No Bake Patriotic Delight

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

This no-oven recipe layers a buttery Oreo crust, smooth vanilla cream, and vibrant blue Jell-O with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Easy prep and needing just an overnight chill make this stress-free for gatherings. Perfect for summer or patriotic holidays, the colorful red, white, and blue layers look stunning and taste incredible. Let each layer fully cool before adding the next for sharp layers. Chill overnight and serve cold for a refreshing dessert that pops.

A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 10:24:32 GMT
A colorful no-bake dessert with strawberries and blueberries on top. Pin it
A colorful no-bake dessert with strawberries and blueberries on top. | chefmelt.com

I've turned this no-bake layered cheesecake into my go-to summer treat for parties and gatherings. The eye-catching red, white, and blue design perfectly matches the holiday vibe while offering a smooth, tasty dessert that wows everyone without turning on the oven during hot weather.

The first time I whipped up this cheesecake was for a July Fourth block party, and it vanished in moments. These days, my buddies always ask me to bring along this colorful treat to summer get-togethers.

Ingredients

  • Golden Oreo crumbs: Give a wonderful vanilla foundation that works really well with the cheesecake layers
  • Cream cheese: Delivers that signature tangy flavor you need for a proper cheesecake taste
  • Blue raspberry JellO: Makes a stunning blue section that holds its shape without getting too stiff
  • Heavy whipping cream: Adds airiness for that cloud-like, fluffy texture
  • Red gel food coloring: Builds a bright bottom layer that won't fade after chilling
  • Fresh berries: Top everything off with natural colors and sweet-tart flavors

How To Make No Bake Patriotic Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust:
Crush golden Oreos into fine crumbs then mix with melted butter, salt, and red coloring until it looks like damp sand. The red should spread evenly throughout. Pack firmly into the springform pan, forming a level base with slightly higher edges. Freezing helps the crust set up for clean-looking layers.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Base:
Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. Getting this just right matters a lot—keep a close eye since too much whipping makes it grainy. You're aiming for fluffy, soft cream that keeps its shape but isn't stiff.
Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
Mix the cream cheese until totally smooth before adding sugar and vanilla. Keep beating for five full minutes to get rid of any bumps that might make the dessert feel gritty. Gently folding in half the whipped cream makes it lighter but still stable.
Create the Blue Layer:
Let the blue JellO mix cool a bit before adding the remaining whipped cream. If it's too hot, your cream will collapse; too cold and it'll start setting too fast. Aim for room temp before mixing them together for a perfectly smooth blue layer.
Assembly and Setting:
Put down the white cream cheese mix first, smoothing it completely flat before carefully adding the blue layer on top. The clean split between colors creates that wow factor. Give it plenty of time to set so the layers stay put.
Decorate with Precision:
The cream cheese frosting works as a tasty border to hold your fruit in place. Squeeze out even swirls around the edge and place berries in a pattern that alternates colors for the prettiest look.
A slice of cake with strawberries and blueberries on it. Pin it
A slice of cake with strawberries and blueberries on it. | chefmelt.com

Blue raspberry JellO is what makes this cheesecake stand out from others. I figured this out after trying natural blue coloring several times, which always turned grayish when mixed with dairy products. Now my kid says summer officially starts when she spots this dessert chilling in our fridge.

Prep-Ahead Perks

This dessert actually gets better after sitting in the fridge overnight. The tastes blend together nicely and it becomes even more velvety smooth. I usually make mine a day early, which not only improves the flavor but also cuts down on last-minute rushing before guests arrive.

Substitution Options

Can't find golden Oreos? Graham crackers work great too, though you won't get the same color contrast. If you need gluten-free, try gluten-free vanilla cookies instead. Regular Oreos can do the job but you'll end up with a dark chocolate base rather than the lighter vanilla foundation.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake tastes best when it's really cold. For pretty slices, dip a thin knife in hot water between cuts. Don't leave it sitting out too long, especially during summer parties, as the layers will start to soften quickly once it warms up.

A slice of cake with strawberries and blueberries. Pin it
A slice of cake with strawberries and blueberries. | chefmelt.com

The History Behind Patriotic Desserts

Food with red, white, and blue colors became a big hit during World War II when folks wanted to show their national pride through cooking. This updated version keeps that tradition going with modern ingredients. The stacked design reminds people of the flag while giving you different flavors in each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep the layers neat?

Wait until one layer is completely set before pouring the next. This keeps the layers sharp and pretty.

→ Is the crust interchangeable?

Yep, try switching to graham crackers or even gluten-free cookies! Just note that the taste and look might differ slightly.

→ How early should I make it?

Make this dessert up to two days ahead. Letting it chill overnight actually makes it taste even better.

→ How do I stop the Jell-O from setting too soon?

Ensure the Jell-O cools all the way to room temp before mixing it with the whipped cream. This keeps it smooth and perfect.

→ Best way to slice and present it?

Chill it well and use a hot, sharp knife for perfect slices. Cut right before serving to keep things fresh and pretty.

Patriotic Sweet Treat

Simple layered dessert made with a golden crust, sweet cream cheese, and fresh berries. A crowd-pleasing centerpiece at any celebration.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 14 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 Salt
02 Red food coloring gel
03 Butter, melted
04 Golden Oreo crumbs

→ Filling

05 Vanilla flavoring
06 Powdered sugar
07 Blue raspberry gelatin mix
08 Granulated sugar
09 Heavy cream
10 Cream cheese

→ Garnish

11 Blueberries, fresh
12 Frosting made with cream cheese
13 Strawberries, fresh

Instructions

Step 01

Crush the golden Oreos super fine, then mix with melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of red coloring gel until it feels like damp sand. Press it tightly into a springform pan, making a flat base with slightly higher edges. Pop it in the freezer to solidify.

Step 02

Beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla just until soft, fluffy peaks appear. Be gentle to avoid whipping it too much.

Step 03

Start by whipping the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla, then mix for a solid five minutes to get rid of lumps. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream to keep it airy but sturdy.

Step 04

Let the blue raspberry JellO cool completely to room temp. Combine it slowly with the leftover whipped cream, stirring gently to get a smooth blue mixture.

Step 05

Spread out the white cheesecake layer evenly over the frozen crust, then top it off carefully with the blue mixture. Smooth it out so your layers are neat. Stick it in the fridge for 5 hours or more to fully set.

Step 06

Using a piping bag, add cream cheese frosting along the edges of the cake. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and blueberries, nicely alternating them for a festive look.

Notes

  1. Needs at least 5 hours in the fridge to firm up completely.
  2. You can prepare this dessert up to two days ahead for less stress.
  3. For the best taste and texture, chill thoroughly before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A springform pan
  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixer (electric works best)
  • Flexible spatula
  • Piping bag for decorating

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (like cream cheese, butter, and whipping cream).
  • Contains gluten from Oreos. Swap with gluten-free cookies if needed.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 5 g