Name: Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake

July 7, 2025

If there’s one dessert that delivers creamy indulgence without the hassle of turning on the oven, it’s this chocolate chip no-bake cheesecake. Think of it as your secret weapon for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to wow your family with minimal effort. This recipe gives you all the rich, tangy flavor of a traditional cheesecake with none of the stress. Smooth, decadent, and dotted with chocolate chips, it’s the kind of dessert people ask for seconds of—and then request the recipe.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who usually leaves dessert to the pros, this cheesecake is approachable and practically foolproof. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a filling that comes together in minutes, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered baking cheesecake in the first place.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake

Key Benefits

This cheesecake isn’t just easy to make—it’s also incredibly satisfying to eat. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket:

No oven required: Perfect for warm weather when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
Quick prep: You’ll spend less than 30 minutes putting it together, then let the fridge do the rest.
Ultra-creamy texture: Thanks to whipped cream folded into the filling, every bite is light yet decadent.
Customizable: Switch up the crust, change the chocolate, or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight for best results.

This is the kind of dessert that makes you look like you’ve been baking for years—even if it’s your first cheesecake.

Suitable For

This recipe fits a wide range of occasions and skill levels:

Beginner bakers: The step-by-step method is easy to follow and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
Family celebrations: It’s kid-friendly yet elegant enough for dinner parties.
Dietary flexibility: With a few simple swaps, it can be made gluten-free or even dairy-free.
Busy schedules: Since it’s make-ahead, it’s ideal for entertaining without last-minute stress.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake

Core Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Graham cracker crumbs: These create the classic cheesecake base. Their slightly sweet, crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Holds the crust together and adds richness.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the crust and balance flavors.
Cream cheese (16 oz, full-fat): The star of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese gives that signature tang and luscious mouthfeel.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks and folded in, this makes the cheesecake light and airy instead of dense.
Mini chocolate chips: These little pops of chocolate throughout the filling make every slice special.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make this your own? Here are some ideas:

For a gluten-free crust: Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or crushed nuts.
For a lighter option: Use coconut oil in place of half the butter in the crust.
Mix up the chocolate: Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even toffee bits for a twist.
Dairy-free variation: Use plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream whipped to peaks.
Add toppings: Fresh berries, caramel drizzle, or chocolate ganache make stunning (and delicious) finishes.

Best Cream Cheese for No-Bake Cheesecake

When it comes to cream cheese, don’t cut corners. Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese (not the spreadable kind in tubs) is the gold standard for a sturdy yet creamy filling. Room temperature cream cheese is essential for smooth blending. Cold cream cheese tends to stay lumpy no matter how much you mix.

If you’re feeling adventurous, mascarpone can be swapped in for part of the cream cheese for a slightly richer, Italian-inspired flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

9-inch springform pan: This makes unmolding your cheesecake easy and gives those perfectly smooth edges.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Essential for whipping cream and blending cream cheese without lumps.
Offset spatula: Helps you smooth the top like a pro.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Piping bag with tips: If you want to decorate with whipped cream swirls.
Silicone spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently without deflating whipped cream.
Food processor: For quickly turning graham crackers into fine crumbs.

With just these basics, you’re fully equipped to create a dessert that will impress any crowd.

How to Make Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake is all about simple steps that build into something truly special. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker or have a kitchen full of gadgets. With a little mixing, a bit of folding, and some patience while it chills, you’ll have a decadent dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Start with the base—it sets the tone for the whole cheesecake.

In a medium bowl, stir together 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to get it smooth and compact.
Place the pan in the refrigerator while you make the filling. This step ensures the crust sets up nicely and won’t crumble when you slice the cheesecake.

Pro Tip: If you like a thicker crust, you can double the crust ingredients and press it slightly up the sides of the pan for a more traditional cheesecake look.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

This filling is where the magic happens. It’s creamy, light, and studded with mini chocolate chips for a little surprise in every bite.

In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Take your time here—this step is key for a silky texture.
Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is fully combined and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip 1½ cups heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream stands up without collapsing.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Work slowly and use a spatula to avoid deflating all that beautiful air you just whipped in.
Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed.

Pro Tip: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother and faster. If you’re in a rush, cut it into cubes and let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Now you’re ready to bring it all together.

Spoon the filling over the chilled crust and spread it out evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top for a picture-perfect finish.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This gives the cheesecake time to set fully, making slicing clean and easy.

Optional Finish: Before serving, sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips on top or shave a chocolate bar over the surface for an elegant touch.

Tips for Success

Chill thoroughly: Resist the temptation to cut into the cheesecake too soon. Four hours is the bare minimum; overnight is ideal.
Whip cream properly: Stop whipping once stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can lead to butter-like lumps, while underwhipping won’t give the filling enough structure.
Use a springform pan: This makes removing the cheesecake a breeze. If you don’t have one, use a pie dish and serve slices directly from it.

How to Store Chocolate Chip No-Bake Cheesecake

At Room Temperature

This cheesecake should only sit out for about 1 hour when serving. After that, return it to the fridge to maintain its texture and flavor.

In the Refrigerator

Keep the cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze the cheesecake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cheesecake is actually better when made the day before. It gives the filling plenty of time to firm up, which means perfect slices.

Can I freeze a no-bake cheesecake?

Yes, but only after it has fully set in the refrigerator. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake runny?

The most common culprit is under-whipped cream. Make sure to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture. Also, give the cheesecake enough time to chill completely.

Can I use a different crust?

Definitely. Try crushed Oreos for a chocolatey base or even digestive biscuits for a British twist. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour mixed with butter and a touch of sugar.

Related Recipes

If you loved this chocolate chip no-bake cheesecake, you might enjoy these other no-bake and creamy desserts:

No-Bake Coconut Cream Balls – A tropical twist with rich coconut flavor, perfect for summer.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A dreamy combination of cheesecake and gooey cinnamon rolls.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake – Decadent layers of chocolate and peanut butter for serious dessert lovers.
Peach Dump Cake – A quick, easy dessert with fruity, buttery goodness.
Oreo-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls – A fun, kid-friendly dessert mashup.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip no-bake cheesecake is proof that you don’t need an oven to create something spectacular. It’s creamy, chocolate-studded, and impossibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a party or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around.

So grab your mixer, stock up on cream cheese, and let your fridge do the work. You’re about to make a cheesecake everyone will be talking about.