Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake 🍓🍫 (No-Bake!)
This elegant no-bake cheesecake features a chocolate cookie crust, silky vanilla filling, a crown of strawberries, and a rich chocolate ganache drizzle. It’s the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or when you’re craving a chocolate-dipped strawberry in cake form.
Why You’ll Love It 💚
- ✅ No baking required: Perfect for summer or busy days.
- ✅ Striking presentation: Gorgeous layers and glossy ganache wow every time.
- ✅ Balanced flavors: Light cream cheese, fresh berries, and dark chocolate = perfection.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whipped cream or whipped topping
Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, halved or whole (tops trimmed)
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the crust: Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and salt. Press into a 9″ springform pan. Chill in fridge for 20 minutes.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in whipped cream until just combined and fluffy.
- Assemble: Pour cheesecake filling over crust and smooth top. Arrange strawberries, cut side down, in concentric circles or randomly over the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) until firm.
- Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until melted and glossy. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Drizzle & Serve: Drizzle ganache over the chilled cake. Slice and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- 🍓 Use very dry strawberries: Pat strawberries dry after washing to prevent moisture from ruining the top layer.
- 🍫 Swap the crust: Use graham crackers or Biscoff cookies for a twist on the base flavor.
- 🍰 Mini versions: Make in muffin tins with liners for individual cheesecakes!
- 🌱 Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.
🌿 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- 🧊 Make ahead: Assemble the cheesecake the night before and refrigerate overnight.
- ❄️ Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add ganache just before serving for best texture.
- 🥶 Freezing: You can freeze the whole cheesecake (without strawberries) for up to 1 month. Wrap well and thaw in the fridge overnight before garnishing and serving.
❓ FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for presentation and texture, but thawed frozen ones can be chopped and folded into the filling instead. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients are labeled GF. - What’s the best way to slice it neatly?
Use a hot knife (run it under hot water, then wipe) for clean cuts through the chilled cheesecake.
An Elegant, No-Bake Showstopper 🍓🍫
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake is indulgent, beautiful, and bursting with classic flavors. Whether for a dinner party or cozy date night, it’s bound to impress!
