I’ll never forget the first time I made this cheesecake—it was a hit with everyone, even those who swore gluten-free desserts were “just not the same.”
What I love most about this recipe is that it brings together rich, creamy goodness and the vibrant, velvety flavor of red velvet without ever touching the oven.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a slice of indulgence after a long day, this one checks all the boxes.
Tips and Variations
- Substitutions: Swap the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free option.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of almond extract or a pinch of espresso powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Seasonal Twist: Use white chocolate drizzle and green sprinkles for Christmas vibes, or heart-shaped strawberries for Valentine’s Day.
Serving Suggestions
Slice generously and serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Add a cup of strong coffee or a glass of red wine for a truly decadent experience.
Gluten-Free Red Velvet No-Bake Cheesecake
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich, velvety gluten-free cheesecake with a no-bake twist, perfect for any celebration or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies (crumbled)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (natural options like beet powder work too)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup gluten-free chocolate shavings or chips
- Optional: Whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Combine the cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl until it feels like wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Pop it in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently, then mix in the red food coloring until the color is even.
Assemble:
- Pour the filling onto the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
Garnish:
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or any toppings you like before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Chill overnight for best results. Red food coloring can be swapped for beet powder for a natural option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
