Kiwi Cheesecake

This kiwi cheesecake is the most perfect cheesecake, and it does not require any baking!

I am about to say something: to me no-bake cheesecakes are even better than the classic baked kind.

There are a few facts to back this up:

• A no-bake cheesecakes takes less time to make.
• They have more flavor because the oven heat does not ‘kill’ any of it.
• You can easily adapt no-bake cheesecakes and make them with chocolate, fruits, or any other add-in.

So the no-bake cheesecake is the perfect cake for me! This time I have made one with delicious kiwi fruit, because who doesn’t love a little kiwi?

This sweet and fruity cake is perfectly balanced with the almost savory cream cheesy goodness. It’s rich, yet almost light in flavor thanks to the kiwi, and it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.

It only takes about 20 minutes to make this fabulous dessert, although you will need a little patience while it cools. It’s a simple cake with a far more than simple taste. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Let’s get started!

What is a No-Bake Cheesecake?

Much like its namesake, the no-bake cheesecake has cream cheese as one of its main ingredients. Unlike the classic cheesecake, however, the no-bake cheesecake has no eggs, no granulated sugar, and obviously, requires no baking. 

Another difference is that a no-bake cheesecake is on the denser side. It will not have that airy texture that some regular cheesecakes have.

But for those who already prefer a creamier, richer, and denser cheesecake, this no-bake will offer that texture you love, while being even easier to make.

Plus, no-bake cheesecake is brilliant if you want to easily pair it with jams, or chocolate. 

How to Serve a No-Bake Cake

You will want to slice your cake and serve it while it is still cold.

If you leave it out for 30 minutes at room temperature, the cake will become considerably softer.  So, always serve your cheesecake cold!

You can top your no-bake cheesecake with simple slices of kiwi for the bright, cheerful color, or you can vary it up by adding complementary fruit pieces like coconut or strawberries, chocolate chips or a drizzle, or even macadamia nuts.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cheesecake

Making a no-bake cheesecake is so stunningly easy that it seems hard to mess it up. Still, mistakes happen.

Here is what to look out for when making a no-bake cheesecake:

1. Don’t over mix the filling.

It is very important not to over mix the filling. As soon as it begins to look smooth, it is time to stop. Over mixing may result in a super soft cake.

2. Chill the crust.

Another important step is to chill the crust while you make the filling. This will ensure the butter has firmed up the graham cracker crumbs, so when you pour in the filling, it will not ruin the surface of the crust.

3. Don’t rush it.

Although no-bake cakes are finished quickly, you still can’t rush things.

Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature, especially the butter and cream cheese. If you try to whip up cold cream cheese, you will end with lumps inside your filling.

Also, proper chilling of the cake itself is important. Once your cake is done you have to chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

And if you think baked cheesecakes would be faster by comparison, think again! Baked cheesecakes need quite a bit of chilling time, too.

Why Kiwi Fruit?

I wanted to make a cake with a little something special, and then I remembered I have not made anything with kiwis for a while.

Plus, I really enjoy kiwi, and they are so beneficial on multiple levels. 

Besides being rich in vitamin C, kiwis are supposed to be great if you cannot sleep. Eating 1-2 kiwis before you sleep may help you fall asleep faster and perhaps even sleep longer. Kiwis are rich in serotonin which actually may improve sleep quality.

Although more studies are needed to confirm this early finding, you can go ahead and take this as an excuse to eat kiwi cheesecake after dinner!

Do I Need Gelatin?

Yes, for this recipe, you do need a gelatin. I tried making kiwi cheesecake without gelatin and it was super soft.

However, you also have to know that gelatin does not work with some kind of fruits, like pineapple and even kiwi!

But I have a solution for that.

I have placed only about 2 tablespoons of kiwi puree in my filling, just enough to change the color a little. Don’t go over that amount. If you do, the gelatin may not work at all and as a result your cake will be ruined. 

If you’re worried, adding kiwi puree isn’t necessary. You can skip it completely and just dress the whole top of the cake in kiwi slices instead.

The color and slight flavor in the cheesecake is lovely, but so is having a cake that’s structurally sound!  

If you want a gelatin-free cake, you can use agar agar, which is a plant-based gelatin powder.  

Best Cheese to Use?

Cream cheese is a very important ingredient in cheesecake. Some people swear by Philadelphia cream cheese, but I have managed to make some delicious cheesecakes from local brands with perfect results.

I will not deny the Philadelphia cream cheese yields a really silky and lush cheesecake, but it is good to know you do not have to stick with one brand.

When buying cream cheese, the most important thing to know is: BUY A FULL-FAT CREAM CHEESE!

That’s it! That’s all you need to know when it comes to choosing the cream cheese. 

Now let’s start baking.

How To Make This Kiwi Cheesecake

Step 1

Make the crust: Melt butter on the stove.

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and crushed graham cracker (or digestive) cookies.

Stir until you have a wet sand-like texture.

Step 2

Press the cookie crust mixture into an 8-inch spring form pan lined with parchment paper. Cool the crust for 20 minutes in a fridge. 

In the meantime, make the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar.

In another bowl, combine gelatin and water and let it bloom for 10 minutes. 

Place the gelatin in a saucepot and melt over medium heat. Whisk the gelatin into the cream cheese. 

Step 3

Fold in the pureed kiwi. 

Pour the filling over the cookie crust. Let it set in the fridge overnight.

Step 4

Before serving, top the cake with kiwi slices.

Slice the cake and serve. 

Up Next: Mango Sponge Cake