A blender makes quick work out of these No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Squares. They are a breeze to make and are a fresh, lighter take on a classic no-bake cheesecake.
As a foodie mom myself, I always hoped that my children would take an interest in cooking. Charlie, my 5 year old son, is in love with helping me in the kitchen and I seriously couldn’t be any happier. He wanted to make me a dessert for Mother’s Day (and buy me roses… he already knows I like white ones, he’s the definition of sweet) so we worked together to create a simple ‘sometimes food’ recipe using the Vitamix that he could make for me with the help of an adult. He knows I love anything lemon and was so excited to make me a sweet treat to enjoy on my special day!
I’ve been teaching Charlie how to use, and respect, some of the kitchen tools, and it’s giving him confidence and a world of creativity as he starts to experiment in the kitchen and create recipes of his own. He loves using the Vitamix and knows that he can only use it under our supervision. It’s so important to us that our boys grow up knowing how to cook and bake!
This cheesecake, though lighter than most others, is clearly still a treat. Served piled high with berries, they are both such a lovely spring or summer desserts that we’ll keep in rotation. I tried using both gelatin and agar-agar to set the unbaked cheesecake, each with a different result. The gelatin produced a firmer cheesecake that was much easier to cut. The agar produced a MUCH softer cheesecake and didn’t set very firm (see Charlie in the picture below for proof). If you are using the agar, at this point I would recommend leaving out the yogurt as you will get a better result.
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Squares
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs*
- 1/4 c. melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- pinch of sea salt
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 package of gelatine (or 4 tsp. agar-agar powder)**
- 4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
- 2 Tbsp. boiling water
- 450 g (2 c.) brick cream cheese
- 3/4 c. vanilla Greek yogurt**
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup honey OR 2/3 c. powdered sugar
*you can substitute 1 c. of the crumbs for toasted pecans or almonds, just process the crust ingredients in the blender, pulsing and scraping down the sides a few times to create the crust.
**to get a firmer cheesecake if using the agar-agar powder, leave out the yogurt.
Directions:
- Combine all of the crust ingredients together and pat the mixture firmly in the bottom of a 9×9″ square pan, using the bottom of a flat glass to firmly and evenly press it down. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
- Combine the gelatine or agar-agar powder with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add the boiling water and continue to stir until well-combined. Add this mixture to the Vitamix blender along with the remaining ingredients (do not let it sit as it will quickly firm up). Place the lid on the blender and blend on level 5 (medium speed) for 45 seconds, until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese filling on top of the prepared base and chill the cheesecake for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Would love this!
I love anything lemon. Even better than chocolate. lol These two cheesecakes will be saved for a later date. Maybe I will make one for myself on Mother’s Day. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, they look delicious.
Great post! I’ve had my eye on Vitamix for sooooo long! Here’s hoping!
This looks so amazing. Thank you for another great contest. **fingers crossed**
I like the words “easy” and “cheesecake” together! And lemon is my favourite, especially with some white chocolate shavings on top. Thanks for the tips, I think I will use gelatin when I try this recipe!
Yum, yum and YUMMMM! So excited to try this with fresh Fraser Valley berries!
Thank you Kess! Good call!!
Oh my, wish my daughter can make a cake for me one day with vitamix! 😛 You are one lucky mama… your son is really cute!
Awe thank you, he is a sweetheart we are lucky:)
So excited to make these. I am planning my sisters bridal shower this summer and this is a perfect dessert
Thank you Alicia! I hope you love them!
😍😍 does this work with non dairy substitutes!? I never used to be a fan of cheesecake until I found out I wasn’t allowed to consume dairy – funny how that works out haha
What an incredible giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity. These cheesecake recipes look amazing, I don’t know which to make first.
Thanks Tori for the recipe and the contest!!! Happy Mother’s Day
Your lemon ricotta baked cheesecake sounds amazing. My two favourite baking ingredients are lemon and ricotta. How did you know? Thanks for the giveaway, also. I would love a Vitamix.
Love the recipes…and thanks for the contest…good luck to all 🙂
Thanks for the recipes and the contest 🙂
My absolute pleasure Anabela!
Your lemon cheesecake squares look delicious & thank you so much for this Vitamix contest! I have always wanted one but they are so expensive so I have been saving for one. Really enjoy following you😘
Thank you so much Jacqueline that made my day! xx
I’m with u. LOVE LOVE LOVE eveything LEMON. PLUS yellow is my favorite color. 🤗
These look amazing Charlie and Tori. We are planning a mother’s day brunch and I just found the perfect dessert. Happy Mother’s Day !
Thank you so much Barb, Happy Mother’s Day to you too!
Thank you for the Vitamix give away ! I’m hoping to win one for my daughter.
Your lemon squares look so good 🍋😍 and the dish is pretty too.
Have you tried making ricotta? I’ve made Ina Garten’s recipe. A fun project and next level tasty.
Thank you! I have made my own ricotta! It was a bit of work… this busy mama will be buying it for now:). Totally make your own though if you can, it’s therapeutic to make your own food isn’t it?
These look delicious! My daughters love baking, these recipes will come in handy! Thank you vitamix for the giveaway, I’ve been wanting one for a few years!
Trying recipe tonight and can not wait!! Can’t wait to have a vitamix too 😉 Just adore your blog and recipes… my go to! ❤
Yumm 🙂 I think I’ll have to try both.
Can not yet moms enter? I’ve been struggling with infertility for over three years and lots of failed IVFs and heartbreak. This is a rough holiday but I try to focus on my sisters and friends who are moms and my fabulous mom and mom in law!
Thanks for your recipes.
This is so cute. My son is still a bit young (2 yrs) to help in this way, but I do look forward to the day. I have been wanting a Vitamix for years. It’s my go-to wedding gift but I have not yet gifted it to myself. Would LOVE to win. Just had a second baby and I find it hard to carve out time to cook so whipping up smoothies in the morning would be amazing. Eventually, I would use it for more but I’m in the thick of the newborn phase now:)
Looks delicious, can’t wait to try! Thanks for the contest as well…would love to win this! Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day to all! 😁
Yummy
Way to go Charlie! You are an excellent chef!!! The cheesecake you and your Mom made looks beautiful and delicious! Your Mom is such a great cook and baker and so many people love all of the food she makes. You are a lucky guy to have her as a Mom and to get to eat all of that yummy food! Love, Patricia (Walt’s Mom)
(Thanks for the raffles Tori…fantastic prizes!)
ohh,they look delicious,,craving them now! And I have wanted a Vitamix for ever now! Thanks for the chance!
Looks delish!! Wow thanks for the chance!! Been looking at Vitamix blenders for a while!!! Tha ks so much!!!
I’m dreaming about vitamix!
I can’t wait to try those recipes! I’ve always wanted to try to Vitamix, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it.
wow-great recipes! would love to win the Vitamix for my sister
What a fantastic give away! Thank you! Have always wanted one of these beautiful blenders – but just haven’t been able to swing it – financially. Thanks Tori!
Thanks for the contest and all your amazing recipes!
My Mom would love this gift. She is currently undergoing cancer treatment and my family is trying to cook up anything (which isn’t a lot) that her stomach can handle. We are three weeks away from the final treatment and we are looking forward to getting back into the kitchen and cooking up all sorts of tasty dishes – including juices from this vitamix!
I would love this vitamix. Also the dessert looks amazing. Anything with lemon and cheesecake is a win!
That looks to die for. Great giveaway and yummy recipe!!
Oh my goodness!! Winning one of these would be such a great mother’s day gift! (And then I could make this delicious dessert to celebrate!)
Amazing for morning smoothies and so much more!