Vibrant No-Bake Dessert

As seen on: Delicious Dessert Recipes

Playful spin on traditional cheesecake with colorful cereal mixed throughout. Zero oven time needed, just patience for chilling.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Wed, 07 May 2025 19:49:39 GMT
A colorful cake slice with sprinkles and fluffy cream sits on a plate, with the rest of the cake blurry in the background. Save this
A colorful cake slice with sprinkles and fluffy cream sits on a plate, with the rest of the cake blurry in the background. | emilyscooks.com

I whipped up this easy cheesecake during a scorching day when my little ones were desperate for something cool and tasty. Their eyes widened with excitement when they saw their beloved breakfast cereal transformed into dessert. These days, this vibrant treat never fails to bring grins whenever it shows up for dessert time.

Sweet Childhood Flavors in Each Spoonful

What makes this cheesecake special is how the different textures play together. The fruity snap alongside that creamy filling transports me straight to childhood TV days. My counter turns into a colorful playground during prep time.

Round Up These Items

  • Nilla Wafers: Smash 1 cup into tiny bits for your foundation.
  • Fruity Pebbles: Grab 2 cups for bursts of color.
  • Heavy Cream: You'll need 2 cups to make it super fluffy.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure 16 ounces sits out till soft.
  • Powdered Sugar: Add 3/4 cup for just enough sweetness.
  • Butter: Melt 5 tablespoons to bind everything.
A colorful cake topped with fruity cereal sits on a gray plate, with a slice removed and crumbs scattered around. Save this
A colorful cake topped with fruity cereal sits on a gray plate, with a slice removed and crumbs scattered around. | emilyscooks.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Build Your Foundation
Grind those cookies and cereal really small, stir in the melted butter, then push down firmly in your dish and notice the pretty colors.
Create The Middle
Get your cream nice and fluffy with stiff peaks, smooth out that cream cheese completely, then carefully mix them together and add crushed cereal for color pops.
Finish It Off
Add a layer of fresh whipped cream on top with a handful of cereal bits scattered around.

Switch Things Up

You can try graham crackers instead or go for Cocoa Pebbles when you want something chocolatey. Adding some fresh fruit between layers works wonders too.

Insider Tricks

Always chill your mixing tools for the best cream results. Don't rush the cream cheese softening process. Crush your cereal into tiny pieces if you want really neat slices.

A delicious no-bake cake with a colorful sprinkle topping and a whipped cream decoration, showing a slice removed, revealing its creamy texture and crumbly crust. Save this
A delicious no-bake cake with a colorful sprinkle topping and a whipped cream decoration, showing a slice removed, revealing its creamy texture and crumbly crust. | emilyscooks.com

Storage Smarts

This treat stays good in your fridge for up to three days. Need to make it earlier? Just wrap it tight and stick it in the freezer, then let it slowly thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Crowd Pleaser

Everyone reacts when this dessert shows up at gatherings. The kids get excited and the grown-ups feel nostalgic. It always gets people talking and ends with everyone feeling happy.

Hot Weather Friend

You won't need to turn on your oven, so it's great for scorching days. I love how fast it comes together so we can get back to enjoying summer activities.

Total Bliss

Each bite brings real happiness around our table. The smooth filling mixed with crunchy bits creates more than just another dessert. It turns snack time into something truly worth celebrating.

A slice of colorful, sprinkle-topped pink cheesecake on a decorative plate, with a whole cheesecake in the background. Save this
A slice of colorful, sprinkle-topped pink cheesecake on a decorative plate, with a whole cheesecake in the background. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why chill mixing bowl?

A frosty bowl makes your whipped cream fluffier and helps it stay that way longer.

→ Can I substitute the cookies?

You can swap in graham crackers instead of Nilla Wafers for the base.

→ How long does it keep?

It'll stay good in your fridge for about 3 days or tucked in your freezer for a month if wrapped well.

→ Why grind the cereal?

Crushing it finely helps it mix better and gives you a smoother feel overall.

→ Can I make ahead?

For sure, it freezes great. Just wrap it twice and let it thaw in your fridge overnight.

Wrap-Up

This eye-catching sweet treat turns an ordinary cheesecake into a colorful, family-friendly dessert using crunchy breakfast cereal. The no-bake approach makes it super simple to create an impressive treat without any fuss.

Cereal Cheesecake Delight

A whimsical no-bake treat featuring crunchy cereal mixed into the crust, blended in the filling, and sprinkled on the whipped topping.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
240 Minutes
Overall Time
270 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 10 Portions (1 cheesecake)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 1 cup crushed vanilla cookies.
02 items 2 cups colorful rice cereal.
03 items ½ cup melted butter, unsalted.
04 items 1½ cups plus 2 tablespoons whipping cream.
05 items ¾ cup confectioners sugar.
06 items 2 cups colorful rice cereal.
07 items 16 ounces softened cream cheese.
08 items ½ cup white sugar.
09 items ¾ cup whipping cream for garnish.
10 items ½ cup colorful rice cereal for garnish.
11 items 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar for garnish.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Crush cookies and cereal together, stir in melted butter. Push firmly into your springform pan.

Step 02

Crush the cereal finely. Whip 1½ cups cream with confectioners sugar until fluffy.

Step 03

Whip cream cheese with white sugar. Gently mix in the whipped cream and crushed cereal.

Step 04

Add mixture on top of base, cool in fridge at least 4 hours.

Step 05

Whip remaining items to create a pretty topping.

Extra Notes

  1. Try using crushed graham cookies as a substitute.
  2. Will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days.
  3. Can be stored frozen for up to a month.

Essential Tools

  • 9-inch pan with removable sides.
  • Blender or grinder.
  • Electric beater.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Milk products.
  • Grain products.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 622
  • Fat Content: 47 grams
  • Total Carbs: 47 grams
  • Protein Content: 6 grams