No-Bake Saffron Cheesecake

The no-bake saffron cheesecake has all the makings of a classic cheesecake, just layered over each other in individual dessert glasses. A crumbly crust topped with a creamy filling bursting with the floral notes of saffron and rose water finished with a crown of velvety whipped cream. 

Light, refreshing, and with an embarrassingly easy recipe, this no-bake cheesecake is the perfect dessert for a Holi get-together (or any other day).

The taste is reminiscent of my Saffron Cardamom Cheesecake, but the recipe is even simpler and made in a jiffy. 

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Why try the no-bake saffron cheesecake

• Easy-to-make, foolproof recipe
• Great make-ahead recipe
• A fabulously luxurious dessert full of saffron and cardamom flavor
• Easy to serve in individual dessert cups or even shot glasses

How to make no-bake saffron cheesecake?

For me, there is nothing more joyful than bringing a burst of seasonal flavors and color to my bakes. So, that’s what I did with this cheesecake-in-a-glass. It has a clean flavor profile, with the distinctive earthy saffron marrying the sweetness of cardamon and then living happily ever after with rose water. It’s almost like eating freshly made mithai without all the effort!

Step 1: The classic choice is Marie biscuits (or graham crackers), but digestives work just as well. Crush the biscuits.

Step 2: Combine the crumbs with the melted and cooled butter. 

Step 3: With a hand whisk or electric beater, beat cream, cream cheese, and icing sugar till you have a nice, thick, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Combine a hefty dose of saffron and cardamom powder to it. 

Step 5: And because in my book rosewater completes the trio of flavors, add 2 teaspoons of it. I am completely in love with the combination, but if you find it overpowering, reduce the rose water to 1 teaspoon.

Step 6: Pack the crust into the bottom of your dessert glass.

Step 7: Either spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling on top of the crust base. I prefer a piping bag because it’s faster, neater, and less fussy. 

Step 8: I also dolled up the saffron cheesecake with dollops of whipped cream, but this is entirely optional. 

Step 9: Let it sit in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour because while you don’t need to bake them, you need to chill no-bake cheesecakes. 

Pro tips for making no-bake saffron cheesecake

• All your ingredients must be at room temperature. It is easier to whip up a smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling as cold ingredients take longer.
• Taste and check for sweetness before you scoop the filling into glasses. 
• If your filling is too thick, stir in more cream to reach a soft, dropping consistency. 
• The longer you let the no-bake cheesecake chill, the better it gets. Keep them overnight and the crust soaks up the flavors, the filling firms up and sets beautifully, which also means you can make them a day in advance. Always a plus in my books. 
• My recipe makes enough for 3 large glasses or 6 medium-sized glasses. I opted for the former, but the decadent dessert was shared between 6 people. 
• In case you plan this recipe for a Holi ( or any )party, you can even utilize shot glasses. The saffron cheesecake dessert is pretty to look at and immensely satisfying if you’re a saffron-lover like me. 

How do you garnish the saffron cardamom cheesecake?

Right before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with dried rose petals, slivers of pistachio, cardamom powder, and strands of saffron. Hand over a glass to everyone, and you’re good to go!

More quick, no-bake recipes

No-Bake Mango Cheesecake

No-Bake Jamun Cheesecake

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

No-Bake Gingersnap Balls

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