Indulge in the perfect dessert with this No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake. A rich, creamy cheesecake layered with velvety cream cheese, sweet cherry pie filling, and decadent chocolate curls, all set atop a pre-made Oreo crust. This easy, no-bake dessert is sure to be the star of any gathering, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds—chocolate and cherries. The creamy, smooth filling, combined with the slight tang of the sour cream and the sweetness of the cherry topping, creates a truly irresistible treat. The addition of homemade chocolate curls adds an elegant touch, making this dessert perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something indulgent but easy to prepare. Plus, no baking required, making it a foolproof dessert for any home cook!

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake:

6 ounces pre-made Oreo pie crust
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup full-fat sour cream
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ounces semi-sweet baking bar, chopped (Ghirardelli brand)
8 ounces tub whipped topping, thawed
1 cup canned cherry pie filling (Duncan Hines/Comstock more fruit)

For the Chocolate Curls:

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar, broken into small pieces (Ghirardelli brand)
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (Crisco)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cheesecake:

Remove the plastic cover from the pre-made Oreo pie crust and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with a handheld mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, then beat for an additional 30 seconds until well incorporated.
Transfer half of the cream cheese mixture to another large bowl. Set both bowls aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet baking bar by heating for 1 minute at 60% power, stirring, then heating for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
Fold the melted semi-sweet chocolate into one of the bowls with the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Divide the thawed whipped topping equally between the two bowls with the cream cheese mixtures. Gently fold the whipped topping into each mixture, creating the black and white layers.
Spread the chocolate cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the Oreo pie crust.
Top with the plain cream cheese mixture and spread into an even layer.
Cover the pie with the plastic piece that came with the crust and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to set.

For the Cherry Topping:

Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, top it with the cherry pie filling, mounding the cherries in the center while leaving a 1-2 inch border around the edge for the optional chocolate curls.

For the Chocolate Curls:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate pieces and vegetable shortening by microwaving for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate onto a rimmed baking tray flipped upside down and spread it into a very thin layer with an offset spatula.
Freeze the tray for 3-5 minutes until the chocolate is firm enough to leave a fingerprint when touched.
Use a sharp, straight-edged spatula to push up small sections of the chocolate to create curls. If the chocolate is too hard, let it soften for a minute at room temperature.
Once you have made the curls, place them on a freezer-safe plate and freeze until ready to garnish the cheesecake.

To Serve:

Top the chilled cheesecake with the chocolate curls just before serving.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your indulgent No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Servings: 8 servings

Variations

Berry Topping: Instead of cherry pie filling, use fresh raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries for a lighter, fruity topping.
Liqueur Infusion: Add a splash of cherry liqueur, such as Kirsch, to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts, like crushed almonds or hazelnuts, to the crust for an added crunch.
Vegan Version: Swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative and the whipped topping for a coconut whipped cream substitute to make this dessert vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled.
Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! This cheesecake actually tastes better the longer it sits. Make it a day ahead and let it set overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together.

What can I use instead of the pre-made Oreo pie crust?

If you prefer a homemade crust, you can make one by crushing Oreos or graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter, then pressing the mixture into a pie dish.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the curls?

You can use dark or milk chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate for the curls, depending on your preference.

How can I get the chocolate curls to look perfect?

Be patient! If the chocolate is too firm or brittle, let it soften slightly at room temperature. Using a sharp spatula or a butter knife to carefully scrape the chocolate will help you achieve the best curls.

Can I use a different type of fruit topping?

Yes, you can use any fruit topping you like, such as blueberry or raspberry pie filling, or even fresh fruit if you want a lighter option.

How do I know when the cheesecake is fully set?

The cheesecake will be firm to the touch when it’s fully set, and the layers will have come together. After 8 hours or overnight in the fridge, the consistency should be perfect.

Can I make this without the chocolate curls?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate curls if you prefer, or replace them with shaved chocolate or chocolate chips as a simpler alternative.

Can I freeze the No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make a smaller version of this cheesecake?

Yes, you can scale down the recipe and use a smaller pie crust or a mini tart pan for individual servings.

Conclusion

This No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgent dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of cherries and the decadence of chocolate. Easy to prepare and no baking required, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a rich, creamy dessert, this cheesecake will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!

No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients