Description
This No Bake Zombie Brain Cheesecake combines creamy, tangy cheesecake filling tinted zombie green with a gory cherry topping that looks just like brains! It’s creepy, festive, and absolutely delicious — the perfect Halloween dessert that’s fun for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup natural sweetener (or sugar substitute of your choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the sweetener, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat again until fully incorporated and creamy. - Tint the Cheesecake Green:
Add green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve your desired zombie-green color. For an extra ghoulish effect, use a mix of neon and forest green. - Whip the Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes). Don’t overbeat — it should hold shape but still look smooth and airy. - Fold It All Together:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the green cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Take your time — you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy while fully combining the two components. - Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spoon the filling into an 8- or 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover with plastic wrap. - Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Overnight is even better for a firmer texture. - Add the “Brains”:
Just before serving, spread the cherry pie filling over the top of the cheesecake. The glossy cherries create a perfect “bloody brain” effect that’s both spooky and delicious. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice, serve chilled, and prepare for compliments (and creepy giggles)!
Notes
Active time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4+ hours
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes
If you prefer a crust, you can add a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust before filling. Simply press 1½ cups crushed cookies mixed with ¼ cup melted butter into the bottom of your pan and chill before adding the filling.