This delicious no-bake cheesecake is perfect for Easter! It combines a creamy, smooth Philadelphia filling with crunchy mini eggs and is encased in a buttery biscuit base. Simple to prepare yet a true showstopper, this cheesecake is sure to delight both kids and adults alike during the Easter holiday.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Crust Base:
- 300g digestive biscuits
- 115g unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling:
- 680g Philadelphia cream cheese
- 480ml double cream
- 180g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 400g Cadbury Mini Eggs
Directions
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Prepare the Biscuit Base:
Line a 23cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper (no need to line the sides). Blitz the biscuits in a food processor or crush them by hand until finely crumbled. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, covering the base and sides, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes. -
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream to stiff peaks. Sift in the icing sugar, add vanilla bean paste, and salt to the cream cheese, and beat until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream gently to keep the air in the mixture. -
Add Mini Eggs:
Crush ⅔ of the mini eggs and fold them into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the filling into the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. -
Decorate:
Once set, remove the cheesecake from the pan and decorate with the remaining mini eggs. Optionally, add chocolate shavings and spring flowers for a festive touch.
Nutrients (per serving)
- Calories: 478 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
- Sodium: 316mg
- Potassium: 108mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Vitamin A: 1192 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 68mg
- Iron: 1mg
A Perfect Combination of Creamy and Crunchy
What makes this cheesecake unique is its balance of textures. The rich and velvety cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the crunch of the biscuit base and the mini eggs. Every bite offers a satisfying contrast between the smoothness of the filling and the crunch from the biscuit and chocolate. It’s the ideal combination of creamy sweetness and texture that will appeal to both children and adults alike. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, which means you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven or managing complicated steps. This makes it a fantastic option for those who want a stress-free, impressive treat to serve.
The Simplicity of Preparation
The beauty of this cheesecake lies not just in its taste but in its simplicity. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to whip up, even for those who aren’t confident in the kitchen. The crust is made by simply combining digestive biscuits with melted butter, which you press into a pan. The filling involves mixing cream cheese with whipped double cream and a few flavorings, followed by folding in crushed mini eggs. Once assembled, the cheesecake needs time to set in the fridge, and you’re done! It’s that simple, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute dessert or for those who prefer less hands-on preparation.
Versatility for Any Celebration
Though this cheesecake is perfect for Easter, its versatility makes it a wonderful dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating birthdays, holidays, or a weekend gathering, this cheesecake fits any theme. The mini eggs add a festive, colorful touch that makes it particularly special for Easter, but you can adapt the decoration for other holidays as well. In the fall, for example, you could top it with chopped caramel or pecans for a harvest-inspired dessert. During the summer, fresh berries would be an excellent addition, turning this cheesecake into a fruity treat that still maintains its creamy charm.
Benefits of the No-Bake Approach
A no-bake cheesecake offers several advantages, especially when it comes to preparation and texture. One of the main benefits is that the chilling process allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set without requiring any baking. The texture of the filling is lighter and airier compared to traditional baked cheesecakes, which can sometimes be dense. The no-bake filling stays smooth, creamy, and rich, giving you that classic cheesecake indulgence but without the heaviness. Additionally, since no oven time is involved, this recipe is great for hot days when you want to keep the kitchen cool and avoid the oven altogether.
The Allure of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Philadelphia cream cheese is known for its creamy, slightly tangy flavor, which is the perfect base for cheesecake fillings. It provides that signature richness that makes cheesecakes so irresistible. The Philadelphia brand is also a household name, making it a trusted and reliable choice for recipes like this one. The cream cheese creates the smooth, dense filling while the added vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar help to sweeten and enhance the overall flavor. When combined with whipped cream, the mixture achieves that light, velvety consistency that you expect from a cheesecake.
How to Decorate for the Perfect Easter Touch
Once your cheesecake has set and is ready to serve, it’s time to give it an Easter-themed finish. The crushed mini eggs inside the cheesecake add a bit of texture, but to make it truly stand out, decorate the top with the remaining whole mini eggs. You can also add chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. If you’re looking for a bit of color, consider adding a few spring flowers, such as edible pansies, for an elegant and festive look. These simple touches will elevate your cheesecake and make it a showstopper on your Easter dessert table.
Healthier Dessert Option with a Touch of Indulgence
While cheesecake is not typically thought of as a health food, this no-bake version does have some redeeming qualities. The mini eggs add a bit of fun and color to the dessert, but the overall dessert is lighter than many traditional baked cheesecakes. The combination of cream cheese and double cream provides richness, but the overall portion size is relatively small, meaning you can enjoy a satisfying dessert without going overboard. Additionally, the digestive biscuit crust is simple and offers a buttery flavor without being too sweet, which helps keep the focus on the creamy filling.
Storing and Serving Tips
This no-bake cheesecake is best when made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday meal planning. After assembling the cheesecake and letting it set, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge. If you’re planning to make the cheesecake more than a few days in advance, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
When ready to serve, slice the cheesecake into individual pieces and enjoy it chilled. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect dessert for an afternoon gathering. Additionally, this dessert is rich enough that a small slice goes a long way, so it will easily serve a crowd.
Conclusion
This no-bake cheesecake is a delicious and versatile dessert that is perfect for Easter or any other celebration. The creamy Philadelphia filling paired with the crunch of Cadbury Mini Eggs and a buttery biscuit base creates a dessert that is both indulgent and satisfying. Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers the opportunity for creativity in decoration, ensuring that it will look as good as it tastes. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday dinner or simply enjoy a special treat with your family, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors make it a standout dessert that will keep you coming back for more.