A vibrant and refreshing no-bake dessert, this Kiwi Cheesecake with Cherry Garnish is a stunning fusion of creamy indulgence and fruity elegance. With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh kiwi slices glazed to perfection, it’s the ideal centerpiece for any celebration or summer gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesecake delivers the richness of a classic dessert without the need for baking, making it both easy and convenient. The tartness of fresh kiwi complements the creaminess of the filling, while cherries and whipped cream add a luxurious touch. Its light texture and bright flavors make it perfect for warm weather or when you want a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Topping:
- 3–4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup kiwi jelly or neutral fruit glaze
- Fresh cherries and whipped cream, for garnish
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until fully combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
- Once set, arrange kiwi slices in concentric circles on top of the cheesecake.
- Warm the kiwi jelly slightly until it becomes a brushable consistency, then lightly glaze the kiwi slices.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and piped whipped cream just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8–10 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Tropical twist: Add mango or pineapple slices alongside the kiwi for a more tropical flavor.
- Nut crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed almonds or pistachios for added texture and taste.
- Mini cheesecakes: Make individual servings in muffin tins lined with cupcake papers.
- Coconut flavor: Add shredded coconut to the crust or the filling for a tropical aroma.
- Chocolate swirl: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and filling for a rich contrast.
storage/reheating
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the whipped cream and fresh fruit will deteriorate.
To serve again, remove from the refrigerator and garnish with fresh cherries and whipped cream just before presenting.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, it’s ideal to make it a day ahead and chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use canned or frozen kiwi?
Fresh kiwi is recommended for appearance and texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before use.
What if I don’t have kiwi jelly?
You can use a neutral fruit glaze or a light apricot jam thinned with water as a substitute.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan?
Line the base with parchment paper or lightly grease the sides of the springform pan for easy release.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can use plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream, along with a vegan butter alternative for the crust.
Why didn’t my filling set properly?
Ensure the whipped cream is beaten to stiff peaks and fully folded in without deflating the mixture.
Can I skip the fruit topping?
Yes, but the kiwi and cherries add both flavor and visual appeal to the cheesecake.
What type of cherries are best?
Fresh, sweet cherries work best. Avoid maraschino cherries, which are too sweet and dyed.
How do I cut clean slices?
Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for smooth, neat slices.
Conclusion
This Kiwi Cheesecake with Cherry Garnish is a show-stopping dessert that brings together luscious creaminess and vibrant fruit flavors. Its no-bake simplicity makes it both approachable and elegant, ideal for summer events or anytime you want a light yet indulgent finish to your meal. With its beautiful presentation and adaptable variations, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Kiwi Cheesecake with Cherry Garnish
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fruity no-bake cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, fresh kiwi slices, and a glossy cherry garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 3–4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup kiwi jelly or neutral fruit glaze
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix well and press firmly into the base of a springform pan. Chill for 15 minutes to set.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until mixture is smooth and airy.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Arrange kiwi slices on top in overlapping circles. Warm the jelly slightly and brush it over the kiwi slices for a glossy finish.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and piped whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Kiwi jelly adds shine and preserves the fruit topping—substitute with apricot jam if needed.
- For a firmer texture, add 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in warm water to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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