Rich and creamy no-bake Malteser cheesecake, made with Philadelphia cream cheese and packed full of Maltesers, with a chocolatey bourbon biscuit base. The ultimate no-fuss dessert – no gelatine, no baking, and I guarantee you’ll be making it over and over again.
Updated for 2026: This easy Malteser cheesecake is still one of your all-time favourites – and it’s still one of mine too! Head on down for more information as I’ve added a few extra top tips for getting that perfectly creamy texture every time.
Lou’s recipe overview
SKILL: Beginner
TASTE: Smooth, creamy and malty chocolate!
PROS: Super quick, easy to make show-stopper
CONS: Having to share it
It’s time to finally introduce you to one of the most creamy and delicious desserts that I’ve ever made my easy to make no-bake Malteser cheesecake. Trust me when I say, once you’re tried making a no-bake cheesecake, there’s no going back!
This ultimate slice of heaven is my favourite go-to dessert for when I need something a little show-stopping – perfect for parties, celebrations or even when I just need to whip up a quick and easy dessert.
But the real beauty of no-bake cheesecakes is that once you have the base nailed, you can do any flavour you can imagine. At Christmas, a rummage through the cupboard usually results in a family favourite Biscoff version; but nothing beats Maltesers…
I LOVE Maltesers – check out my Malteser fudge or Malteser rocky road!
And when it comes cheesecake, those little chocolate malted milk balls are perfect for crushing and crumbling through a light and creamy cheesecake filling.
Ingredients and substitutions
Check out my shopping list for ingredients and equipment
Just as simple as the recipe, there’s no fancy ingredients required to make this cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need to grab…
- Full-fat Cream Cheese – I use Philadelphia cream cheese, which is widely available across the UK and gives a beautifully creamy, stable filling. Block cream cheese is ideal if you can find it, but Philadelphia works perfectly and is what I recommend for consistently good results. Always use full-fat – low fat versions contain more water and the filling won’t set properly.
- Maltesers Chocolate or Chocolate Malt Balls – With a light, crispy malt centre and coated in milk chocolate, the Maltesers add a crunch to the creamy cheesecake filling. I add both crushed and whole Maltesers and mix through. If you’re in the US, Hershey Whoppers can be used instead.
- Malteser Buttons – I use these for decoration, but you could use them instead of regular Maltesers in the cheesecake filling
- Bourbon Biscuits – An under-rated classic in my opinion! With two chocolate biscuits sandwiched with chocolate cream. If you can’t get hold of Bourbons, any other chocolate cream biscuit would work, even Oreos.
- Unsalted Butter
- Double Cream or Heavy Cream
- Icing Sugar
Recommended ingredients
CONVERT TO CUPS: There is a cup conversion option in the recipe card to convert the ingredients. This is automatic and I can’t guarantee the accuracy. For best baking results, I recommend using digital scales and weighing the ingredients.
Equipment you will need
The beauty of no-bake cheesecake recipes, is not only are they easy to make, have no fancy ingredients, but the equipment needed is basic too! This is what I use to make my cheesecakes…
All you need is a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer, or you can use a stand mixer if you have one.
You’ll also need…
- Large mixing bowl
- Handheld mixer – This Breville handmixer is my new favourite piece of kit I love the softening function if your butter isn’t quite up to room temperature
- Food Processor – I love my Magimix food processor for getting a beautifully even fine crumb in my biscuit base. It makes easy work of crushing the biscuits, but if you don’t have a food processor you can use a mini chopper or the old-fashioned way and bash them with a rolling pin.
- Springform cake pan – These are perfect for baked and no-bake cheesecakes alike; the quick release sides make removing your cheesecake from the pan a breeze. For this recipe, you’ll need an 8-inch pan.
- Offset spatula – no more faffing around with a spoon and getting your fingers in the filling, these are ideal for a really smooth finish – it’s one of my top 10 essential pieces of baking equipment!
- Rubber spatula
- Digital Kitchen Scales
How to make no-bake Malteser cheesecake
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the recipe card
Ok, so just like my super easy Malteser fudge, I don’t think that I need to convince you to give this a try. So what are you waiting for? Here’s everything you have to do…
The biscuit base
Starting with the best part first, the biscuit base! Grab your biscuit of choice; I’m going for chocolate cream or Bourbon biscuits. You’ll want to crush them as fine as you can, either using a food processor, mini chopper or in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin (1).
Next, add them into a large mixing bowl, and combine the biscuit crumbs with melted butter, to form a sort of crumb dough (2). Press this into the bottom of a springform cake pan, making sure that you take it up to the edges, and smooth with the back of a spoon (3 and 4). Pop the base into the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, to firm up.
The Malteser cheesecake filling
While the base is chilling, it’s the perfect time to grab a cuppa and relax, or… you could get the cheesecake filling ready. It doesn’t take that long, so actually, you could do both!
Grab another large mixing bowl and a hand mixer, or use a stand mixer; gently mix together the cream cheese and icing sugar (5). Be careful not to overbeat them as the mixture will slacken.
Add in the cream, and gently whisk. The mixture will begin to look and feel heavier (6). However don’t go too far, as you want to keep it nice and airy, and smooth enough to spread easily. If it becomes too stiff, add a splash of cream to loosen it slightly. Keep aside about ¼ of the filling for later… don’t eat it you’ll need it for decorating!
Stir through a bag of crushed Maltesers, and maybe pop in some whole ones too (7). Then when you’re ready, pour the filling on to the chilled base (8). Pop it back in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
The finishing touches
After a goodnight’s sleep, your cheesecake is perfectly set and ready to decorate. Be careful when removing it from the pan, the cream cheese filling will set firm but is still a little soft.
Take the filling that you kept to one side and pipe swirls around the top, adding some extra Maltesers and of course, a drizzle of chocolate sauce (9-12).
If you can find them and don’t eat them before they make it on to the cheesecake, Maltesers Buttons are perfect for finishing off!
TOP TIP: Place a long knife under hot water. Dry off then run the warm knife carefully around the edge of the cheesecake filling to release it from the side of the springform cake pan
Step by step video
FAQs about no-bake Malteser cheesecake
How many does this cheesecake serve?
An 8-inch round springform pan will serve 10-12 slices
How should I store the cheesecake?
Once you have decorated the cheesecake and the filling is set, you will need to keep the cheesecake in the fridge. Cover it loosely with cling film or plastic wrap.
How long will the cheesecake keep for?
If you can make your cheesecake last that long, it will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, it is possible to freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. When freezing be sure you wrap it well with cling film or plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminium foil to prevent ice crystals forming in the filling. Always allow the cheesecake to thaw before serving.
Can the cheesecake be made in advance?
Yes, definitely! That’s the beauty of a no-bake cheesecake; not only are they easy to make but you can also prep a day ahead, and just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve – perfect for parties or celebrations. In fact I really recommend that you make the day before, so it has plenty of time to set.
My cheesecake is runny, why has it not set?
There are a number of possible reasons that your cheesecake has not set and it’s hard to diagnose over the internet. It could be anything from the ingredients to the weather but the most common reason is that the filling hasn’t been whipped enough. Check out my recipes tips for my no-bake Neapolitan cheesecake to find out how no-bake cheesecakes set and how to prevent runny filling.
Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Of course! I’ve used Bourbon Biscuits, but Digestives are a true cheesecake classic. Pick your favourite biscuit and go for it – Hobnobs or even Oreos will work really well. Just make sure whatever bisucit you use is finely crushed and you can adjust the amount of melted butter slightly if the mixture is a little dry.
Can I use Philadelphia cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, Philadelphia is exactly what I use and recommend. It’s stable, reliably full-fat and gives a smooth, lush texture that sets beautifully without gelatine. If you’re in the UK, the standard 300g tub works perfectly. Just make sure it’s full-fat rather than the light version, and let it come to room temperature before mixing for the creamiest result.
What’s the US equivalent of Maltesers?
If you’re in the United States, Hershey’s Whoppers are the closest equivalent to Maltesers; they’re malted milk balls coated in milk chocolate and work just as well in this recipe. Use the same quantity as you would Maltesers: crush most of them into the filling and keep a handful whole for decorating on top.
Tips for success
- Use room temperature cream cheese – making sure that the cheese is not straight from the fridge, means that you avoid any potential lumps that you can get with cream cheese that is too cold. Also, room temperature or softened cream cheese has a creamier texture when it is beaten.
- Use a springform cake pan – cheesecakes aren’t the easiest to free from cake pans, but springform cake pans have removable sides, so you can release your cheesecake without running the risk of damaging it in the process. Just make sure you grease the base well, so it slides straight off.
- Always use full-fat cream cheese – now is not the time to skimp on the fat content, unless you really want to. But trust me, full-fat cream cheese will give your cheesecake that smooth, lush creaminess that will keep you going back for more.
- Set the cheesecake for at least 6 hours – I know you’ll want to eat it straight away, how beautiful does the filling look? But allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, overnight is better. This will give you perfect slices when you’re ready to serve.
Variations to try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the filling is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few variations that i think are really worth trying:
- White Chocolate Malteser Cheesecake – Melt 100g of good white chocolate and allow it to cool slightly before folding it through the cream cheese mixture. Swap the bourbon biscuit base for Digestives or White Chocolate Digestives, if you can find them, and decorate with white Maltesers or Malteser Buttons. The result is a slightly sweeter, creamier filling. If you’re making this version, reduce the icing sugar slightly as the white chocolate adds its own sweetness.
- Baileys Malteser Cheesecake – Add 3 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream to the cheesecake filling along with the double cream. The slight sourness of the cream cheese balances the sweetness of the Maltesers and Baileys perfectly. The ultimate make-ahead dessert for Christmas or a dinner party where you want something a little more grown up.
How do no-bake cheesecakes set?
This is the number one question I get asked about my no-bake cheesecakes!
Quite often you’ll find that no-bake cheesecake recipes ask you to use gelatine as a setting agent. It’s said to also give them a mousse-like texture. But with this no-bake Malteser cheesecake recipe, there’s no faffing and no gelatine!
I love the simplicity of cream cheese and whipped double cream cheesecake filling and have been using this technique for as long as I can remember!
Before you say “that won’t set”, let me reassure you, it certainly will set! You just need to be mindful of a couple of things…
- Cream Cheese – This must be full-fat, sorry no calorie-cutting here. And you’ll want to go for traditional cream cheese, either a block or something like Philadelphia. Don’t be tempted to overbeat your cream cheese, it will slacken and your filling won’t set properly.
- Double or Heavy Cream – You need to whip this up so it forms soft, thick peaks, but be careful not to overwhip it. Double cream tends to be quite stable when whipped, but it can vary depending on the type of cream available in your country.
- Too runny? – If your cream is not whipping up or seems too runny, try using less cream and more cream cheese.
More cheesecake recipes to try
If you liked this no-bake Malteser cheesecake recipe here are some other recipes that I think you’d enjoy…
No-Bake Malteser Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 250 g Bourbon Cream biscuits or Oreo Cookies
- 60 g Butter Unsalted, Melted
- 500 g Cream Cheese Full-fat
- 75 g Icing Sugar or Powdered Sugar
- 300 ml Double Cream or Heavy Cream
- 200 g Maltesers or Whoppers
- Chocolate Sauce
VIDEO
Instructions
- Make the biscuit base – Add the biscuits into a food processor, and blitz until they form a crumb, then add to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre of the biscuit crumbs, and pour in the melted butter.250 g Bourbon Cream biscuits, 60 g Butter
- Mix together until well combined, and then pour into an 8 inch springform tin. Press down onto the biscuit base and smooth out to the edges. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Make the cheesecake filling – Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the icing sugar, cream cheese on low until just combined. Alternatively, you can make the cheesecake filling, in a large mixing bowl, by hand or with an electric hand whisk. Save 100g of the cheesecake filling for piping on top later. Remeber – do not overbeat the mixture as the cream cheese will slacken.75 g Icing Sugar, 500 g Cream Cheese
- Add the double cream and beat the mixture on low to medium until it forms soft, thick peaks.300 ml Double Cream
- Fold in the crushed Maltesers into the remaining filling and make sure you keep some aside to decorate the top of the cheesecake.200 g Maltesers
- Assemble the cheesecake – Pour the mixture over the top of the chilled biscuit base, then smooth out to the edges and level. Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for another 6 hour or overnight.
- Decorate the cheesecake – When ready to serve, pipe the saved filling on top of the cheesecake, and decorate with the leftover Maltesers, before drizzling with chocolate sauce.Chocolate Sauce
Notes
- Your cheesecake will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. When freezing make sure you wrap it well with cling film or plastic wrap, and then a layer of aluminium foil to prevent ice crystals forming in the filling. Remember to allow the cheesecake to thaw before serving.
- Use a springform cake pan so you can release your cheesecake without running the risk of damaging it in the process.
- Full-fat cream cheese is a must – a traditional cream cheese, either a block or something like Philadelphia. Don’t be tempted to overbeat your cream cheese, it will slacken and your filling won’t set properly.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid any potential lumps that you might get if it is too cold.
- Whip double or heavy cream so it forms soft, thick peaks, but be careful not to overwhip it. Double cream tends to be quite stable when whipped, but it can vary depending on the type of cream available in your country.
- Too runny? – If your cream is not whipping up or seems too runny, try using less cream and more cream cheese. And remember don’t overbeat your cream cheese!
Nutrition
DISCLAIMER
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Made this last week 17/11/2020 I’m not very good in the kitchen and I’ve never made a cheesecake before but my mental health has been hitting me really hard just lately so i decided not to let it get the better of me and I’ve started doing some of the recipes on Pinterest and this was one of them and it turned out absolutely gorgeous me my son and his girlfriend loved it and it’s helped me as I found it very therapeutic just been able to make something thank you for posting your recipes.
Hi Bev
Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a comment, I’m absolutely delighted that you found the recipe and tried it out; and that you and your family loved it too. Life is very strange right now, and I’ve so happy to hear that recipes are helping you. I find baking is my ‘good place’ too, and where I turn when I need somewhere to ‘escape’ to. I hope that you continue trying out new recipes and finding new ideas as well. If you have any questions at all, please do drop me a line.
All the best
Lou
I’ve never made a cheesecake before, and this worked & was really yummy. I did whip the cream separately until it formed firm peaks before mixing with the cream cheese to make sure I didn’t over whip the cream cheese.
Awww Mel, that’s fantastic! I’m so pleased that you made it and it was really yummy! Great idea to whip the cream separately to make sure the cream cheese didn’t slacken. You can use the same base recipe to make lots of different cheesecake flavour as well. Enjoy!
i never comment on these kind of things, but hands down this is the best cheesecake i have ever made!
Aww thank you Caroline, that’s fantastic to hear! It’s one of my favourites and I’m so glad you enjoyed it too!
Made this today as my daughter and her family came round and they love desserts….I used Oreo cookies for base, it was amazing and so tasty, I used caramel sauce as had it in, would highly recommend this recipe, ?
That sounds amazing Pauline, so glad that you and your family enjoyed it!
Deliciously yummy!! Thanks for the recipe.
Yay! I’m so glad that you liked it; it’s one of my absolute favourites and I love how simple it is.
I made this recepie and left my cheese cake in the fridge over night and it hasn’t set ??
Hi Bethanie
That’s a shame. I’ve never had a problem with this no-bake technique or recipe setting before and have been making it for as long as I can remember. As mentioned in the post, there are a few things to consider. Using room-temperature full-fat cream cheese and do not over-whip this as it will become slack and runny. You need to whip the cream into thick peaks too. Either of these can cause your cheesecake filling to be too runny and not set properly. Also making sure you are using double or heavy cream. If you find your cream is not really thickening properly, you can switch out some of the cream for more cream cheese. Your cream should not be runny at all; if it is, it will not set. More than happy to help if you want to drop me a line!
Thanks
Lou
Just wondering why there is no gelatine in the cheese cake mixture? Does it still set firmly?
Hi Sharron
The recipe for this no-bake cheesecake is a mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream which sets firmly in the fridge without any gelatine being added. Using full-fat cream cheese and heavy or double cream that is whipped, makes this stable once set. You can always reduce the amount of whipped cream and increase the cream cheese proportionally if you found your cheesecake mixture to a little softer. I’m not a fan of the texture that the gelatine gives, hence why I don’t use it in this recipe. I prefer the creamy texture of the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. Hope that helps.
Thanks
Lou
Maltesers are probably my most favourite chocolate and bourbons my favourite biscuits – only don’t hold me to that as I’m prone to changing my mind! Anyway, I know I would absolutely love this cheesecake. Plus it looks totally gorgeous too. You are amazing.
Thank you Choclette! I’m the same, and change my mind on my favourite biscuit like the wind. I have a favourite dunker, a favourite chocolate one, a favourite cookie etc. I love Bourbons too, and thought that they would be a perfect chocolate biscuit base for the cheesecake; they worked really well!
I can just imagine how absolutely scrummy this cheesecake is. Love Maltesers and cheesecake so a match made in foodie heaven!
Thank you Camilla! It was certainly scrummy, and I’m just sad that I don’t have any left now. I’m going to have to re-make the Biscoff one I did for Christmas again soon. It was so good!
Oh my!!!!! I am always up for a no bake cheesecake and this one looks incredible! I am a huge fan of the Bourbon biscuit base too. This recipe is just genius! Thank you so much for sharing with #CookBlogShare
Thanks Jenny! It certainly went down well and didn’t last long. I love the Bourbon biscuit base; I’ll have to try a different flavour with a custard cream base instead.
Oooh yum! I love Maltesers! I’m drooling just thinking about this cheesecake! Thanks for including my limoncello cheesecake recipe! 🙂
Thank you Christina! I love your limoncello cheesecake, it sounds perfect for a summer’s evening. It’s definitely on my list to try out.
Malteser Cheesecake has to be in my top 3 cheesecakes of all time. Looks incredible!
Thank you Amy! It has to be one of my favourites too, although I do like a fruity one. I need to make the Biscoff one again as that was divine.