How to make a basic cheesecake base?

Start with crushed biscuits and melted butter. Add a pinch of salt or spice if you like. Press it firmly into a pan and chill to set.

What are common cheesecake mistakes to avoid?

Using cold cream cheese creates lumps. Overbeating the filling adds air and weakens the set. Not chilling long enough is another big one.

What is the secret to making good cheesecake?

Room-temperature ingredients, gentle mixing, and enough time to set. For no-bake versions, properly bloomed gelatine is key.

Is it better to bake or not bake a cheesecake?

Depends on the occasion! For summer or large gatherings, a no-bake version like this is lighter and easier. Baked cheesecakes offer a richer, denser texture.

Easy Christmas Cheesecake Slab – Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing

Name: Easy Christmas Cheesecake Slab – Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 12 h
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: **Biscuit Crust**; 300g Biscoff biscuits; 120g unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; **No-Bake Cheesecake Filling**; 750g cream cheese (softened); 1 ½ cups thickened/heavy cream (cold); 1 ¼ cups caster sugar; 3 ½ tsp gelatine powder + 3 tbsp cold water; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional); Pinch of salt; **Decorative Whipped Cream**; 2 cups thickened/heavy cream (cold); 3 tbsp caster sugar or 6 tbsp icing sugar; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; **Toppings**; Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, cherries); Orange slices; Rosemary sprigs; Icing sugar

Description

A light and creamy no-bake Christmas cheesecake slab, perfect for warm weather celebrations. Made in a rectangle pan and decorated with fresh berries, this festive dessert feeds a crowd and slices cleanly.

Ingredients

Scale

**Biscuit Crust**

300g Biscoff biscuits

120g unsalted butter, melted

1 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

**No-Bake Cheesecake Filling**

750g cream cheese (softened)

1 ½ cups thickened/heavy cream (cold)

1 ¼ cups caster sugar

3 ½ tsp gelatine powder + 3 tbsp cold water

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Pinch of salt

**Decorative Whipped Cream**

2 cups thickened/heavy cream (cold)

3 tbsp caster sugar or 6 tbsp icing sugar

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

**Toppings**

Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, cherries)

Orange slices

Rosemary sprigs

Icing sugar

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Instructions

1. Line a 23x33cm (9×13″) pan with baking paper. Lightly grease. Blitz biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press firmly into the base. Chill.

2. Bloom gelatine by combining powder and water. Let it sit until firm, then microwave gently until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Whip the cream to stiff peaks and set aside.

4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, lemon juice, salt, and cooled gelatine. Mix well.

5. Fold in ¼ of the whipped cream first, then gently fold in the rest until fully combined.

6. Spread filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours or overnight.

7. Whip decorative cream with sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Spread or pipe over the set cheesecake.

8. Decorate with berries, citrus, rosemary, and dust with icing sugar just before serving. Slice into 18–24 squares.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps.

Use cold cream for best whipping results.

Stabilize whipped cream with 2 tsp gelatine + 2 tbsp water if making ahead.

Not freezer-friendly; best enjoyed within 12–36 hours.

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 288
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g