Are you craving a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with fruity goodness? Look no further than this No-Bake Fruity Cream Cheese recipe! Made with a combination of fresh strawberries, peach slices, and a creamy cream cheese filling, all nestled atop a crunchy cookie crust, this dessert is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Plus, since it requires no baking, it’s the perfect treat for those hot summer days when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious dessert!
Ingredients:
- 280 grams of your favorite cookies
- 120 grams of unsalted butter
- 200 grams of fresh strawberries
- 200 grams of peach slices in syrup
- 300 grams of cream cheese
- 200 milliliters of heavy cream (33% fat content)
- 200 milliliters of whole milk
- 100 grams of granulated sugar
- 10 grams of agar agar powder
- Shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
- Crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stovetop until fully melted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until well mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Topping
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them into thin slices.
- Drain the peach slices from the syrup and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries and peach slices in a decorative pattern on top of the chilled cookie crust. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture, gently folding it in until fully incorporated.
- In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and agar agar powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and agar agar powder have dissolved completely.
- Pour the milk mixture into the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Dessert
- Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared fruit topping, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Once set, remove the dessert from the refrigerator and carefully release it from the springform pan.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top of the dessert for garnish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the chilled dessert into wedges and serve immediately.
- Enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of this delightful no-bake dessert!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Variety of Cookies: Feel free to use your favorite cookies for the crust, such as graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits based on your preference and seasonal availability. Mangoes, raspberries, or kiwi would make excellent additions or substitutions.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this No-Bake Fruity Cream Cheese recipe:
- Almond Flour Crust: Substitute crushed almond flour or almond meal for the cookie crust to reduce the carb content.
- Sugar Substitutes: Use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia instead of granulated sugar in the cream cheese filling.
- Low-Carb Fruits: Choose low-carb fruits like berries or avocados to keep the carb count low while still adding fruity flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen fruits if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Q: Can I omit the agar agar powder? A: While agar agar powder helps to set the dessert, you can omit it if you prefer a softer, more pudding-like consistency. Alternatively, you can use gelatin as a substitute.
In conclusion, this No-Bake Fruity Cream Cheese dessert is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this creamy and fruity dessert is sure to please. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable variations, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. So, why wait? Give this recipe a try today and indulge in a taste of fruity paradise!
