No bake cheesecake vs baked – which one is the best?

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Cheesecake, is up there with the queen of deserts but what do you go for, the no bake cheesecake vs the baked cheesecake?

Personally, I am a fan of no bake cheesecake just because of the texture, but if you are unsure, let me run you through the different types of cheesecakes that you can make.

When it comes to cheesecake, there are two main methods of preparation: no-bake and baked. Each method yields a different texture, flavour, and overall experience. Here’s a comparison between the two:

No-Bake Cheesecake:

• Texture: No-bake cheesecake has a creamier, lighter, and mousse-like texture. It is typically made by combining cream cheese, sugar, and other ingredients with whipped cream or gelatin to set the mixture. The mixture of cream cheese and other ingredients gives a no-bake cheesecake a creamier texture. In my opinion, this is the better texture for a cheesecake.
• Preparation time: No-bake cheesecake requires less time and effort to prepare compared to baked cheesecake. It usually involves mixing the ingredients, pouring the mixture into a crust, and chilling it in the refrigerator until set.
• Flavour: No-bake cheesecake has a fresher and tangier flavour compared to its baked counterpart. The filling is usually sweetened with sugar and flavoured with ingredients like vanilla extract, lemon juice, or fruit puree.
• Crust: No-bake cheesecakes often use a crumb crust made from crushed cookies or graham crackers mixed with melted butter or a similar binding agent.

Baked Cheesecake:

• Texture: Baked cheesecake has a denser, firm, and velvety texture. It is made by combining cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, which are then baked in the oven. The eggs help set the filling, giving it a firmer consistency. This is the most obvious difference between the two.
• Preparation time: Baked cheesecake generally takes longer to prepare due to the baking time involved. The process typically includes making the crust, mixing and pouring the filling onto the crust, and baking it in the oven.
• Flavour: Baked cheesecakes have a richer and deeper flavour profile compared to no-bake cheesecakes. The flavours meld together during the baking process, resulting in a more intense taste.
• Crust: Baked cheesecakes often use a traditional crust made from crushed cookies or graham crackers mixed with melted butter. The crust is partially baked before adding the filling to ensure it holds its shape.

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing between no-bake and baked cheesecake. No-bake cheesecakes are quick, easy, and perfect for those who prefer a lighter, chilled dessert. On the other hand, baked cheesecakes require more time and effort but offer a more classic, rich, and decadent experience. Ultimately, it comes down to the desired texture, flavour, and the occasion you’re preparing it for.

What is a cheesecake?

A cheesecake is a type of dessert that consists of a sweetened mixture made primarily from cream cheese or ricotta cheese. It typically has a crust made from crushed biscuits or cookies, and the filling is often flavoured with ingredients such as vanilla extract, lemon juice, or cocoa powder.

Cheesecakes can be baked or no-bake, with each method resulting in a different texture and taste. They can be served plain or topped with various sauces, fruits, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

They are known for their rich, creamy texture, and indulgent flavour, making them a popular dessert choice for many people around the world.

Cheesecake flavours

This is one area that I am an expert at as I have worked my way through a number of different flavoured cheesecakes over the years.

New York cheesecake – This is probably the most well-known cheesecake, for me it is in there as a traditional cheesecake. The biscuit base is topped with a creamy cheesecake filling of soft cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and a few other ingredients. It is perfect after a yummy dinner or even as a treat later in the evening. If you want a classic cheesecake, this is the one for you.

Lotus Biscoff cheesecake – My personal favourite not because I have a recipe on the blog but for me, it has that perfect combination of sweet biscuit flavour combined with the creamy topping. Plus it is such an easy dessert to make in the first place, it becomes a top pudding in my books.

Lemon cheesecake – If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a treat or maybe at a dinner party, this classy pudding is a great way to finish off the meal and refresh the palette.

Burnt basque cheesecake – This one is a little different in flavour as there is no biscuit base like in the others and it is intentionally cooked at a high temperature to give it a caramelised top, which is unique to this cake. With its delicious exterior and creamy filling, it is clear to see why it is so popular.

To be fair, any type of biscuit flavour or fresh fruit such as fresh berries makes the perfect flavour for a cheesecake, it is just ensuring that you have the right balance between the base and filling. Chocolate is another popular choice to include, whether this be chocolate sauce over the top or white chocolate mixed through the fluffy filling. With just a few different ingredients, you can use the simple steps in the recipe to make a completely different flavour combination.

I think the best way to enjoy your cheesecake is at room temperature, in the garden as the sun sets, it is that decadent dessert that is exactly what it says on the tin!

If you need a little inspiration, check out the flavours on offer at Cheesecake Factory for a little inspiration.

What biscuits can I use to make a cheesecake?

Now this is more of a question of what biscuits you like as one of the main ingredients in the dish, it can be adapted to suit your taste and cheesecake. Made right, any biscuit can give you the perfect buttery biscuit base.

Here are some of my personal favourite biscuits to use for a base.

• Digestive biscuits (probably the most popular in the UK)
• Bourbon biscuits
• Custard creams
• Biscoff cookies
• Graham cracker crumbs

What equipment do you need to make a cheesecake?

Making cheesecakes is pretty easy to do and the equipment needed is very similar in both, with just some slight tweaks depending on what you are making.

The key equipment pieces needed are as follows:

• Scales
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk/electric whisk or mixer
• Springform pan (If you want individual portions you could use a muffin tin)
• Parchment paper (for the bottom of the pan)
• Rolling pin or food processer to break the biscuits down

Nothing needs to be expensive and all the items purchased can be used for other dishes too, which is a great way to get the best value for money.

How long can you store cheesecake?

Once you have made your cheesecake, it must be stored in the fridge.

I would recommend eating it all within 3 days, however, if you want to extend the shelf life, why not consider freezing your cheesecake if you can not eat it all?

Can you freeze a no bake cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze a no bake cheesecake, however, only for up to 3 months.

If you choose to freeze your cheesecake, wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil. You can wrap them in individual portions to make defrosting a little easier.