Thank you for stopping by today—this one’s a treat I cannot wait for you to try! This Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake is everything: fun, fruity, creamy, and bursting with sweet nostalgia. If you grew up loving those frosted pink-and-white circus animal cookies (who didn’t?!), this no-bake cheesecake is about to become your new obsession.
Bright, playful, and seriously delicious, this dessert is a showstopper for birthdays, potlucks, or just a “because it’s Tuesday” kind of celebration. The crunchy cookie crust, strawberry-flavored cheesecake filling, and candy-like cookie topping make this both a kid-friendly dream and an adult guilty pleasure.
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Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 25 minutes (+ chill time)
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
Fun, fruity, and full of nostalgic flavor, this no-bake Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake combines creamy strawberry filling with a crunchy frosted animal cookie crust, then tops it all off with sprinkles and whipped cream. A showstopper for any celebration!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups crushed frosted animal cookies
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups strawberry whipped topping (or Cool Whip + 2 tbsp strawberry jam)
- Pink or red food coloring (optional)
- ½ cup crushed frosted animal cookies (for folding in)
- Extra whipped topping or whipped cream, for topping
- Whole or crushed frosted animal cookies, for topping
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Crush animal cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter and salt. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and chill.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy.
- Fold in strawberry whipped topping (or Cool Whip + jam). Add food coloring if desired.
- Stir in ½ cup crushed cookies.
- Spread filling over crust and smooth the top. Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream, whole/crushed cookies, and sprinkles before serving.
- Remove from pan, slice, and serve chilled.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for best texture. Let chill fully for a firm set. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy within 5 days or freeze slices for later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, strawberry dessert, animal cookies, fun dessert, kids party
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What Is Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake?
Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake is a no-bake dessert that combines crushed frosted animal cookies with a luscious strawberry cheesecake filling, all topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and even more cookies. It’s whimsical, colorful, and packed with a surprising depth of flavor thanks to the strawberry and vanilla combo. And the best part? No oven required!
Reasons to Love This Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake
No-bake – Perfect for hot days or when you want to skip the oven.
Visually fun – Bright colors, sprinkles, and cookies galore!
Flavorful and fruity – Strawberry + vanilla = dreamy.
Kid-approved & adult-approved – A nostalgic dessert for every age.
Prep-ahead friendly – Make it the day before for easy serving.
What Does This Cheesecake Taste Like?
It’s like a strawberry milkshake met a cheesecake at a cookie party. The crust is sweet and buttery from the crushed frosted animal cookies, the filling is smooth and rich with cream cheese and strawberry, and the topping? Crunchy, creamy, and colorful. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet without being overwhelming.
Benefits of This Recipe
No oven – Just chill and serve!
Customizable – You can swap flavors or decorations easily.
Great for parties – It’s easy to slice and serve.
Make ahead – Perfect for prepping a day or two in advance.
Freezer-friendly – Keeps well if you want to store leftovers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical treat:
crust:
2 ½ cups crushed frosted animal cookies (about 1 standard package)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt
filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups strawberry whipped topping (or regular Cool Whip + 2 tbsp strawberry jam)
Pink or red food coloring (optional)
½ cup crushed frosted animal cookies (for folding in)
topping:
Extra whipped topping or whipped cream
Whole or crushed frosted animal cookies
Rainbow sprinkles (because, obviously!)
Tools You’ll Need
Food processor or blender (for crushing cookies)
9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Offset spatula (optional, for smoothing the top)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Don’t have frosted animal cookies? Use vanilla sandwich cookies + rainbow sprinkles.
Want extra berry flavor? Add a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the filling.
Crust alternative: Graham crackers or Golden Oreos will work, too.
Want it tangier? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest to the filling.
Chocolate twist: Add white chocolate chips or drizzle white chocolate over the top.
How to Make Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake
Step 1: Make the crust
Crush the animal cookies in a food processor or zip-top bag until fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge while you prep the filling.
Make the cheesecake filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until fluffy. Fold in the strawberry whipped topping (or Cool Whip + jam mixture). Add a few drops of pink food coloring if you want a stronger pink hue.
Fold in cookie pieces
Gently stir in the ½ cup of crushed frosted animal cookies for a bit of crunch and whimsy.
Assemble and chill
Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set.
Decorate
Top with whipped cream, more cookies, and a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles. Let your inner child take the reins!
Serve
Remove from the springform pan, slice with a clean knife, and serve chilled.
What to Serve With This Cheesecake
Honestly, this one steals the show all by itself! But if you’re creating a dessert spread, consider pairing it with:
Strawberry lemonade – to keep the fruity vibes going.
Mini vanilla cupcakes – for added color and fun.
Fresh fruit platter – a light contrast to the richness.
Tips for Making the Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake
Room-temp cream cheese is key—don’t skip this step!
Chill time matters – Give it at least 6 hours to set fully.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Clean your knife between slices for picture-perfect servings.
Decorate just before serving to keep toppings crisp and colorful.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Make-ahead: You can make the entire cheesecake 1–2 days in advance and decorate it the day of.
FAQs – Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake
Can I use regular animal crackers instead of frosted ones?
Yes, but you’ll want to add 2–3 tablespoons of sugar to the crust since they’re less sweet.
Can I use fresh strawberries in the filling?
You can, but make sure to puree and strain them to avoid too much water. Freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry jam will give better texture and flavor.
Do I need to use a springform pan?
It’s highly recommended for easy removal and clean slices, but you can use a deep pie dish or 9×9 square pan in a pinch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and plant-based butter.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake is not just a dessert—it’s a celebration. It’s playful, nostalgic, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re surprising your kids, hosting a baby shower, or just craving something sweet and colorful, this no-bake beauty checks all the boxes.
If you’re a fan of fun-flavored cheesecakes, don’t miss these other treats:
No-Bake Cotton Candy Cheesecake
Mini Funfetti Cheesecake Bites
Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
Tried It? Show Me!
If you make this cheesecake, I want to see your masterpiece! Leave a review or tag your dessert on Pinterest and Instagram with #mmmrecipes—I’d love to cheer you on and share your beautiful creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice – based on 10 slices)
Calories: 410
Fat: 26g
Carbs: 38g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: <1g
Sodium: 240mg