Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Decadent No-Bake Cheesecake with a Twist of Citrus

Ever wonder if you can eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack: a cheesecake that’s so lush and creamy, you’ll swear it’s from that high-end bakery on 5th Street. But here’s the plot twist — No oven needed! This recipe saves the day for busy moms, broke students, or anyone craving something special without burning through their paycheck or spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Special

• No oven needed!
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Zero fancy kitchen gear needed
• Leftovers are even better the next day
• Easy to meal prep or double for later

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 packs cream cheese (8 oz each), softened
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon or lime (optional, but amazing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, blending until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
3. Add the Citrus Twist: Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and citrus zest. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble: Pour the filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake sets.
5. Serve: Once firm, slice and serve chilled. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a little extra zest or some fresh berries.

Keeping It Real: Real Talk about Real Life

• This no-bake delight is perfect for when the oven is MIA, or you’ve just got zero interest in turning up the heat (literal and figurative!).
• While the cheesecake sets, why not make some extra cash with one of the gigs below?
• It’s the kind of recipe that lets you multitask: prep in minutes, let it chill, earn money, and come back to a dessert everyone will think you slaved over.
• It’s proof against the classic, “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” — because you can literally have this cheesecake and eat it too, while earning some dough on the side.