As we reach the peak of summer, we are also reaching peak temperatures. Days that are consistently in the triple digits leave us all reaching for the nearest tub of ice cream in a desperate attempt to cool off. However, when the novelty of ice cream wears off and the flavors begin to blend together, what refreshing treat can we turn to? No-bake Oreo cheesecake, of course! 

Oreo cheesecake is the perfect summer treat for a variety of reasons. The biggest perk, perhaps, is the fact that it requires no baking. You simply mix the ingredients together and pop it in the fridge, no oven needed! While the end result is delicious, the process to make it provides a fun summer activity – which is amazing for days spent indoors to avoid the heat. 

While no-bake cheesecake lacks the baked richness of a traditional cheesecake, it is still deliciously decadent. The sweetness of the Oreos complements the tanginess of the sour cream resulting in a perfectly balanced bite each time! You can also personalize the recipe to suit your taste. Want more cheesecake flavor? Simply add fewer Oreos to the filling, or swap an Oreo crust for a traditional graham cracker. My family loves Oreos, so I added finely crushed Oreos to the batter alongside the chopped cookies. Not a single cookie went to waste! No-bake cheesecake creates a light, yet hearty, dessert that all are sure to love. 

Another fun aspect of this recipe is that you can make it as easy or complex as you want. The recipe initially calls for a pre-made Oreo crust, and pre-made whipped topping (such as Cool Whip). This is great for those who don’t particularly enjoy baking, but still want to try the recipe, or those who are in a time crunch. When I tried this recipe, I had nothing going on, so I took the more complex route. I made an Oreo crust from scratch, as well as the whipped cream. I enjoyed the more involved process as I felt that I was making a recipe fit for the pros. 

The biggest downside to a no-bake cheesecake is waiting for it to chill. It was no different for this recipe. While it proves to be a tremendous challenge, chilling should not be skipped. The filling tastes delicious before entering the fridge, allowing it to sit brings the flavor to a whole new level. Those eight hours allow the flavors to blend, resulting in a more flavorful slice. Additionally, chilling allows for the filling to develop the richness that an oven normally produces in a normal cheesecake. Without letting it sit for those hours, the overall dish will lack the well-known cheesecake texture. 

Find the recipe here.

If you ever find yourself bored and hot on a summer day, don’t hesitate to try this recipe! It is one that can be made by bakers of all ages and skill levels, and will always result in a refreshingly decadent treat!