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No-Bake vs Baked Cheesecake

No-Bake vs Baked Cheesecake: Decoding the Delicious Debate

Last Updated on July 21, 2024 by Lori Walker

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Cheesecake is a well-loved dessert with an enduring charm. From its smooth center and crunchy crust to its delightful toppings, it’s a treat that is difficult to resist.

With the various types of cheesecake we have today, learn more about no-bake vs baked cheesecake and find out the differences between the two. 

Comparing No-Bake & Baked Cheesecake

cheesecake on a plate

A no-bake cheesecake has no eggs, flour, or thickening agents, making it lighter than baked ones. It’s also simple and quite easy to make.

Meanwhile, a baked cheesecake has a dense, smooth, and velvety texture as it is created with a mixture of sugar, eggs, and cream cheese.

Main Differences

Ingredients

For the crust, both the baked and no-bake cheesecake uses the same ingredients; graham crackers crumbs, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt [1]. 

However, a no-bake cheesecake uses heavy cream and unflavored gelatin for the cheesecake filling.

It uses the same ingredients as the baked cheesecake except for eggs, all-purpose flour, and sour cream. 

Procedure

Making a no-bake cheesecake is a lot simpler, easier, and faster than a baked cheesecake. 

Although a baked and no-bake cheesecake requires almost the same process, making a baked cheesecake requires a lot of preparation and using the oven [2].

Meanwhile, a no-bake cheesecake only requires a few simple steps, like making the crust and the filling, then putting it into the refrigerator afterward.

Texture & Taste 

A no-bake cheesecake has a mousse-like appearance. It can also be a bit fluffy and airy because of the whipped cream.

“When it’s time to serve, a clean slice of cheesecake is as satisfying as it is beautiful.”

– Laura Manzano, Food Stylist and Recipe Developer

On the other hand, a baked cheesecake has a dense, moist, fluffy, and smooth texture that can’t be achieved by a no-bake cheesecake.

Convenience

Between the two, a  no-bake cheesecake is way easier and faster to make and is suitable for those who want a light dessert or for vegans since it has no eggs, and dairy can be substituted. 

Although they may have different ingredients, textures, and procedures, they taste the same. But how long will cheesecake last in the fridge?

Tips & Tricks When Baking a Cheesecake

cheesecake with berries on top
  • Whip the egg whites to incorporate air into the filling to get a lighter texture in a baked cheesecake.
  • It is better to use full-fat cream cheese to have better flavor. 
  • When baking, start with a hot oven and lower the temperature.
  • Let the cheesecake cool in the oven. 
  • To get the perfect no-bake cheesecake, let the cheesecake fully set in the refrigerator.
  • Whip the cream very well.
  • Use two large spatulas when you transfer the cheesecake from the pan. 

Read: Is It Okay To Make Cheesecake Without Using Springform Pan?

The Secrets to Foolproof No-Bake Cheesecake

  • Only use pure cream cheese and not cream cheese spread.
  • Put the cream cheese at room temperature for a velvety and smooth texture.
  • Avoid chilled cream cheese as it will result in a lumpy textured cheesecake.
  • Powdered sugar or confectioners’ sugar provides a smoother texture.
  • Mix the filling thoroughly to achieve a softer texture.
  • Let it chill in a fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Read: Helpful Tips To Defrost A Cheesecake

FAQs

Is baked cheesecake better than no baked?

Both the no-bake and baked cheesecake have an equally great taste, but some claim that a baked cheesecake tastes better than a no-bake cheesecake. 

Its only key difference is its texture. A baked cheesecake has a superior texture – dense, moist, smooth, fluffy, and custard-like, while a no-bake cheesecake has a mousse-like texture. 

Is the original cheesecake baked or not?

The first and original cheesecake was baked on an earthenware griddle. This cheesecake is made with fresh cheese patties pounded until smooth and mixed with flour and honey.  

Today, cheesecake recipes have various versions, techniques, and styles, depending on a person’s taste and preference.

Does the Cheesecake Factory bake its cheesecakes?

Yes, the Cheesecake Factory bakes its cheesecakes in its baking facility before its products are shipped all over the country. 

The Cheesecake Factory has more than 30 flavors, but nothing compares to its original cheesecake recipe. Find out how long Cheesecake Factory cheesecake can last here.

Why is my no-bake cheesecake hard?

One of the reasons your no-bake cheesecake is hard is that your cheesecake base has been compressed way too much when you put it in the pan. 

Other reasons may include the brand of the biscuit you’ve used for the crust, putting too much butter on it, or freezing the cheesecake. But why is the Cheesecake Factory so high in calories?

Does no-bake cheesecake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, you must refrigerate a no-bake cheesecake to ensure it is sturdy. However, remember not to freeze your cheesecake until it’s solid rock, or you’ll lose its velvety texture.

But how long should cheesecake cool before putting it into the fridge?

Final Verdict

A no-bake cheesecake is ideal for those who want a jelly-like and mousse-like cheesecake texture, while a baked cheesecake is moist, dense, smooth, and velvety.

A no-bake cheesecake is simpler, easier, and faster to make with just a few ingredients than the baked one. 

Although they may have different textures and methods of preparation, both are still incredibly creamy and serves as the perfect dessert.

References:

  1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-cheesecake-recipe2-2012236
  2. https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-perfect-cheesecake-recipe-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchen-110760
Lori Walker

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