These no-bake cheesecake brownies are a cool, creamy, chocolatey dessert made for warmer days. They are plant-based, gluten-free, oil-free, and free from refined sugar, with a simple three-ingredient brownie base, a smooth cheesecake-style topping, and fresh strawberries for a bright, fruity finish.
When spring arrives, I always start craving lighter desserts. Fresh berries, chilled treats, and creamy textures suddenly feel so much more tempting than heavy baked puddings. That said, my love for chocolate never disappears, so this recipe brings both worlds together in one easy dessert: rich no-bake brownies topped with a refreshing strawberry cheesecake layer.
These no-bake strawberry cheesecake brownies are simple to prepare, naturally sweetened, and made with just a handful of nourishing ingredients. The base is dense, fudgy, and chocolatey, while the cheesecake layer is smooth, tangy, and deliciously creamy. Once frozen, the topping tastes almost like ice cream, which makes these brownies especially good straight from the freezer.
This recipe is ideal if you want a no-bake vegan dessert that feels indulgent but is still made with wholesome ingredients. It is also a great make-ahead treat because the brownies store well in the freezer and can be sliced into neat portions whenever you need something sweet.
All You Need For No-Bake Cheesecake Brownies
Ground almonds: Ground almonds, also known as almond meal, create a soft, nutty base for these brownies. You can use almond flour or ground walnuts if needed. Almonds contain plant-based protein, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, making them a satisfying ingredient for no-bake desserts.
Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder gives the brownie layer its rich chocolate flavour. You can use cacao powder if you prefer, or even a chocolate protein powder if it suits your diet. Cocoa is naturally rich in plant compounds called polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Dates: Dates sweeten the brownie base and help bind everything together, so they are essential in this recipe. Soft, pitted dates work best. Deglet Noir dates are a more affordable option, while Medjool dates give a softer, more caramel-like result. Dates also add fibre, vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Salt: A small pinch of salt may seem minor, but it makes a big difference. It balances the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate flavour in the brownie base. Pink salt can be used, but any fine salt will work.
Thick yoghurt: The cheesecake layer needs a thick yoghurt so it sets properly and does not become too runny. Greek-style dairy-free yoghurt or thick coconut yoghurt are both good options. Avoid thin yoghurt, as it may make the topping too soft.
Dairy-free cream cheese: Cream cheese gives the topping its classic cheesecake flavour and creamy texture. Use your favourite dairy-free cream cheese to keep these brownies vegan and dairy-free.
Maple syrup: Only a small amount of maple syrup is needed to sweeten the cheesecake layer. It adds a lovely flavour and blends smoothly into the yoghurt and cream cheese mixture. Agave syrup can also be used if preferred.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries pair beautifully with chocolate and add colour, freshness, and natural sweetness. You can use other fresh berries if you like, but strawberries work especially well with the creamy topping and fudgy base.
Adding CBD To Food
CBD oil is optional in this recipe. If you already use CBD oil and enjoy adding it to food, you can mix a few servings into the brownie base before pressing it into the tin. It should be added according to the serving instructions on the product you use.
If you choose to include CBD, make sure you use a product you trust and check that it is suitable for your needs. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or unsure whether CBD is right for you, speak to a qualified professional before using it. The brownies are just as delicious without CBD, so feel free to leave it out.
How To Store No-Bake Cheesecake Brownies
These no-bake cheesecake brownies are best stored in the freezer. The cheesecake layer softens at room temperature, so freezing helps the brownies hold their shape and keeps the texture firm, creamy, and refreshing.
Place the sliced brownies in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. For the best texture, enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them sit for just a few minutes before serving.
Looking For More No-Bake Desserts To Try?
- Vegan White Chocolate Cheesecake
- Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
- No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake
BAKING IN GRAMS
All of my recipes are tested several times so they are simple, reliable, and easy to follow. Whether you bake often or are completely new to making desserts, measuring your ingredients accurately is one of the easiest ways to get the best results.
For this recipe, I recommend using a kitchen scale and measuring in grams where possible. Cups can vary a lot depending on how ingredients are packed, chopped, or scooped. A cup of one ingredient can weigh very differently from person to person, which can affect the texture of a no-bake recipe. Using grams keeps the base fudgy, the topping balanced, and the final brownies easier to slice.
Once your ingredients are measured, this recipe comes together quickly. Soften the dates, blend the base, mix the cheesecake layer, add the strawberries, and let the freezer do the rest.
No-Bake Cheesecake Brownies
Equipment
-
Blender or food processor
-
Small freezer-safe dish roughly 15cm x 15cm
Ingredients
- 200 g pitted dates
- 100 g ground almonds see notes
- 30 g cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup thick dairy-free yoghurt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free cream cheese
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 200 g fresh strawberries
Instructions
-
Place the pitted dates in a bowl, cover them with boiling water, and leave them to soften for at least 10 minutes.
-
Drain the dates well, then blend them in a blender or food processor until smooth and sticky.
-
Add the ground almonds, cocoa powder, and salt to a mixing bowl. Stir in the blended dates until a thick brownie mixture forms. If using CBD oil, add it at this stage according to the serving directions on your product.
-
Transfer the brownie mixture to a small freezer-safe dish, about 15cm x 15cm, and press it down firmly into an even layer.
-
Make the cheesecake layer by mixing the thick dairy-free yoghurt, dairy-free cream cheese, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
-
Chop most of the strawberries, keeping 2 aside for topping. Fold the chopped strawberries into the cheesecake mixture, then spread it evenly over the brownie base. Thinly slice the remaining strawberries and arrange them on top.
-
Place the dish in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until firm. Remove from the dish and slice into 6 brownies with a sharp knife.
-
Store the brownies in the freezer and enjoy them chilled for the best texture.
Notes
Nutritional values are provided as a guide only and may vary depending on the ingredients and measurements used.