No-Bake Apricot Cheesecake Tart

45 min | intermediate | vegetarian

Overhead view of a no-bake apricot cheesecake tart in a fluted white tart pan: a graham cracker crumb crust surrounds a smooth pale cheesecake filling, topped with glossy apricot slices arranged in a spiral on a light marble surface.

Recipe by Eunice Published Dec 24, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
30 min	15 min	45 min

Rate/Review

Introduction

This no-bake apricot cheesecake tart is creamy, cool, and bursting with bright, sunny stone-fruit flavor.

A buttery graham cracker crust holds a light, mousse-like cheesecake filling, all topped with glossy, tender apricots.

It is perfect for summer parties, make-ahead entertaining, or any time you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.

Close-up of a slice of no-bake apricot cheesecake tart on a white plate, showing a graham cracker crust, thick creamy cheesecake layer, and glossy apricot slices with syrup drips; remaining tart slices are softly blurred in the background.

How to Make No-Bake Apricot Cheesecake Tart

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Prepare the tart pan

Line the bottom of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom or a springform pan.
Lightly grease the sides so the crust and filling release cleanly after chilling.
Make the graham cracker crust

Stir the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar together in a medium mixing bowl.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until every crumb looks evenly moistened and sandy.
Tip the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly across the bottom and up the sides.
Use a flat-bottomed glass to compact the crust so it feels tight and sturdy.
Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling so the butter sets and the crumbs firm up.

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Beat the cheesecake base

Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat until completely smooth and fluffy.
Sift in the powdered sugar to avoid lumps, then beat until the mixture looks thick and silky.
Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon juice until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Whip the cream and fold it in

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until it reaches medium-stiff peaks.
Stop as soon as the cream holds its shape and no longer looks soft or slouchy.
Gently fold one third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to loosen it.
Fold in the remaining whipped cream in two additions, keeping the mixture light and airy.
Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Cover the pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apricot topping.
Cook the apricot topping

Place the halved, pitted apricots, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the apricots soften and release lots of juicy syrup.
Simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the liquid slightly thickened.
Lift out about six apricot halves with a spoon and set them aside on a plate for garnish.
Transfer the remaining warm apricot mixture to a blender and blend until you have a smooth sauce.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then chill it until cold so it does not melt the filling.

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Assemble and chill the tart

Pour the chilled apricot sauce over the cheesecake layer and spread it into an even, glossy layer.
Slice the reserved apricot halves and arrange them decoratively on top of the tart.
Cover the tart and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled and sliceable.
Unmold the tart just before serving and cut it with a sharp, thin knife for clean slices.

Substitutions

Graham crackers -> gluten-free graham crackers: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumbs and keep the same measurements. The crust tastes almost identical and stays buttery, crisp, and sturdy for clean slices.
Cream cheese -> mascarpone cheese: Swap half or all of the cream cheese with the same amount of mascarpone. The filling becomes extra silky with a delicate, dessert-shop flavor that pairs beautifully with the apricot topping.
Fresh apricots -> peaches, nectarines, or mango: Use the same weight of sliced peaches, nectarines, or mango for a similar golden, jammy topping. The flavor shifts slightly but still feels bright, summery, and lush against the creamy cheesecake layer.

Tips

Chill everything for better whipping: Cold cream whips faster and holds more air, which keeps the filling light and stable. Chill the bowl and beaters for 10 minutes if your kitchen feels warm.
Soften cream cheese the right way: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating. If it is still cool, cut it into cubes so it blends without tiny lumps.
Do not rush the chilling time: The cheesecake needs several hours to firm up so slices hold their shape. For neat wedges at a party, chill it overnight if you can.
Adjust the apricot sweetness: Taste the apricots while they simmer and add a spoonful more sugar if they seem very tart. Riper fruit will need less sugar, while firm fruit benefits from a little extra.
Slice with a warm knife: Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice for the cleanest edges. Wipe the blade between cuts so the layers stay defined and pretty.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	532	kcal
Protein	6	g
Total Fat	34	g
Carbohydrates	54	g
Dietary Fiber	4	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

Why did my cheesecake filling turn runny?: The cream may have been under-whipped or the cream cheese too warm and soft. Whip the cream to medium-stiff peaks and make sure the cream cheese feels cool but not cold. If the mixture loosens, chill the filled crust for an hour before adding the apricot topping.
How can I keep the crust from crumbling apart?: Press the graham mixture firmly so it is tightly packed, especially along the sides. If it still seems loose, add another tablespoon of melted butter and press it in again. Always chill the crust before adding the filling so the butter can firm up.
Can I use frozen apricots instead of fresh?: Yes, frozen apricots work well here and still cook into a soft, jammy sauce. Do not thaw them fully; cook them from mostly frozen so they keep more flavor and color. You may need to simmer a few extra minutes to reduce the extra liquid.
How far in advance can I make this tart?: You can assemble the full tart up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, keep the crust, cheesecake layer, and apricot topping separate and assemble the day you serve.
What can I do with leftover apricot topping?: Spoon extra topping over yogurt, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream for a quick treat. It also makes a lovely spread for toast, pancakes, or waffles the next morning.

Serving Suggestions

This no-bake apricot cheesecake tart loves simple finishes like lightly sweetened whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

For a brunch feel, serve small slices with hot coffee and crisp bacon or a big fruit salad.

If you want something more playful, drizzle the plates with extra apricot sauce and scatter crushed pistachios over each slice.

More pairings:

Reviews

Kathleen, Cincinnati: Everyone at my house loved this, especially the tangy lemony filling with the bright apricot topping. I let the apricot sauce chill really well before spreading it on and it set up beautifully. Next time I would add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture to balance the sweetness and bring out the graham flavor even more. — 5 ★

Eunice: So happy it was a hit, Kathleen! A pinch of salt in the graham crust is a smart tweak and really does sharpen the graham flavor and balance the sweetness. 😊