Homemade Target No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

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If you’re anything like me, you love a dessert that is both hassle-free and guaranteed to impress. And here’s the best part: everything you need to whip up a dreamy Target No-Bake Cheesecake can be found at your favorite store—Target!

How to make Target No-Bake Cheesecake

Target No-Bake Cheesecake is a ready-to-make cheesecake dessert kit sold by Target, designed so you can make cheesecake without using an oven.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crust (Pre-Made): Look for brands like Keebler or Market Pantry, which offer ready-made graham cracker pie crusts in the baking aisle at Target. Or, if you prefer to make the crust yourself:
• Graham Crackers (about 1.5 cups, crushed into crumbs).
• Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted).
• Sugar (2 tablespoons).

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake Filling (1 tub, 24 ounces)

OR Use the DIY option to make the filling from scratch:

• Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened—Philadelphia is a great choice).
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup, sifted).
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon).
• Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup, whipped to stiff peaks).

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (available in Target’s produce section).
• Fruit spreads, chocolate syrup, or caramel drizzle.
• Whipped cream for a finishing touch (grab a ready-to-use container like Reddi-Wip if you’re pressed for time).

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Target no-bake cheesecake:

1. Prepare the Crust

Option 1: Pre-Made Crust: If you’re using a store-bought graham cracker crust, simply unpack it and set it aside. Congratulations, your crust is ready!

Option 2: Homemade Crust: For DIY crust, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan or pie dish. Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 15 minutes while you make the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Using Ready-Made Filling: Open the tub of Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake Filling, and scoop it directly into the prepared crust. Smooth it out with a spatula to create a nice, even layer.
2. From Scratch: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (use a hand or stand mixer). Mix in the vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a light, airy texture. Pour the filling onto the crust and smooth it out evenly.

3. Chill the Cheesecake

1. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the filling to firm up properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
2. Once set, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and add your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, chocolate or caramel drizzle, and whipped cream are classic options, but feel free to get creative. Cut into slices, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Chill Time is Key: Patience is the secret ingredient in no-bake cheesecakes. Ensure your cheesecake is fully chilled so the filling sets properly and holds its shape when sliced.
• Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect to prep a day ahead of your gathering, as it requires no last-minute work.
• Springform Pan: For a more professional presentation, use a springform pan if you’re making your own crust. It makes removing the cheesecake much easier.
• Get Creative with Flavors: Mix things up by adding lemon juice and zest for a bright citrus flavor or swirl fruit puree like strawberry or raspberry into the filling before chilling.
• Graham Cracker Alternatives: Not a fan of graham crackers? Try an Oreo crust or a digestive biscuit crust for a fun twist.

What to serve with

Your creamy and delicious Target No-Bake Cheesecake is the star of the show—but what you serve alongside it can elevate your dessert table even further!

Fruit Toppings

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries are perfect for adding freshness and a pop of color. Simply wash, slice (if needed), and arrange them decoratively on top of your Target No-Bake Cheesecake.
• Citrus Lovers: Use thin slices of lemon, lime, or orange as garnish, or add citrus zest to sprinkle over the top for a tangy twist.
• Cooked Fruit Compote: Make a quick fruit compote by simmering fresh or frozen fruits like cherries, peaches, or berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. The sweet, thick sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.

Sauces & Syrups

• Chocolate Syrup/Hot Fudge: Drizzle chocolate syrup or warm hot fudge over each slice for indulgence.
• Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel drizzle enhances the sweet and buttery flavors in the cheesecake. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel variation.
• Fruit Sauces: Try strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry sauce to add a tart-sweet element. Target’s jams or premium fruit spreads (like Good & Gather brand) can also be warmed and used.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Target No-Bake Cheesecake is an art that allows for plenty of flexibility.

Graham Cracker Crust

If you can’t find graham crackers or simply want to try something different for your crust, here are some alternatives:

• Digestive Biscuits: These make a great substitute because of their similar texture. Crush them just like graham crackers and mix with melted butter.
• Oreo Cookies: For a richer, chocolatey twist, use crushed Oreo cookies. Don’t forget to remove the cream filling unless you want a sweeter crust. Combine with melted butter for a decadent base.
• Vanilla Wafers: These cookies offer a nice balance of sweetness and crunch. Crush and mix with melted butter like graham crackers.
• Pretzels: For a salty-sweet combination, use crushed pretzels. Combine with melted butter and a bit of sugar to balance the saltiness.
• Almond or Walnut Crust: For a nutty flavor, pulse almonds or walnuts in a food processor until finely ground, and mix with melted butter and a bit of sugar.

Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, or simply want to try something new, consider these options:

• Vegan Cream Cheese: Brands like Daiya or Kite Hill offer plant-based cream cheese that works similarly to dairy-based cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened before mixing.
• Greek Yogurt: Use strained Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier filling. It can replace up to half of the cream cheese. Note that it may yield a softer set.
• Mascarpone Cheese: For a richer, creamier texture, substitute part or all of the cream cheese with mascarpone.
• Ricotta Cheese: Blend ricotta until smooth and use as part of your cream cheese replacement for a slightly grainier texture and a mild flavor.

Heavy Whipping Cream

Here are some options if you don’t have heavy whipping cream on hand or need a dairy-free version:

• Coconut Cream: Use the thick cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk. Chill the can first, then scoop out the creamy part on top; whip until fluffy.
• Silken Tofu: For a vegan option, blend silken tofu until smooth and fold it into the mixture. It adds a creamy texture without the dairy.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): For convenience, you can use store-bought whipped topping. Be mindful of sweetness adjustments since it is often pre-sweetened.

Powdered Sugar

If you’re looking for alternative sweeteners or are cutting down on sugar, try these options:

• Confectioner’s Erythritol or Swerve: These sugar substitutes work well for diabetic or low-carb diets. They’re often used in a 1:1 ratio with powdered sugar.
• Honey or Agave Syrup: These are liquid sweeteners, so use less of another liquid ingredient to maintain consistency. Use roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of powdered sugar.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a unique flavor and can be used similarly to honey or agave. Adjust the amount of other liquid components.
• Coconut Sugar: This unrefined sugar has a caramel-like flavor. For best results, blend it into a fine powder before incorporating.

Vanilla Extract

Running low on vanilla extract? Try these substitutions:

• Vanilla Bean Paste or Pods: Use the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean pod (one pod equals about 1 teaspoon of extract) or use vanilla bean paste in a 1:1 ratio.
• Vanilla Powder: A great alternative for a more robust vanilla flavor, used in the same amount as extract.
• Almond Extract: For a different flavor profile, use half the amount.

Final Thoughts

With all of these pairing ideas, your Target No-Bake Cheesecake will shine even brighter on your dessert table.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Copycat Kroger No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
• Homemade Costco Soft Cheesecake Recipe
• Samlip Soft Cheesecake Recipe