Description
Ever wished for a dessert that looks like a star-spangled banner and doesn’t need an oven? This No-Bake American Flag Cheesecake is your dream come true! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry and blueberry flag design, it’s the perfect treat for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any summer celebration.
Ingredients
A delicious No-Bake American Flag Cheesecake starts with simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a 9×13-inch cheesecake (serves 12-16):
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Crust:
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2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (or 1 box crackers)
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⅓ cup sugar
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⅔ cup butter, softened
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Why it matters: Graham crackers create a sweet, crunchy base, and butter binds it together.
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Substitutions: Use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or gluten-free crackers. Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
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Cheesecake Filling:
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24 oz. cream cheese, softened
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½ cup sugar
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¼ cup sour cream
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3 tbsp lemon juice
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1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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Why it matters: Cream cheese and whipped cream make a light, creamy filling, while lemon juice adds a zesty tang.
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Substitutions: Use low-fat cream cheese or dairy-free cream cheese. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Use lime juice or omit lemon for a milder flavor.
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Topping:
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8 oz. cherry pie filling
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8 oz. blueberry pie filling
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Edible star sprinkles
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Why it matters: Pie fillings create the flag’s red and blue design, and star sprinkles add a patriotic sparkle.
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Substitutions: Use fresh strawberries or raspberries with a touch of jam for red, fresh blueberries for blue. Use white chocolate shavings instead of sprinkles.
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Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes for smooth mixing. Chill heavy cream until ready to whip for the fluffiest texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
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If using whole graham crackers, place them in a food processor and process into fine crumbs (about 2 ¼ cups). If using pre-crushed crumbs, skip this step.
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In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and ⅔ cup softened butter until well combined.
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Press the mixture evenly into an ungreased 9×13-inch pan using your hands or the back of a spoon to form a flat crust.
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Tip: Press firmly but not too hard to avoid a dense crust. Use a measuring cup for an even surface.
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Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 24 oz. softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
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Add ¼ cup sour cream and beat until combined.
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Add 3 tbsp lemon juice and beat until fully mixed. Set the bowl aside.
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Tip: Scrape the bowl often to ensure no lumps. Mix on medium speed to avoid overbeating.
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Step 3: Whip the Cream
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In a separate chilled bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
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Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
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Tip: Chill the bowl and whisk in the fridge for 10 minutes before whipping for faster results. Stop when peaks hold their shape.
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Step 4: Combine and Spread
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Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
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Spread the combined filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in the 9×13 pan.
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Tip: Fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy. Use an offset spatula for a smooth top.
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Step 5: Plan the Flag Design
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Use a toothpick to lightly sketch the American flag design on the cheesecake surface: a rectangle in the top left corner for the blue field and horizontal stripes for the rest.
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Tip: Sketch lightly to avoid deep marks. Plan for about a 4×5-inch blue field and 7-9 stripes.
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Step 6: Chill the Cheesecake
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Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or overnight, to set the cheesecake.
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Tip: Chilling overnight gives the best texture. Ensure the pan is level in the fridge.
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Step 7: Decorate and Serve
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Before serving, spoon 8 oz. blueberry pie filling into the top left corner to fill the blue field of the flag.
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Spoon 8 oz. cherry pie filling in horizontal stripes to create the red stripes, leaving spaces for the white cheesecake to show through.
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Sprinkle edible star sprinkles over the blueberry section to mimic stars.
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Slice into squares and serve chilled.
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Tip: Use a small spoon to place fillings precisely. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
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