Oh my lord, so delicious and rich! What a keeper! ⭐
No-Bake Vanilla Cream Cheese Dream Cake
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 2 cups (200 g) finely crushed vanilla cookies or graham crackers
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar (optional)
Silky Vanilla Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
Whipped Cream Fold-In & Topping
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream, very cold
- 3 tbsp (24 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8–9 inch (20–23 cm) square pan with parchment, leaving overhang.
- Make the crust: Stir crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the pan. Chill 10 minutes.
- Beat the filling: Using a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and airy (2–3 minutes). Beat in powdered sugar, 1/3 cup cream, sour cream, vanilla, and salt until glossy.
- Whip the cream: In a clean bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to medium-stiff peaks.
- Fold & assemble: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream-cheese mixture in three additions. Spread over the crust and smooth the top.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight until set. Slice and serve.
Make-Ahead: This cake keeps beautifully. Chill up to 2 days; for longer, freeze well-wrapped up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Tips & Variations
- Lemon twist: Add 1–2 tsp lemon zest to the filling.
- Extra firm: Fold in 1 tsp powdered gelatin bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water (cool before folding) for cleaner slices in warm rooms.
- Crust options: Use Biscoff, shortbread, or digestive biscuits for a flavor change.
- Toppings: Fresh berries, white-chocolate curls, or a drizzle of caramel are lovely.
Nutrition (approx. per slice)
Calories: 380 · Fat: 29g · Carbs: 24g · Protein: 5g
FAQ
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Fold in 3 cups of thawed whipped topping in place of the freshly whipped cream for a slightly sweeter, ultra-light texture.
How do I get perfectly clean slices?
Chill overnight, use a hot dry knife, and wipe between cuts.
