No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free)

No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry cheesecake

These creamy and flavorful no-bake dairy-free strawberry cheesecake bars are pure perfection. Their smooth texture and crumbly gluten-free graham cracker crust will knock your socks off. If you’re looking for the best dairy-free cheesecake bars, you’ve come to the right place. My no-bake cheesecake is both dairy AND gluten-free. The cheesecake filling is made with vegan cream cheese, and the crust is made with gluten, soy, nut, and dairy-free graham crackers. Wow, your friends and family with this delicious no-bake cheesecake tonight!

 

PIN THIS RECIPE

no-bake dairy-free strawberry cheesecake

 
[ctct form=”13826″ show_title=”false”]

You guys have no idea how much my family loves cheesecake. Before Emory was born, Kris and I would chow down on those huge pieces from the cheesecake factory. Those were the days. Lately, those cravings have returned, which led me on a mission to find a solid, yet simple recipe for dairy-free cheesecake. I found an easy no-bake cheesecake recipe at FedandFit.com that was easily adaptable to our needs. I was able to create these delicious no-bake dairy-free strawberry cheesecake bars with a gluten-free graham cracker crust.

I was quite surprised at the outcome,  especially since this was my first time using vegan and soy-free cream cheese. Although I’ve listed a ton of recipe notes and suggestions in this post, the most important tip is to allow your cheesecake to set at a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge. No one wants a loosey-goosey cheesecake. I prefer to let mine to set overnight, but I understand the torture in waiting!

 

Dairy-free cheesecake and gluten-free graham cracker crust ingredients

To make gluten-free graham cracker crust, you’ll need gluten-free graham crackers and plant-based (vegan) butter. I’ve included my brand suggestions below.

  • Gluten-Free graham crackers. Emory loves KinniKinnick’s Smoreable Graham Style Crackers. In addition to being gluten-free, they are also soy, dairy, nut, and egg-free.
  • Vegan Butter. I swear by both MELT and Earth Balance. The soy-free, plant-based baking sticks can be a bit tricky to locate. I was able to locate both items at Randall’s.

To make your gluten-free graham cracker crust, place the one box of graham crackers into a food processor and pulverize until you have fine sand-like crumbs. Adding two tablespoons-worth of softened, vegan butter pieces at a time, pulse the food processor with the butter. Continue for the rest of the butter, until the graham cracker crust comes together in a flaky, slightly-crumbly dough.

Dairy-Free Cheesecake Filling

  • Vegan Cream Cheese – I am very particular about the cream cheese I use. Mainly because most retail vegan cheeses contain soy, I highly recommend Daiya Cream Cheese. It’s one of the few brands that is SOY, NUT, and DAIRY-FREE.
  • Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice – Adds a bit of tang to your cheesecake.
  • Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk – I prefer to use the strawberry version of this product in my recipe. I’ve been told that it’s hard to find and consider myself fortunate because it’s always available at my local grocery store. You can find it on the baking aisle with the regular condensed milk. If you are unable to locate the strawberry condensed coconut milk using the non-flavored sweetened condensed milk will work just fine.
  • Vanilla Extract – rounds of the flavors of the cheesecake.

Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust

Strawberry Compote Topping

  • 1/2 lb fresh strawberries (halved)
  • 2 tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbs honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 pinch of salt

How to make no-bake dairy-free cheesecake

Strawberry Compote Topping. Add the strawberries, lemon juice, honey, salt, and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 – 15 minutes, continually stirring until the strawberries have popped and the sauce has thickened and reduced. If the sauce is still thin, continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

Gluten-Free graham cracker crust. Place the one box of graham crackers into a food processor and pulverize until you have fine sand-like crumbs. Adding 2 tablespoons-worth of softened, vegan butter pieces at a time, pulse the food processor with the butter. Continue for the rest of the butter, until the graham cracker crust comes together in a flaky, slightly-crumbly dough.

Pat the graham cracker crust into the bottom of a 6×9 inch pan and slightly up the sides to create a 1/4 inch thick crust.

Dairy-Free cheesecake filling. Add the sweetened coconut condensed milk, vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to a large bowl, then beat with an electric mixer or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth as silk.

Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the crust, smoothing to even it out, then pour the strawberry compote over the top.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, then slice and serve!

What is a dairy-free substitute for cream cheese?

Although I’ve only ever used cream cheese in my recipes, I’ve read that ricotta and strained plain Greek yogurt can work. Because I’ve never personally worked with those ingredients, I can’t whole-heartedly recommend them.

Why isn’t your no-bake cheesecake firm?

It’s possible that your cheesecake isn’t firm due to the time in the refrigerator. Even though this recipe states 4 hours as the minimum setting time, I suggest allowing your cheesecake to set up overnight. Making this cheesecake in advance is a great idea and method to ensure premium firmness.

Can you freeze cheesecake?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing your cheesecake. The thawing process may affect the texture. You can most certainly free any leftover compote you may have. It goes great on pancakes and waffles!

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

Sweet Salty Marshmallow Carob Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Honey Cornbread Cake | Tastybits

Vegan Sweet Potato Cookies | Tastybits

 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Gristelandgossip.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS NO-BAKE DAIRY-FREE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE RECIPE. IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE TAG ME ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM. I WOULD LOVE TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS WITH CREDIT TO YOU!

 

No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry cheesecake

No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake (Gluten-Free)

This creamy and flavorful no-bake dairy-free strawberry cheesecake is pure perfection. Its smooth texture and crumbly gluten-free graham cracker crust will knock your socks off. If you're looking for the best dairy-free cheesecake you've come to the right place. My no-bake cheesecake is both dairy AND gluten-free. The cheesecake filling is made with vegan cream cheese and the crust is made with gluten, soy, nut, and dairy-free graham crackers. Wow, your friends and family with this delicious no-bake cheesecake tonight! 
5 from 13 votes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Dairy-Free Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 oz Vegan Cream Cheese
  • 2 tbs Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 can Coconut Condensed Milk (Strawberry) 195ml (210 g)
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract

Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1 Box Gluten-Free Graham Crackers
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Butter softened and cut into chunks

Strawberry Compote

  • 1/2 lb Fresh Strawberries washed and cut in half
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt Optional
  • 1/4 cup Fresh squezzed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp Honey

Instructions
 

Dairy-Free Cheesecake Filling

  • In a large mixing bowl combine vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, condensed coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Mix with hand or bowl mixer until smooth.

Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust

  • In the bowl of a mini-chopper or food processor add 1 package of graham crackers.

Strawberry Compote

  • In a small saucepan combine strawberries, honey, lemon juice, water, and salt.
  • Bring mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and cover. Allow mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Pulverize crackers until you have fine (sand-like) crumbs.
  • Add vegan butter to the mixture a few chunks at a time until a flaky, slightly-crumbly dough is formed.

Assembling your Dairy-Free Cheesecake

  • Pat the graham cracker crust into the bottom of a 6x9 inch pan and slightly up the sides to create a 1/4 inch thick crust.
  • Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust smoothing it out. Pour strawberry compote on top.
  • Tightly wrap with saran wrap (or fitted lid) and refrigerate for 4 hours (or overnight).

Notes

  1. SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
Dairy-Free Cheesecake Filling. I highly suggest you locate the Dairy and Soy-free cream cheese from Daiya. It really adds a creamy consistency to your cheesecake.
Plant-Based Butter. This specific recipe contains MELT. It adds that Erich, buttery flavor to your gluten-free graham cracker crust.
Gluten-Free Graham Crackers.  These graham crackers make for the perfect crumbly crust. You won't be able to tell that these crackers are gluten, soy, nut, and dairy-free.
Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk.  We always have this stuff on hand. We put sweetened condensed coconut milk in our coffee, on our baked goods, and now, our cheesecake. I've also added it as a base to several of my no-churn ice creams.
 
  1. PREPARING YOUR NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE
Allowing your cheesecake to set and measuring your lemon juice are the two key points when making your cheesecake. Not allowing your cheesecake to set for at least four hours (I recommend overnight) will leave your cheesecake loose and runny. Additionally, being heavy-handed with your lemon juice will detract from the flavor of the cheesecake and make it a bit too sour.
I used a 6x9 baking dish for this recipe. Lightly grease your glass dish to ensure graham cracker crust doesn't stick! This recipe will also work in a standard pie dish.
Keyword dairy-free strawberry cheesecake, gluten-free no-bake cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, No-Bake Dairy-Free Cheesecake, No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake

LOVE IT? PIN IT!

No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

26 thoughts on “No-Bake Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free)

  1. 5 stars
    Because I was recently diagnosed as gluten intolerant, I have been worried about how I could still enjoy baked goods during the holiday season. Thank you so much, I’m looking for these graham crackers immediately!

  2. 5 stars
    I don’t have any food sensitivities, but like to keep my desserts in this range so I feel better about eating an extra piece.. This recipe was divine! Thanks for sharing.

  3. 5 stars
    I love how you made this dairy free, and I loved the flavors! I’ve been trying out more dairy-free options lately, and you’re one of my go-to’s.

  4. 5 stars
    We have a family member that is sensitive to dairy. This dessert was absolutely perfect to accommodate them. You definitely don’t miss the dairy at all. Thanks for sharing!

  5. 5 stars
    Let me start off by saying that this is my new favorite dessert! The fact that this is dairy free and won’t mess with my lactose intolerance is even better! It’s creamy, easy to make, and best of all – those strawberries!! My favorite fruit! Loved this recipe, thank you!

  6. This sounds soooo good! And I LOVE condensed milk, but I never knew you could buy coconut condensed milk. I have to find it and make this recipe ASAP.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating