If you’re searching for the best cheesecake recipe, look no further than Grandma’s tried-and-true classic—made extra special with her shortbread cookie crust.

Unlike traditional graham cracker bases, this rich, buttery crust adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

Grandma’s recipe also include fresh lemon juice and a hint of almond.

Clearly this recipe is like no other!

Passed down through generations and lovingly made for every holiday and celebration, this family favorite has earned its legendary status one delicious slice at a time.

Reflecting on the first time Grandma served me her cheesecake, I wrinkled my nose in confusion—cheese in a cake?

No thanks, I thought.

But all it took was one bite, and I was completely hooked.

Creamy, rich, and nestled in that buttery shortbread crust…it was love at first taste.

Slice of grandma's best cherry cheesecake recipe garnished with whipped cram and a maraschino cherry.

If you’re a cherry lover try our Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosting.

And it pairs so well with our Fudgy Brownie Recipe.

The combination is fabulous!

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The Best Cheesecake Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for The Best Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients for a quick and easy cheesecake recipe:

The Cheesecake Filling

cream the cream cheese
Beat cream cheese until smooth.

To begin, take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator.

It will need to be at room temperature before you begin mixing the cheesecake filling.

Don’t try to rush this step and place it in the microwave.

Believe me, I’ve tried that before and it usually leads to part of the cream cheese melted. Just prepare ahead of time, don’t rush this step.

Once the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

For this cheesecake filling I love to use my Kitchenaid stand mixer.

In my opinion it is the best mixer around.

It can handle anything!

adding sweet and condensed milk

Once the cream cheese is smooth and fluffy add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and almond extract.

Personally, I think that pure vanilla and almond extract have better flavor.

Certainly, they are more expensive, but I think it’s worth it.

Such a small amount is used in this recipe, it really doesn’t affect the cost of this cheesecake recipe. 

periodically scraping sides to incorporate all ingredients

As the cream cheese beats, occasionally stop the mixer and scrap the sides of the bowl.

You will want to make sure that all of the cream cheese is incorporated with the sweetened condensed milk.

juicing a lemon
adding fresh lemon juice

While this recipe calls for lemon juice, grandma always insisted that it was fresh squeezed lemon juice.

In my experience, I find this true as well.

The lemon juice is an unexpected element in a no bake cheesecake, but it clearly adds a unique flavor to this cheesecake recipe.

Finally add the lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and beat well.

Grandma’s 2 secret ingredients in her cheesecake filling are the fresh lemon juice and the almond extract. Clearly, this is part of what make this the best cheesecake recipe.

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The Best Cheesecake Recipe Crust

placing lorna doone cookies down for crust
completed crust

In addition, grandma’s best cheesecake recipe has a unique crust.

She always used Lorna Doone shortbread cookies.

Not only does it make a delicious crust, but it’s also so easy. You just line a 9×13 pan with the cookies. That’s it!

The cookies soften a little as it chills and make the best crust for this cheesecake recipe.

spooning cheesecake mixture over crust

Now, the cream cheese filling is spread over the shortbread cookies.

evenly spreading cheesecake mixture

Then chill for several hours until the cream cheese filling is set up.

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Cherry Cheesecake Topping

spooning cherries over cheesecake

Once the cream cheese is set up, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake. 

Now if you’re not a fan of cherries, any flavor of pie filling will be delicious.

Clearly, you can make it to your own liking.

Steph actually prefers raspberry.

She is not a fan of cherries.

Cherries always remind her of the cherry flavored medicine she had as a child.

cherries spread on top of the cheesecake filling

If desired top with cool whip and chill for at least 24 hours.

Personally, I prefer whipped cream on my cheesecake.

I add a dollop of whipped cream when I serve it, garnished with a maraschino cherry.

Grandma always topped her cheesecake recipe with cool whip and often chopped walnuts too.

For ease in serving, it’s best to chill for at least 24 hours, 48 hours is even better.

This will make it cut beautifully and the presentation will be so much better. 

Slice of grandma's best cherry cheesecake recipe garnished with whipped cram and a maraschino cherry.

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The Best Cheesecake Recipe

Slice of grandma's best cherry cheesecake recipe garnished with whipped cram and a maraschino cherry.

Grandma’s Best Cherry Cheesecake

This classic no bake cheesecake recipe is rich and creamy with a delicous hint of almond. Not only is the shortbread crust yummy, but it also makes it oh so easy!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 1 day
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 503
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 tsp pure almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 10 oz. pkg. Lorna Doone shortbread cookies
  • 1 21 oz. can cherry pie filling or other flavor
  • 1 8 oz. Cool Whip or whipped cream

Equipment

  • mixer

Method
 

  1. Beat cream cheese in a mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add sweetened condensed milk, almond extract and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy. Scrap bowl often to make sure it's all well incorporated.
  3. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, beat again until creamy.
  4. Line a 9×13 pan with Lorna Doone shortbread cookies.
  5. Spread cream cheese mixture over the shortbread cookies.
  6. Chill until the cream cheese mixture is set.
  7. Spoon pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Top with a layer of Cool Whip if desired. Return to the refrigerator and chill for at least 24 hours.
  8. Serve with whipped cream if desired, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Notes

This recipe is easier to serve if it has chilled for a minimum of 24 hours. I like to chill mine for 48 hours.
Slice of grandma's best cherry cheesecake recipe garnished with whipped cram and a maraschino cherry

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Final thoughts

Have we convinced you to try the best cheesecake recipe ever?

Just looking at the photos once again makes my mouth water.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next special occasion, when I can serve the best cheesecake recipe ever!

To try another one of grandma’s recipes click here.

What’s your families favorite dessert recipe?

Are you a cheesecake lover?

We are always on the lookout for new ideas!

We hope you found some inspiration for your table today.

Please share your tips and ideas with us.

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I have always had a passion for transforming spaces and creating organized, functional homes. Even as a child, I loved rearranging furniture and decorating my childhood home. In fact my dad would comment he was afraid to come home from work and sit, for fear the furniture would be rearranged. I enjoy the challenge of turning ordinary items into extraordinary pieces, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an entire room. My creativity and attention to detail drive me to find unique ways to breathe new life into any space.

As a wife (to a supportive and patient husband, Steve), mother of three, and grandmother of five, I balance my love for home improvement with family life. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. I also frequent yard sales, thrift stores, and vintage markets, always on the lookout for my next project.

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