How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Without an Oven

There's something magical about baking desserts at home, especially those as indulgent as a chocolate cheesecake. But for most of us, the lack of an oven might prove to be the dealbreaker. What if you could skip that altogether and yet still manage to create a creamy and luscious cheesecake worthy of any bakery?

Whether it's sweltering heat or you just don't own an oven, the good news is that a chocolate cheesecake without an oven is possible and super easy. From no-bake versions to smart pressure cooker techniques, the options are varied and simple enough to help you get that slice of heaven. Here's a foolproof recipe to get you started, followed by five creative methods to make this dessert without an oven.

No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 200 g digestive biscuits, crushed
• 100 g unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 300 g cream cheese, softened
• 200 g dark chocolate, melted and cooled
• 200 ml whipping cream
• 100 g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache Topping:

• 150 g dark chocolate, chopped
• 150 ml heavy cream

Method:

1. Prepare the base first. Mix crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the base of a greased 9-inch springform pan really hard. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until set.
2. The filling will be a mixture of whipped cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the melted chocolate and the vanilla extract. Whip the cream in another bowl until it forms soft peaks. Carefully fold this whipped cream to the chocolate mixture, so that the mixture will have an airy consistency. Pour the filling on the chilled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until firm.
3. Mix the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just before it begins to simmer. Immediately pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it rest for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. Once set, smooth the ganache over the top of the cheesecake. Chill another hour before serving.

5 Ways to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Without an Oven

No-Bake with Gelatin

A no-bake cheesecake using gelatin offers a firmer texture that will hold its shape perfectly. Dissolve unflavored gelatin in warm water and mix it into the filling. This is a great method for warm climates where the cheesecake might melt too quickly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours for it to set beautifully, resulting in a rich stable dessert.

No-Bake with Agar Agar

Agar agar is an excellent choice for those looking for a vegetarian alternative. This plant-based gelling agent works just like gelatin. Dissolve agar agar in hot water, mix it into the chocolate filling, and let the cheesecake set in the fridge. This will create a smooth and creamy dessert with a perfectly firm structure, great for those who prefer eggless recipes.

Chilled Mousse Cheesecake

Forgo stabilizers altogether and make a mousse-like filling. Whip together cream cheese, melted chocolate, and sugar. Fold in whipped cream. Pour over the crust and chill until set. This is a soft, velvety cheesecake that melts in your mouth. Perfect for those who love delicate airy desserts.

Pressure Cooker with Water Bath

For an oven-free baking method, a pressure cooker is your best friend. Prepare the cheesecake filling and crust as usual, then place the springform pan on a trivet inside the pressure cooker. Add a small amount of water to create steam. Cook on low heat without the whistle for 30 minutes. This method mimics the water bath technique used in traditional baking, yielding a rich, creamy cheesecake.

Base of Salt Layer

You can bake a cheesecake using the pressure cooker by first making a layer of salt at the bottom. Place a thick layer of salt in the cooker, then place a stand over it. Preheat for 10 minutes. Put the cheesecake pan on the stand, then cover it with the lid minus the whistle. Cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes. It also ensures that heat is evenly spread, so your cheesecake would be perfectly baked without an oven.