Aunt Barbara's No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe

I learned this recipe from my uncle Marty's wife (aunt Barbara).  She made it one year and contributed it to the family Thanksgiving table.   I thought it was delicious, and when she told me how simple it was, I started making it regularly.  Of course, I do still love traditional cheesecake.  But if you are in a hurry and don't want to bake (say its a hot summer day or something), this method is perfect!

No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 tub (8 oz.) whipped cream

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese

1/3 cup white sugar (or 6 packets Stevia sweetener)

1 ready-to-eat graham cracker crust in its tin/dish

Directions:

1.  Soften the cream cheese by letting it come to room temperature (you can do this in the microwave, but don’t let it get hot).   

2.  Combine the whipped cream, cream cheese and sugar (or Stevia sweetener) in a large bowl.   Use an electric mixer to blend everything together until smooth (you can also do it by hand).

3.  Scrape the mixture into the graham cracker crust, and spread it out until even.   You may also top with fruit if you like.  Cover the cheesecake and allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least one hour.  Serve cool in wedge slices.  

TIP:  This recipe is extremely versatile and you can very easily jaz up this recipe any way you like.  The sky is the limit!   Here are some ideas for things you can add to the mix to customize it to your taste:

Chocolate

Fruit

Flavor extract

Your favorite cookie, crumbled

Toffee, crumbled

Nuts

You can also top it with fruit (or canned fruit pie filling), or drizzle the top with chocolate or caramel and nuts.  

**For a healthier version, use fat-free cream cheese, sugr-free whipped cream and Stevia sweetener.