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    Home » Recipes » Italian Desserts

    No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

    Published: Jan 30, 2018, Last updated: Oct 27, 2020 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

    436 shares
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    A no bake chocolate cheesecake made with an oreo cookie crust, dark chocolate, mascarpone cheese, marshmallows and a hint of coffee. It's rich, velvety and completely indulgent. This easy no bake cheesecake requires very little effort and is completely foolproof!

    Because we all love a little chocolate from time to time, right?

    an overhead shot of a no bake chocolate cheesecake topped with ricotta frosting sitting on baking parchment

    I am a HUGE fan of no bake desserts. I love the creamy texture, the little effort that's usually involved and the big flavours. No bake in my opinion means a recipe that does not require an oven and is relatively easy to make. If it means melting some chocolate and butter over a stove then that is totally fine with me.

    I'm calling this a no bake chocolate cheesecake but there isn't any cream cheese involved. However there is mascarpone cheese that's folded in at the end and a special ingredient that I just LOVE. Marshmallows!

    The marshmallows melt into the chocolate and create a vanilla scented, thick and indulgent chocolate filling. It's SO damn delicious, and because we love all things Italian, I added espresso into the mix which gives it a nice kick.

    Tip: If you don't like coffee or would rather not add it then just replace it with water. This will give you a delicious, intense chocolate flavoured cheesecake. I've tried it both ways and they are both as equally delicious.

    How To Make A No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake - Step By Step

    First, melt half of the butter in a saucepan and add oreo cookies to a food processor (whole cookies including the white filling). Blitz the cookies to a fine crumb whilst adding the melted butter (photos 1 & 2).

    Add the crumbs to a lined 8.5 inch/22cm cake tin (affiliate link) and press it firmly with the back of a metal spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Place it in the fridge while you make the filling (photo 3).

    Step by step photos for making a no bake chocolate cheese cake with an oreo cookie base

    Add the cubed butter, marshmallows, chocolate, water and espresso to a large saucepan on a low/medium heat. Stir the mixture until everything has completely melted. When there are only a few lumps of marshmallows left, turn the heat off and add the mascarpone. Stir the marscarpone into the chocolate mixture until combined (photos 4-6).

    Tip: If there are still a few lumps of marshmallows left then turn the heat back on for a few seconds and stir until melted.

    Tip: Adding a pinch of sea salt flakes really brings out the chocolate flavour and makes it extra delicious.

    Remove the chocolate cheesecake base from the fridge and pour the chocolate filling into the tin. Place it back in the fridge to set (photos 7-9).

    More Chocolate Dessert Recipes To Try;

    • Chocolate panna cotta
    • Homemade Nutella chocolate spread
    • Italian hot chocolate
    • Chocolate hazelnut ice cream
    • Tiramisu ice cream

    P.S The uneven spaces of frosting around the cheesecake were driving me crazy (top photo) but I KNOW if I tried to correct it I would've been left with a big brown, sticky mess (yeah, nice) and I probably would've cried.

    Hope you enjoy and frosting tips are always welcome!

    a slice of no bake chocolate cheesecake cut out and sitting on a wooden surface

    If you've tried this no bake chocolate cheesecake or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I'm getting up to.

    Step By Step Photos AboveMost of our recipes come with step by step photos, helpful tips and tricks to make it perfectly first time and even video!
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    5 from 9 votes

    No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

    A no bake chocolate cheesecake made with an oreo cookie base, dark chocolate, mascarpone cheese, marshmallows and a hint of coffee.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 325kcal
    Author Emily Kemp

    Ingredients

    • 24 oreo cookies (264g)
    • 4.9 oz (140g) butter
    • 10.5 oz (300g) dark chocolate good quality
    • 6.1 oz (175g) marshmallows , cut into small pieces
    • ½ cup (110g) mascarpone cheese
    • 2 tablespoon strong espresso
    • ⅓ cup (80ml) ⅓ cup water
    • 1 very small pinch smoked sea salt flakes (or regular)
    • unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

    Topping (opional)

    • 4 heaped tbsp ricotta cheese
    • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 3 tablespoon fine granulated sugar

    Instructions

    • First, melt half of the butter in a saucepan. Add the oreo cookies to a food processor (whole cookies including the white filling). Blitz the cookies to a fine crumb whilst adding the melted butter.
    • Add the crumbs to a lined cake tin (8.5 inch/22cm) and press it firmly with the back of a metal spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Place it in the fridge while you make the filling.
    • Cut the marshamallows into small pieces and brake up the chocolate into small chunks. Add them both to a large saucepan with the espresso, water and remaining half of the butter (cut into cubes).
    • Melt the mixture over a low/medium heat and stir the mixture until everything has completely melted. When there are only a few lumps of marshmallows left, turn the heat off and add the mascarpone. 
    • Stir the marscarpone into the chocolate mixture until combined and add a tiny pinch of sea salt.
    • If there are still a few lumps of marshmallows left then turn the heat back on for a few seconds and stir until melted.
    • Remove the chocolate cheesecake base from the fridge and pour the chocolate filling into the tin. Place it back in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour (preferably 2-3). Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving (optional).

    For topping (optional)

    • Add the ricotta to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and sieve in the cocoa powder. Mix everything together, taste and add more sugar if necessary.
    • Add the mixture to a piping bag with a large star shaped nozzle. Pipe the frosting around the edge of the cheesecake and serve.

    Notes

    Tips

    • Try adding orange zest, mint, vanilla or your favourite flavourings into the chocolate mixture.
    • Replace the espresso with water if you don't want a coffee flavour.
    • Overall time excludes chilling time.
    • Can be frozen. Cut into individual portions before freezing, wrap in baking parchment and place in a sealed container. Let it thaw completely before serving.

    Equipment Used

    • An 8.5inch/22cm cake tin (these come in a set of 3. They are great non-stick pans that I've used for a long time).
    • My very favourite pink spatula (I use this for everything from making making sauces, stews, baking and scraping every last drop of pesto out the food processor!)
    Nutrition Facts
    No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 325 Calories from Fat 189
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 21g32%
    Saturated Fat 12g75%
    Cholesterol 26mg9%
    Sodium 161mg7%
    Potassium 171mg5%
    Carbohydrates 30g10%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 18g20%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 330IU7%
    Calcium 30mg3%
    Iron 3.8mg21%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3.8mg
    Helpful Info for All Recipes
    • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
    • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
    • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
    • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
    • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
    • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
    • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

    *This post contains affiliate links, see disclosure for more info.

    More Italian Desserts

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      Italian Nutella Cookies (Nutellotti)
    • Five Cuccidati cookies on a plate with fake white snow scattered around.
      Cuccidati (Italian Fig Cookies)
    • An overhead shot of amaretti cookies on a wooden surface some in pink and green wrappers.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      June 24, 2021 at 6:15 am

      How well does this set? I am thinking about putting raspberry coulis on top. Would that work? I am worried about the weight.

      Reply
      • Emily

        June 24, 2021 at 11:55 am

        Yes, you could add that on top once chilled. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Tanya

      May 18, 2020 at 11:22 am

      Hi Emily! Can we replace the butter with whipped cream? Would we then just whip the cream, and fold it into the mixture?

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        May 18, 2020 at 3:37 pm

        Hi Tanya, you could try that and fold it in although I've not tried it myself so I'm not 100% sure on the end result. If you don't have butter you can whisk the cream using an electric mixer or stand mixer until it turns into butter. It goes from whipped cream to butter in a matter of minutes. Once it seperates and turns into butter just squeeze out the buttermilk. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    3. Michele

      February 04, 2018 at 8:40 pm

      I love the addition of the secret ingredient.... marshmallows are my personal fave! What a great treat this will be for Valentines day!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 06, 2018 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks so much Michele!

        Reply
    4. Marlee

      February 04, 2018 at 1:10 am

      This is probably the best looking thing I've seen in forever! I love the addition of marshmallows to this cake! Genius!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 04, 2018 at 4:36 pm

        Thanks so much Marlee you're so kind!

        Reply
    5. Meymi-Pastry and Beyond

      February 01, 2018 at 2:49 pm

      Love this chocolate cheesecake with mascarpone and coffee. Looks delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Natalie

      February 01, 2018 at 9:21 am

      This cake is stunning! ♥5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2018 at 11:14 am

        Thank you so much Natalie, that's so kind of you!

        Reply
    7. Heather LeGuilloux

      January 31, 2018 at 12:05 am

      As a non-baker, this looks like such an easy recipe to execute and the outcome looks so delectable!

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 31, 2018 at 12:21 pm

        Thanks Heather!

        Reply
    8. Marie - Not Enough Cinnamon

      January 30, 2018 at 11:44 pm

      Your pictures are stunning Emily! This cheesecake looks so decadent and super YUM!! I love the addition of mascarpone5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 31, 2018 at 12:20 pm

        Aw thanks so much Marie, that's so nice of you!

        Reply
    9. Amy | The Cook Report

      January 30, 2018 at 11:20 pm

      Cheesecake is one of my favourite desserts and this chocolate one looks right up my street!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 30, 2018 at 11:40 pm

        Thanks Amy, it's one of my favourites too!

        Reply
    10. Britt @ A Lil' Sweet, Spice, & Advice

      January 30, 2018 at 10:59 pm

      😍 You had me at Oreos and mascarpone cheese. I LOVE cheesecakes made with mascarpone cheese. Definitely going to try this recipe ASAP.5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 30, 2018 at 11:02 pm

        Thanks Britt, I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Lizzie

      January 30, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      Wow, this looks so easy, and so intense - like a mocha cheesecake.5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 30, 2018 at 11:02 pm

        Thanks so much Lizzie!

        Reply
    12. Scarlet @ Family Blog

      January 30, 2018 at 9:32 pm

      This looks divine. My daughter and I love chocolate. I think I will make this as her special treat for getting such good grades. Thanks for the fantastic recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        January 30, 2018 at 11:03 pm

        Aw that's so nice, I hope you both enjoy it!

        Reply

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