Monday, August 1, 2016

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

I'm in a no-bake mode for our sweltering Texas heat and this cherry cheesecake fits the bill! Although it's technically not a cheesecake, it's what my family has always called it and how it was named on the recipe from long ago.   My table covering is actually an apron from Stephanie, and looks perfect for my cherry theme.  The tea kettle was done by my son, Mike, to resemble a McKenzie-Childs Courtly Check design.


Of course, I had to use my cute cherry teacup that I received from Deborah, which reminds me of an old-fashioned diner and makes me smile.

My youngest son, Kevin, came over when his wife was out of town, and I made his favorite birthday dessert that he's requested every year, since he was little.  Little Harper looks so excited to help blow out the candle, doesn't she?  She takes after her Daddy and loved the cheesecake, too.

 

No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake 

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 t. vanilla
1 graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 can cherry pie filling

Beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice & vanilla.  Pour into crust.  Add cherry pie filling on top.

Graham Cracker Crust

If you have time, make a homemade graham cracker crust.  It's SO much better than store-bought!!!

11 whole graham crackers
2 T. sugar
4 T. melted butter

In a food processor, crush the graham crackers.  Add the sugar & the melted butter.  Mix again.  Pour the crumbs into a 9" pie pan. Pat the crumbs down & up the sides of the pie pan.   Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Cool before filling.

 At last week's Cooking Camp, the three of my seven grandchildren that could come, suggested that we make Teddy Bears at the Beach Cupcakes that we had made a couple of years ago.  It's really fun to do with kids.  You can check out the recipe how-to here. I just love how the kids enjoy these creative food activities and it delights this Nana's heart to be with them!  My son, Mike, did an Art Camp with them, and we used water colors to paint our lions.  

 

Here's Mike's drawing and painting that he did!

Here is Mike with his niece and nephews! The contraption that is on the front of Mike is his rechargeable battery pack for his spinal cord simulator that he had inserted in his back over a year ago.  


I am sharing this with these lovely parties:



Thank you for your visit!  xo


44 comments:

  1. What a cute bunch of happy campers Kitty, no doubt from your kitchen treats and Mike's art camp too! I love your teapot that he painted and it's perfect serving tea with your cherries and cheesecake. My MIL made that same No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake recipe for years and it was always eaten to the last graham cracker crumb! I love the photo of little Harper on her dad's lap too. ♥

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  2. P.S. I just notice my feed and scary size of it on your sidebar...yikes! I'm not sure what caused that, it's not updated either.

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  3. The no bake cheesecake sounds delicious. The black and white teapot is very cool; what a clever design. I love the red, white and black theme. It must be fun to have your grandkids around for a bit of creating.

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  4. You're amazing Kitty! I know your grands just love being with you.

    The No Bake Cheesecake sounds wonderful. Confession - I make the Jello No Bake Cheesecakes all the time but homemade has to be so much better! We really are more homemade cooks here so I'll be trying this. ;)

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  5. Oh Kitty! This no-bake cherry cheesecake must have been ever so delicious...every so often it is lovely to simply whip up something quick...and doesn't have to actually be baked!
    Your grandchildren are just too sweet...I am always amazed at how involved you are in their lives and how you share so much with them...they'll treasure these moments with you as long as they live!
    Hugs to you, dear Kitty! Have a simply splendid month of August!

    Smiles,
    Kelly-Anne

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  6. Happy Belated Birthday to your son, Kevin! Loved how you incorporated gifts from blogger friends! The no bake cheesecake sounds like something that even a non-cook (like moi!) can do. As always, I enjoy seeing the camp activities at your place as it gives me ideas to do with my godchild when he's older...

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  7. What a wonderful time you had with your family! Such happy faces. The first time I believe I had ever seen your blog is when you had a post with the hand painted tea kettle! I love that. Isn't it wonderful how food and memories go hand in hand! Have a beautiful week my friend! Lynn

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  8. I am so impressed by that teapot. You are lucky to have such a talented son. The cherry cheesecake looks yummy and happy birthday to Kevin. Nice that he could spend his birthday with you while his wife was out of town. Your cooking camp looks like it was a great success. Making memories for your grands and you to treasure forever, Have a great week!

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  9. I love that cherry cheesecake recipe. My mother used to make it when I lived at home because it was a favorite of my dad's and my brother. My mom and dad are no longer with us, but I still make it as an occasional treat for my brother. Love your cherry theme. Your grandchildren are very blessed with a loving and creative Nana.

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  10. Your no-bake cheesecake looks like just the thing for me to try Kitty as we continue with hot temperatures and the worst drought in years.
    I bought fresh peaches and made a pie with crumble topping that has been dessert for a few nights.
    The drawings the grands did are very good, another fun crafting event!

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  11. Your no-bake cheese cake sounds a lot like one our dear Betty made. I'm not much for cheeses cake, but I do enjoy the no-bake kind.
    I enjoyed the photo's of you and your precious grand children, beautiful, Kitty.

    Enjoy your day~~

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  12. My feed is doing that crazy thing too that Mary mentioned.Mary's and Jenna's have both done that on my blog.
    I could eat the entire pie, Kitty. I love that recipe.

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  13. Mmmm... you have gotten me in the mood for cheesecake :) Thanks for the recipe! Love all the smiling faces.

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  14. Hi Kitty, lots of fun going on at your house. Love the cherry cheesecake recipe. I will surely be trying this one. Your son did a wonderful job designing and painted a MC tea pot likeness. Love it. What a fun baking class with your grands. They are all adorable and those smiles say it all. Love the art lesson your son gave too. His lion is beautifully done. What a talented guy. The pic of you and the grands is precious. I know you are having fun making special memories. Have a great week ahead my friend.
    Blessings and love to you!! xo

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  15. Always tons of smiles at your cooking classes. This sounds great! Love the appropriate cup you chose. It's been hot here too.

    Cindy

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  16. Kitty, Your son is very talented! Lucky you to have such great sons and those beautiful grandchildren too. Hope your older son is doing well with his back. My mother used to make this or a similar cheesecake and this one is calling to me now! I will try your homemade graham crust too. Have a wonderful day and I hope you are finding ways to stay cool! Linda

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  17. No bake sounds just like what is needed. What a fun celebration too! The kids are having so much fun...and making so many special memories! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  18. Kitty, I love your cherry tea party! Mmm cherry cheesecake! That's my kind of dessert (any time of day!) And your son did a wonderful job on your teapot. I thought it was a McKenzie- Childs one. ♥

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  19. Your cherry-themed tea party looks so pretty, Kitty. I made another version of an Unbaked "Cheesecake" tonight for dinner. It's much too hot to cook here, too. How lovely to be able to treat your son with his favorite dessert.

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  20. What a great post! Its lovely to see everyone, including you Kitty (love your sweet haircut! Mike is an artist ~ wow, that lion is brilliant.
    The beach cupcakes are such fun. Made me smile : )

    I made the no-bake granola bars...absolutely yum! Thank you for the recipe and the one today. It looks so cool and delicious.
    Will post pictures v. soon, but off to see my Dad this morning for 24 hours.

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  21. The cherry-themed tablecloth has always been a favorite. It looks great with the diner cup. The MC inspired teapot is amazing. Your cherry dessert adds to the festive place setting. Everybody is having fun making quality memories in your kitchen. Stay cool as best you can.

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  22. Your cheesecake looks so tasty, my friend, and definitely the perfect dessert to enjoy during the summer.

    The picture of your son with Harper brought a smile to my face - what sweetness! And of course seeing you with your darling grandchildren is a joy. You are such a precious lady, Kitty.

    Love and hugs to you!

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  23. Love family photos! And that cheesecake looks yummy ♥

    summerdaisy.net

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  24. Oh I too love cheesecake! YUM! Look at those beautiful grands! So much fun going on. WOW...impressive drawing too. I can't even hold a ruler and make the line straight! Happy day to you my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  25. You have such great looking kids...and grandkidlets, too, Kitty! It is really nice that they get together often with you.
    I adore your cheesecake display...anything red & white & black with cherries thrown in makes my heart skip a beat.
    My recipe is very similar to yours but it also has Dream Whip in it. I need to compare the two...maybe do a blind taste test next time I get company.

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  26. I think it's awesome that you are doing a cooking camp with the grandkids. How blessed you are to live close enough to do that. And how blessed they are to have you in their lives.

    The cheesecake looks scrumptious!

    Blessings,
    Patti

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  27. Oh I do a cooking camp with my grandson. We did a beach theme a few weeks ago. This cheesecake looks so yummy. I need to try it!
    Thanks for sharing.

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  28. So sweet, Kitty, the kids, my, Harper is getting so big! No more baby! Cheesecake looks so good.

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  29. Hi Kitty, I love recipes that are easy and "no bake" when I'm in a hurry. Your cheesecake looks delicious and perfect for summer and that adorable cup and yep, it makes me think of the old diners. Your son in so handsome and the little tyke looks so happy and excited to help her daddy blow out the candle. Your cooking camp with the grands is grand!
    Happy day…….

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  30. Kitty
    I don't blame your son for this request! It looks delicious! Little Harper looks like she can't wait to dig in.;-)
    PS Cooking camp sounds delightful! The kids look like they had a ball with Uncle Mike! He certainly has amazing talent.

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  31. That no bake cheesecake sounds like the perfect summer recipe Kitty! I see why it's a favorite:@)

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  32. That no bake cheesecake sounds like the perfect summer recipe Kitty! I see why it's a favorite:@)

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  33. Ummm, we all love Cherry Cheesecake...Such a cute little girl...xo

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  34. A no bake cheese cake is perfect for summer. Lo e that teapot and that teacup.. Nice to spend time always with the grandchildren. With love Janice

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  35. Kitty, your family has talent! Love the teapot and lion! My mom used to make the no bake cheesecake and it was a big hit. I look forward to Nana's cooking camp each year :-) xxoo

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  36. Happy birthday to your son. That cheesecake looks like Heaven.

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  37. Happy birthday to your son. That cheesecake looks like Heaven.

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  38. Dear Kitty:
    I made cheese cake this week too! It is so good and your recipe sounds wonderful.
    What a cute family time! The tea kettle is darling! Thanks for linking to my blog party Kitty.

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  39. This is a great recipe on these hot days when you don't want the oven on:-D

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  40. Happy birthday tonyour son, Kitty! The pie looks good and simple...Christine

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  41. Kitty,
    Yum! This sounds delicious! I love this kind of cheesecake...never been particularly fond of the real kind! Isn't that funny? It's just too heavy for me or rich or something. I have a recipe very much like this one and have used blueberry filling for the top. Cherry sounds delicious too!

    I think it's wonderful how you spend baking time with your beautiful grandchildren! How special for them?....and you too of course! Love all your matching pretty things!!! :) Have a great week Kitty!
    xo
    Linda

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  42. How sweet, Kitty
    I love how you make your son his favorite pie ever year. How special and sweet. I wish him and wonderful year. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. We love having you.

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  43. Oh, that apron Stephanie made is so sweet. I have looked at her aprons on etsy, and they are so pretty. I have a couple of her potholders. Your son is so kind to teach the grands how to draw; they sure are making the memories there with you both. Sweet picture of your other son and his daughter. It's a blessing to make them their favorite treats, isn't it?
    I'm catching up with some of my blog friends today, and it seems everyone has pictures of delicious food! Just when I'm trying to be disciplined! :)

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  44. Hi Kitty,
    Wow, that Cherry Cheesecake looks amazing, no wonder it is your son's request. No matter how old they get they remain our "little boys". I just love your family photo's the love of family always shows. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great day!
    Miz Helen

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