These no-bake cheesecake squares is the perfect dessert when you want a sweet treat without having to turn the oven on! They have a yummy, light cheesecake taste without being a heavy dessert! I have been enjoying these delectable simple squares for over 20 years — it is a family favorite! They really are that good!
And the best part is that it’s super simple to prepare and takes a handful of ingredients! I like just how easy these squares are to whip up — wonderful when you need a dessert quickly! And they are the best with cherry pie filling, although you can use any pie filling you like.
E.D. Smith is one of my favorite pie fillings, especially for cherry pie filling! I love food history and learning about different products, so I thought, why not learn a bit about E.D. Smith! I have been using E.D. Smith pie fillings for many years, and ate E.D. Smith’s jams when I was a little kid. I had not realized that I have been enjoying a Canadian product all these years! How awesome (especially since I am Canadian!)!!
Ernest D’Israeli Smith initially started farming in 1878 so future generations would have an established farm for good produce. (I would have loved to try fruits and vegetables from those days!) By 1882, he had an excess of fruit and began making jams. By 1904, he had a factory producing jams and other goods. In 1912, he increased tomato production and made tomato-based products (like ketchup), and by the 1930’s he began exporting tomatoes. In 1939, E.D. Smith acquired the Canadian rights to H.P. Sauce (a British condiment) and in 1948 he acquired Lea & Perrins. His food empire grew from selling produce to jams to an array of products like pie fillings, sauces, salad dressings and more.
Let’s get to the cheesecake squares!
First, we need to make the base. Combine graham crumbs, sugar and butter together. The mixture should look sandy. Press into a 9″ square pan. You can bake the base if you like. I never do. Set aside while making the filling.
The filling is just as simple to prepare. Combine softened cream cheese, vanilla and icing sugar (powdered sugar) and beat well. Then add whipped topping like Cool Whip – I used an off brand which works just the same. Gently stir or fold the whipped topping in. Spread over base.
Spread pie filling over top. I always use cherry pie filling — it is our absolute favorite on these cheesecake squares. Place lid on or cover pan and refrigerate at least a couple of hours before slicing.
Here is the delicious cheesecake squares….do they not look scrumptious!?! So yummy! The squares cut into better bars and squares once they are refrigerated overnight. They can be frozen without the pie filling as the pie filling sometimes gets a little watery once it thaws. But, these no-bake cheesecake squares are so good, there probably won’t be any leftovers!
Easy No-Bake Cheesecake Squares
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp melted butter
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups whipped cream topping, like Cool Whip
1 can pie filling of your choice – I used cherry pie filling
For the base, combine cracker crumbs, sugar and butter together. Press into bottom of 9″ square pan.
Prepare filling by mixing softened cream cheese and icing sugar together. Add vanilla. Stir well. Add whipped topping and fold gently. Pour over cream cheese mixture and set in fridge for 1 hour to set.
Top with pie filling, cover and refrigerate one to two hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
