Name: No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (268g) graham cracker crumbs; 2 tbsp (26g) sugar; Pinch of salt; 8 tbsp (112g) unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup (104g) sugar; 1/4 cup (58g) sour cream; 3 tbsp fresh orange juice; 3 1/2 tsp orange zest; 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold; 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 1/4 tsp cornstarch; 2 1/2 cups (250g) cranberries; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 cup (207g) sugar, divided; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries; 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold; 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp orange zest

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If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s as stunning to serve as it is delightful to eat, this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s got that perfect balance of tangy cranberries with a bright orange zing, all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy texture without ever needing an oven. Honestly, I first made this cheesecake during the holidays, and it instantly became the star of the table—everyone loved the fresh flavors, and the no-bake approach made prep stress-free.

What makes this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe really special is how easy it is to pull together without skimping on flavor or presentation. You can whip it up in advance, which is a total game-changer if you’re hosting or just want a fuss-free treat during a busy week. Trust me, once you try this combo of sweet, tart, and creamy, it’ll be your go-to dessert for anytime you want to impress without the mess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating the cheesecake’s perfect texture and vibrant taste. When shopping, I recommend going for the freshest cranberries and a quality cream cheese to keep things tasting bright and silky. Also, make sure your heavy cream is well chilled — it whips best that way!

Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your crust, giving that classic buttery crunch that holds everything together.
Sugar: Both granulated and powdered versions are used, so grab a good-quality sugar for smooth sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Melts easily into the crumbs, and since it’s unsalted, you control the salt level better.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature to mix smoothly without lumps — it’s the heart of your cheesecake.
Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and rich creaminess, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Fresh orange juice and zest: This combo packs a citrus punch that makes the cake bright and refreshing.
Heavy whipping cream: Cold and ready to be whipped into a fluffy topping that makes the cheesecake light and airy.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the flavors and add warmth.
Cornstarch: Used in the cranberry topping to thicken it slightly so it sets nicely without being runny.
Cranberries: Fresh is best — they give that tart pop and festive red color you can’t beat.
Water: Helps cook the cranberries smoothly for the topping and sparkling garnish.

Variations

I love that this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe is so easy to tweak depending on your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to swap in ingredients or add your own twist — that’s part of the fun in making it yours!

Variation: Swap cranberries for raspberries or pomegranate seeds — I tried raspberries once when cranberries weren’t in season, and the tartness still worked beautifully.
Variation: Use a gluten-free cracker crust — perfect if you need to keep things gluten-free, and honestly, it holds up just as well.
Variation: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the filling — this makes it feel extra fancy for special occasions.
Variation: For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt — it changes the texture slightly but keeps the tang and creaminess intact.

How to Make No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by mixing those graham cracker crumbs with sugar, salt, and melted butter until everything is evenly combined and feels like moist sand. Press this mixture firmly into the base of your springform pan or a pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it tightly—this helps it hold together when you slice the cheesecake later. Pop this in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip up the orange cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat your room temperature cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Next, mix in sour cream, fresh orange juice, and zest for that fresh citrus flavor. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form—don’t rush this part, stiff peaks hold the cheesecake’s light texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture; this keeps the filling airy and luscious.

Step 3: Prepare the cranberry topping

Cook the cranberries with orange juice, zest, cornstarch, and a splash of water until they soften and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning and to get a glossy, jam-like finish. Let this cool completely before spreading it over your chilled crust.

Step 4: Assemble and chill

Spread the cranberry topping evenly over the crust, then spoon on the orange cheesecake filling, smoothing out with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This chilling time is key for the cheesecake to set properly and let all the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Sparkling cranberries and whipped cream finish

For the sparkling cranberries, heat half the sugar with water until dissolved, simmer briefly, then dip fresh cranberries into the syrup and toss in remaining sugar to coat. Pop them on parchment paper to dry — these add a beautiful, festive sparkle on top. Whip together the remaining heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest for a flavorful whipped cream to dollop or pipe over the cheesecake when serving.

How to Serve No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe

The image shows a top-down view of nine bowls and plates arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. At the top left is a medium white bowl filled with light brown sugar, its texture grainy and uneven. To the right is a rectangular white plate holding a solid pale yellow block of butter. Below the brown sugar is a small clear glass bowl with a crumbly white ingredient, while to its right is a larger clear bowl filled with fine white sugar. Next, there are two small white bowls containing dark brown and almost black dried fruits with a shiny texture, placed vertically. Below the clear bowl of sugar is a small clear spoon-shaped dish holding a white powdery substance. Nearby sits a small clear bowl of coarse salt. At the bottom left, a white bowl shows a heap of soft, creamy white cheese with a slightly lumpy texture, and to its right, another white bowl contains smooth, swirled white cream. The overall look is clean and bright, with the ingredients clearly visible and well-organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always add a few sparkling cranberries on top alongside vibrant orange zest and a generous swirl of whipped cream — it looks so festive and adds a pop of contrasting texture. Sometimes, a few fresh mint leaves elevate the presentation even more. It’s those little touches that make the dessert feel special without extra effort.

Side Dishes

Want a perfect pairing? I often serve this cheesecake with a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee. It’s also fantastic alongside a light fruit salad—think sliced pears or apples with a drizzle of honey—to complement the citrusy tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping holiday dessert, I’ve layered individual servings in clear glasses with alternating layers of the cheesecake filling and cranberry topping, finished with sparkling cranberries on top. This not only looks elegant but makes serving easier for guests. You can also make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins with parchment liners—fun, portable, and just as delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find it’s best to store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to keep your cheesecake from absorbing fridge odors. The flavors often intensify after a day or two, making leftovers just as good—if not better!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to protect it from freezer burn. I usually freeze uncut cheesecakes to preserve the texture best. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and it still tastes delicious albeit with a slightly softer texture.

Reheating

Since this cheesecake is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary—in fact, it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge. If you want the whipped cream a bit softer, just let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake actually benefits from sitting in the fridge overnight. It allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly, making serving much easier the next day.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries available?

If fresh cranberries are hard to find, frozen ones work just fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your topping.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Low-fat versions can change the texture, making it less creamy and more dense. For the best results, I recommend using full-fat ingredients, but if necessary, low-fat works in a pinch.
How long does the cheesecake last in the fridge?

Store your No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Can I make individual servings instead of a whole cheesecake?

Definitely! Using small jars or mini dessert cups works great. Just layer the crust, cranberry topping, and cheesecake filling in each container and chill as usual for easy portions.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because of how effortlessly it blends festive flavors with simple preparation. I love sharing it with friends since it always surprises and delights without needing hours in the kitchen. If you want a dessert that feels special but lets you enjoy the party instead of stressing over the oven, give this one a try—you’ll be so glad you did!