No-Bake Peach Cheesecake (Polish Sernik na Zimno)

Learn how to make a refreshing no-bake peach cheesecake or Polish sernik na zimno, a traditional Polish dessert perfect for hot summer days. Easy, delicious, and bursting with fresh peach flavor!

No Bake Peach Cheesecake- Polish Sernik na Zimno

Growing up in Poland, summers were a time of abundance—especially when it came to fresh fruit and homemade desserts. One of my favorite treats to make every summer was the Polish cheesecake, or as we call it, sernik na zimono. This cold cheesecake was a staple in our home, a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy the warm weather. It’s a dessert that brings back memories of going to the market for amazingly juicy peaches, lazy afternoons, and family gatherings, where the kitchen would fill with the sweet aroma of peaches.

In Poland, sernk na zimono is a traditional Polish dessert that is simple and incredibly satisfying. Unlike traditional cheesecake, which requires baking, this version is no-bake—perfect for when turning on the oven is the last thing you want to do. The main ingredient in this sweet dessert is typically homemade farmers’ cheese (which we make every couple of days at my home). Or we also used serek homogenizowany- known as skyr (Icelandic – rich yogurt/ cheese that you can find at health food stores). This type of cheese has a smooth, creamy texture, almost like yogurt, which gives the cheesecake its signature consistency.

I used Framers cheese, mascarpone and ricotta cheese for this recipe. The cheese mixture comes together quickly and easily, providing a rich base that pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit and pech compote topping.

Why to Make it?

1. Beat the Heat: On hot summer days, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. This no-bake cheesecake is the perfect solution, allowing you to create a delicious dessert without raising the temperature in your kitchen.
2. Seasonal Freshness: Summer is peach season, and there’s no better way to showcase these juicy, sun-ripened fruits than in a refreshing dessert. The combination of fresh peaches, peach compote, and peach jello brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness, making each bite a summer celebration.
3. Health-Conscious Indulgence: Using monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar allows you to enjoy a sweet treat with less guilt. This makes it an excellent option for those mindful of their sugar intake but still want to indulge in a creamy, delicious dessert.
4. Perfect for Entertaining: This cheesecake is a show-stopper at any gathering. Its beautiful layers of creamy filling, fresh peaches, and peach jello make it look as beautiful as it is tasty. Plus, since it’s served cold, it’s incredibly refreshing and sure to be a hit at any summer party.

Ingredients for No-Bake Peach Cheesecake

1. Ricotta: A soft, creamy cheese with a slightly grainy texture. Ricotta has a mild flavor and adds a light, airy quality to desserts. It’s made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, giving it a rich but manageable taste.
2. Farmer’s Cheese: A traditional, simple cheese that is slightly tangy and crumbly. In Poland, it’s often homemade and used in various dishes. Farmer’s cheese is less creamy than ricotta but provides a rustic, authentic flavor to desserts like sernik na zimno.
3. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese that is smooth, rich, and sweet. Its high-fat content gives it a luxurious texture that enhances the creaminess of cheesecakes and other desserts.
4. Vanilla: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to dessert flavors. Whether in extract form or as vanilla beans, it brings a fragrant, sweet aroma and enhances the other flavors in the dish.
5. Gelatin: A key ingredient in no-bake cheesecakes, gelatin helps set the mixture, giving it the firm but delicate texture that is characteristic of sernik na zimno. It’s often dissolved in hot water before being incorporated into the mixture.
6. Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from monk fruit. It’s much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed. It’s an excellent option for reducing sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness. So if you are using sugar just add to your liking.
7. Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and balance the flavors.
8. Fresh Peaches: Juicy and sweet, fresh peaches highlight this summer dessert. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them an ideal topping, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
9. Peach Compote is a thick, fruity sauce made by cooking down peaches with sugar. It adds concentrated peach flavor and a bit of moisture to the dessert, creating a luscious contrast with the creamy cheesecake filling.
10. Peach Jello: A flavored gelatin dessert that not only helps to set the cheesecake but also infuses it with a sweet, fruity peach flavor. The peach jello adds a lovely color and a hint of sweetness that ties the whole dessert together.

How to Make this Delicious and Simple Bake Summer Dessert

Making this great summer cake involves just a few simple steps, and the result is a light and decadent dessert. Here’s how I do it:

1. Cheesecake Filling: Start by mixing the cheese with sugar or a sweetener of your choice, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. The consistency should be creamy, resembling yogurt. Dissolve the gelatin in cold water and let it swell, then add hot water and stir it. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then add it to the blender and blend it together.
2. Layering: Pour the mixture into a pan lined with parchment paper (if you do not have one, just pour it into the form like I did), creating the base of the cheesecake. Put it in the fridge to settle for 4 hours.
3. Gelatin or Jello: Dissolve peach jello (I choose one that has no sugar—peach compote is sweet enough, or you can also just use gelatin if you want to have a clear jello top) in, allowing it to cool to room temperature before pouring it on the cheese mixture.
4. Layering part two:  Arrange fresh peaches or any other fresh fruit of your choice, creating a bursting flavor and color. I also added a peach compote I made in the middle of the no-baked cheesecake. It is like having a fruit sauce inside instead of on the top. When you slice the cheesecake, the sauce will ooze from the top with additional peach flavor. Pour your peach jello and put it in the fridge for another 3 hours, or overnight if you have the patience. The wait is worth it—what emerges is a cold cheesecake that’s perfect for any hot summer day.
5. Whipped cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, add a layer of whipped cream on top of the fruit. It gives the cake a light, airy finish that complements the rich cheesecake filling. I decorated it with basil flowers, which add a delicious accent and complement the cheesecake. My friend gifted me some marigold flowers, which I added to the cake. Marigold has a zesty and citrusy flavor that reminds me of orange soda and bright tangerine. Yum!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect No-Bake Peach Cheesecake (Sernik na Zimno)

1. Choose Ripe Peaches:
   • Use peaches that are fully ripe for the best flavor and texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If your peaches are too firm, you can let them sit at room temperature for a day or two to ripen.
2. Dissolve Gelatin Properly:
   • Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in hot water to avoid lumps in your cheesecake. Let it cool to room temperature before mixing it into the cheese filling to prevent curdling.
3. Prevent Cracks in the Jello:
   • When pouring the jello over the fresh peaches, do so slowly and carefully. This helps prevent cracks or uneven layers from forming as the jello sets.
4. Layering with Compote:
   • If you’re using peach compote, ensure it’s evenly spread between the cheese layers. This adds a burst of peach flavor and helps create distinct, beautiful layers in the cheesecake.
5. Customize the Sweetness:
   • Monk fruit sweetener is very potent, so start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste. You can substitute it with another sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or traditional sugar if preferred.
6. Experiment with Flavors:
   • While peach is a classic summer flavor, feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. You can also swap peach jello with another flavor that complements your chosen fruit or just skip the step.
7. Ensure Even Setting:
   • After pouring the final layer of jello, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure an even layer. This will help the jello set smoothly.
8. Cutting the Cheesecake:
   • Dip your knife in warm water before cutting the cheesecake for clean slices. Wipe the blade clean between cuts to maintain the neat appearance of each slice.
9. Add a Crunchy Base:
   • If you prefer a bit of crunch, add a biscuit or graham cracker crust or make the crust from nuts as a base. Simply mix crushed biscuits with melted butter, press it into the bottom of the springform pan, and chill before adding the cheese mixture. Or pulse nuts, dates and coconut flakes in the food processor.
10. Store Properly:
    • If you have leftovers, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. The cheesecake will stay delicious for up to 4 days.

The taste of this delicious dessert stays with you long after the last bite. The combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh fruit, and a hint of lemon is refreshing and satisfying. Each bite reminds you of the abundance of farmer’s markets and the simple pleasures of summer.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a light afternoon snack or serving it as a show-stopping dessert at a summer gathering, sernik na zimno is a recipe that captures the essence of Polish summers.

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