When the summer heat makes turning on the oven unthinkable, a no-bake cheesecake offers a delightful solution. By incorporating freeze-dried cherries, this dessert captures the essence of dark, sweet, ripe cherries in a creamy, chilled treat.

Why Choose Freeze-Dried Cherries?

Freeze-dried cherries are a secret weapon in no-bake desserts. Unlike fresh or frozen fruit, they won’t water down your filling or alter the texture. Their flavor is intensely concentrated, delivering that sweet-tart cherry punch—without Red Dye No. 40 or artificial flavorings. Plus, they’re shelf-stable, making them perfect to keep on hand for impromptu dessert-making or pantry-ready inspiration.

This recipe features Chelan Ranch’s organic freeze-dried cherries, bursting with bold flavor and grown with care on our Washington farm. Want to switch it up? The same recipe can be adapted using Chelan Ranch freeze-dried blueberries or Honeycrisp apples—swap the fruit and follow the same steps for a no-bake cheesecake that’s just as dreamy in blueberry or apple form.

Crafting the Perfect No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

The Crust

Start with this recipe for a simple graham cracker crust: crushed graham crackers, a bit of sugar, and melted butter, all pressed firmly into your pan and chilled until set. It’s the perfect buttery base for what comes next.

The Filling

For the filling, blend cream cheese with powdered freeze-dried cherries, sugar, and a touch of almond extract. Fold in whipped cream to achieve a light, airy texture. Pour the mixture over the crust and refrigerate until set. Access a printable recipe here.

The Topping

To elevate this dessert even more, reconstitute Chelan Ranch Freeze-Dried Cherries in a cherry syrup that echoes the look and taste of dark maraschinos. The result is a lush, glossy topping that drizzles beautifully over the sides, adding visual drama and another layer of texture and flavor to your cheesecake. Access a printable recipe here.

Serving and Storage Tips

This cheesecake is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert for warm days. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. For more extended storage, wrap the cheesecake tightly and freeze for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Embrace the convenience and flavor of Chelan Ranch Organic freeze-dried cherries in your no-bake cheesecake. It's a simple yet impressive dessert that celebrates the taste of summer without the need for baking.