and make sure the setting up process is in the fridge

When ready to serve, run a butter knife around the perimeter of the springform pan and then gently pull the outer ring off and away. This helps to allow the graham cracker crust to stay on the cheesecake and to not get pulled off and stick to the springform pan

Slice the cheesecake as desired and top with whatever optional garnishes you desire, including whipped cream, whipped topping, fresh fruit, salted caramel sauce or chocolate sauce, etc

Extra no-bake cheesecake will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. After it has already set up, leftover cheesecake can be kept frozen airtight for up to 3 months. Tip - If you plan to freeze it, I recommend storing it in individual sandwich-sized baggies or in individual freezer-safe plastic containers. Single servings are much easier to deal with both to find room in your freezer as well as for an easy snack so you aren’t unnecessarily waiting to thaw the whole cheesecake