Lemon Ricotta No-Bake Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
A tangy lemon and creamy ricotta cheesecake that requires no baking, set on a buttery graham cracker crust for a refreshing treat. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, ricotta cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Step 2: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 2 cups ricotta cheese with 8 oz softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Step 5: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Step 6: Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until fully incorporated and light.
- Step 7: Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Step 9: Release the springform pan and serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh lemon slices or berries.








