Easy Cream Cheese Pie

I couldn’t tell you the first time I devoured this pie. I’ve been enjoying it since I was old enough to eat pie. It’s a hand-me-down recipe from my sweet grandma… the best kind of recipes, if you ask me. And I’ve requested it for my birthday on more than one occasion.

I’m a huge fan of classic cheesecake, but I think the light creaminess of this no-bake cream cheese pie is even more delicious than the real thing. Where traditional cheesecake is very firm and ultra rich, cream cheese pie is smooth, velvety and kind of like a cheesecake mousse. I love it because it’s not too heavy, but it’s still decadent enough to taste like a special treat.

My son requests this no-bake cheesecake on the regular and I’m happy to oblige. In fact, I’ve probably made this easy cream cheese pie more than any other recipe on my site! Let’s get to all of the delicious details!

INGREDIENTS

This irresistible cream cheese pie recipe is made with just 4 basic ingredients, plus the crust and topping (if using). Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Graham cracker crust. You can buy a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store to save time, but I prefer a homemade graham cracker crust. And it’s actually very simple to make with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
• Cream cheese. Make sure you use a block of real cream cheese, not cream cheese spread. I recommend using Philadelphia original cream cheese, as it will yield the best results. You will want the cream cheese soft, but super cold. Cream cheese is typically pretty soft straight from the refrigerator and that will work great. If your cream cheese is too soft, the pie filling may not set up correctly.
• Sweetened condensed milk. One 14-ounce can of full-fat sweetened condensed milk sweetens the dessert and provides a smooth texture. My grandma always used Eagle Brand, so that’s what I use.
• Fresh lemon juice. This gives the cheesecake a tiny amount of tartness, but doesn’t make it overly lemony. It’s a really delicious addition! Not only that, it’s an essential addition. Lemon juice helps to thicken the sweetened condensed milk, which is necessary so that the cream cheese pie sets properly. I recommend using fresh lemon juice for best results.
• Vanilla extract. For an extra boost of flavor!
• Cherry pie filling. Totally optional for the topping, but definitely my favorite way to serve no-bake this pie. See more topping options below.

HOW TO MAKE EASY CREAM CHEESE PIE

Not only is the ingredient list short and sweet, but making the recipe is a breeze! For full, printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Here’s a quick rundown of how to make the recipe:

1. Crust. Make or buy a graham cracker crust (my favorite!). I love a good homemade graham cracker crust and this one is so easy, I recommend just making it yourself. Allow the crust to set in the fridge for about an hour.
2. Cream cheese filling. Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese until fluffy. Then gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Scrape down the mixing bowl as needed. Beat the mixture until everything is fully combined. Do not over-beat or the mixture will become too thin.
3. Assemble the cheesecake. Pour the filling into the refrigerated crust and chill the whole pie for at least 6 hours or overnight, if you have the time.
4. Topping. Spoon on the cherry topping… or don’t. My mom and sister actually prefer to eat their cream cheese pie without any topping at all. Much like classic cheesecake, but better! You could also use fresh berries, if you want to keep the dessert a little lighter.
5. Serve. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole pie, like my son and I did this weekend. Oops! You think I’m joking, but I’m totally not! 😳 It’s that good!

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count and I have a few tips, so that your dessert is perfect. This pie can be a little tricky sometimes to set properly and it’s essential that you follow all of these tips for best results.  

• Graham crackers. For the crust, you can buy graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store (you’ll find them down the baking aisle), or make your own by pulsing 10 full sheets of graham crackers in your blender or food processor.
• Cream cheese. I do not take my cream cheese out of the fridge prior to beating it. It should be soft, but very cold. 
• Refrigeration time. For best results, be sure to refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer you refrigerate no-bake cheesecake, the sturdier it will be and the more lovely the slices. Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. It will be difficult to slice the filling and the texture won’t be as smooth.
• Slicing. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut into slices for serving. For extra neat slices, wipe your knife clean with a paper towel between each cut.

Customize this cream cheese pie

I’m pretty much obsessed with this recipe as-is, but there are lots of tasty ways to get creative with your dessert. Here’s a few ideas:

• Oreo cheesecake. Try using Oreo cookies for the crust, instead of graham crackers, and then top the pie filling with Oreo crumbles and cookies. Sounds amazing!
• Toppings. Cherry pie filling pairs really well with the tang of no-bake cheesecake, but some other toppings that would be delicious are fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, salted caramel drizzle, or any other canned fruit pie filling.
• Cheesecake bars. Want this same cherry cheesecake flavor in bars? Try my cheesecake bar recipe!
• Cheesecake dip. Skip the crust and cherry topping and create a dip instead of a pie. Genius! Add fluffy cream cheese filling to a serving bowl and serve with graham crackers, fruit and cookies.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This easy cream cheese pie is just an all around great pie that’s perfect for bringing to a potluck, serving after Easter lunch and beautiful enough to surprise your sweetie with on Valentine’s Day. I even made it this year for Christmas! Believe me, you won’t be trying to get rid of extra slices. This stuff goes quick.

MAKE-AHEAD OPTIONS

Because of the necessary refrigeration time, cream cheese pie is a great make-ahead dessert! You can make the recipe up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate before adding topping. You can also make just the crust up to 2 days ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days before adding the filling.

STORING LEFTOVER cream cheese pie

Leftover pie will keep well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days. I seriously doubt it will last that long, though!

CAN YOU FREEZE cream cheese pie?

This no-bake cream cheese pie can be frozen!

Once the filling has been added to the crust, wrap the pie in plastic wrap. For the best texture, allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for about 6 hours before placing in the freezer. Before freezing, I like to wrap aluminum foil around the plastic wrap for extra freezer protection. You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or on the countertop, then slice and enjoy!

This pie is off-the-charts amazing. Hands down my favorite and pretty much my whole family’s favorite pie. My son is already requesting this cream cheese pie for his birthday dessert in June. 😊 It’s:

Silky smooth
Creamy
Perfectly sweet
Super quick
Gorgeous
And easy as pie!

If you try this cream cheese pie recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Watch the video below to see just how easy this recipe is to whip up!