Name: No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486497H54M56S
Total time: PT-486497H54M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 cup cream cheese at room temperature; 1 cup mascarpone cheese at room temperature; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup white sugar; 1 ¼ cups cold heavy whipping cream; 20 large fresh strawberries, hulled and halved lengthwise, or as needed; 24 large fresh blueberries, or as needed

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A beautiful patriotic dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with fresh berries arranged in the iconic stars and stripes pattern. This no-bake treat is perfect for summer celebrations when you don't want to turn on the oven.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This no-bake cheesecake flag cake is a showstopper that delivers both on presentation and flavor. The light, mousse-like texture creates the perfect canvas for the vibrant fruit topping. It's an ideal dessert for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration. Since there's no baking required, it's a fantastic option for hot summer days when you'd rather not heat up the kitchen. The combination of tangy cream cheese, rich mascarpone, and fresh berries creates a balanced dessert that isn't overly sweet but still feels indulgent and special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs form the foundation of our chocolatey crust, providing that classic cheesecake base with the perfect crumbly texture. You can purchase pre-crushed crumbs or make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor.

White sugar appears in both the crust and filling, adding just the right level of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cheese mixture. It also helps to stabilize the whipped cream in the filling.

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the crust a subtle chocolate flavor that complements the fruity topping beautifully. It also adds a lovely color contrast to the white filling.

Butter binds the crust ingredients together and helps it set properly when chilled. Make sure it's fully melted for easy incorporation with the dry ingredients.

Cream cheese provides that signature tangy flavor we all love in cheesecake. Bringing it to room temperature is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free filling.

Mascarpone cheese adds an extra level of richness and creaminess to the filling. This Italian cream cheese has a milder flavor than regular cream cheese and contributes to the mousse-like texture.

Lemon zest and juice brighten the filling with a subtle citrus note that balances the richness of the cheeses and complements the fresh berries.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Heavy whipping cream is whipped to soft peaks and folded into the cheese mixture to create that light, airy texture that makes this no-bake cheesecake so special.

Strawberries and blueberries not only create the patriotic flag design but also add fresh, juicy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake. Their vibrant colors make this dessert truly eye-catching.

Directions

Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter in a bowl until mixture is thoroughly combined and crumbly.
Transfer crust mixture to a 9x11-inch baking dish. Press crust into bottom of dish until smooth and even. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Mix cream cheese and mascarpone cheese in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into mixture.
Whisk ⅓ cup sugar into whipping cream in a separate metal or glass bowl until the cream is fluffy and forms soft peaks. Add whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and gently whisk until filling is soft, fluffy, and well combined.
Spoon filling on top of the graham cracker crust, spreading and smoothing the top. Tap the pan gently on a work surface several times to settle the crust and filling. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 3 hours.
Starting at the bottom long edge of the cake, arrange strawberry halves in a horizontal line with the pointed bottoms of the strawberry halves pointing to the right. Start a second stripe of strawberry halves at the top right of the cake, arranging strawberries with the bottoms pointing right in a line stretching about ⅔ of the length of the cake.
Continue to make strawberry stripes, starting about ¾ inch up from the bottom stripe and laying down 3 more stripes stretching the full length of the cake. Make 1 more line of strawberries beneath the short stripe to leave a square space for the blue field of stars.
Lay a line of blueberries with the blossom ends pointing up in the upper left square space. Continue to lay down blueberries in lines, berries touching the previous line, until the square is filled with blueberries. Cut cake into squares to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields one 9x11-inch cake that serves 12 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, but remember to account for the chilling time—30 minutes for setting the crust and at least 3 hours for the filling to set properly. Total time from start to finish is around 3 hours and 30 minutes, making this a great make-ahead dessert for your celebration.

Variations

Berry Swap: Don't feel limited to strawberries and blueberries. Raspberries can work beautifully for the red stripes, and blackberries could be used for the "stars" section if blueberries aren't available.

Chocolate Lover's Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-studded variation that kids especially love.

Citrus Twist: Increase the lemon zest or substitute with orange or lime zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Vanilla Bean Upgrade: Replace vanilla extract with the seeds from one vanilla bean for more intense vanilla flavor and those attractive specks throughout the filling.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

Coconut Crust: Replace half the graham cracker crumbs with toasted coconut for a tropical twist.

Flavor Infusions: Add a tablespoon of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto to the filling for an adult version with subtle flavor complexity.

Storage/Reheating

This no-bake cheesecake can be stored, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best presentation, it's recommended to add the fruit topping no more than 24 hours before serving, as berries can release juice over time.

The cake can also be frozen without the fruit topping. To freeze, allow the cheesecake to set completely in the refrigerator, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the fruit decoration and serving.

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. In fact, heating would cause the filling to lose its structure.

FAQs

Why did my filling turn out runny?

The most common culprit is under-whipping the cream or overworking the mixture after combining the whipped cream with the cheese mixture. Make sure your cream reaches soft peaks before folding it into the cheese mixture, and use gentle folding motions to preserve the air bubbles.

Can I make this dessert a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, this dessert benefits from an overnight chill. You can prepare the entire dessert, including the fruit topping, up to 24 hours in advance. If making further ahead, add the fruit just before serving for the freshest appearance.

What's the difference between no-bake cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

Traditional cheesecake contains eggs and is baked in an oven, often in a water bath. No-bake cheesecake uses whipped cream to achieve a set texture without eggs or baking, resulting in a lighter, more mousse-like consistency.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipping cream?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the texture slightly. However, full-fat heavy whipping cream is essential for the structure of the filling. Light cream or half-and-half won't whip properly to provide the necessary stability.

My crust is crumbly and doesn't hold together. What went wrong?

The crust likely needs more butter to bind the crumbs together. Next time, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture. Also, make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.

Can I use frozen berries for the decoration?

Fresh berries work best for this recipe as frozen berries release too much liquid as they thaw, which can make the top of your cheesecake soggy. If fresh berries aren't available, consider using a different decoration method.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the cheesecake?

For the cleanest cuts, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Repeat this process for each slice. This technique helps the knife glide through the filling without dragging or creating messy edges.

Can I use a different sized pan?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. A smaller pan will require less of each ingredient and will result in a thicker cheesecake, while a larger pan will need more ingredients to maintain the proper thickness.

Is mascarpone cheese necessary or can I substitute something else?

While mascarpone contributes to the unique texture of this cheesecake, you can substitute with additional cream cheese if needed. The flavor will be slightly tangier and the texture a bit denser, but the recipe will still work.

Why does my cheesecake have cracks or bubbles on the surface?

Unlike baked cheesecakes that can crack during baking, a no-bake version might show air bubbles if not tapped properly after filling. Make sure to tap the pan several times on the counter after spreading the filling to release any trapped air bubbles.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Cheesecake Flag Cake combines simplicity with impressive presentation, making it the perfect centerpiece for your patriotic celebrations. The contrast between the creamy cheesecake filling, chocolate-tinged crust, and fresh berries creates a dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful. Best of all, since there's no baking required, it's an ideal make-ahead option for hot summer days when you'd rather keep your kitchen cool. Whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or simply want to showcase your patriotic spirit, this dessert is sure to draw compliments and satisfy sweet cravings at your next gathering.