Vanillekipferl – those buttery, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla crescents dusted with powdered sugar – are the quintessential Austrian Christmas cookie, a nostalgic favorite that fills the home with warmth and the sweet scent of vanilla.
In my house, Christmas starts early – as soon as the decorations go up in November, transforming every nook into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights and garlands. Christmas isn't just a day; it's a whole season of magic and joy.
Imagine what it would be like..
..bringing a little extra sparkle to your holiday table this year with a no-bake cheesecake that celebrates the beloved flavors of Vanillekipferl, but with a delightfully creamy twist?
This cheesecake isn't just any dessert; it’s a true taste of Christmas, with a cream cheese filling that’s kissed with cinnamon and a hint of orange zest for that extra cozy holiday warmth.
And as if that wasn’t enough to make you want to dive in immediately, it’s finished off with a swirl of homemade cinnamon-flavored whipped cream, adding a festive touch to every bite. To top it all off, we sprinkle it with delicate white chocolate snowflakes, creating a picture-perfect dessert that’s both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds.
Whether you're entertaining guests, having a quiet holiday night in, or simply embracing the Christmas spirit early like I do, this no-bake cheesecake will add a touch of festive cheer to your celebrations.
So, slip into your favorite Christmas sweater, turn up the holiday tunes, and let’s whip up some Christmas magic together!
🥘 Ingredients
Crust
- Vanilla Crescents - homemade are best!
- Butter
Cream
- Orange zest
- Butter, room temperature
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese
- Cinnamon - We recommend using Ceylon cinnamon, which contains very little Coumarin, making it a healthier choice.
Garnish
- Cinnamon-flavored whipped cream
- White chocolate snowflakes
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vanilla crescent crust. Chop the vanilla crescents with an electric chopper, or place them in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Combine the butter and crumbs to form a sandy base.
Step 2: Press the crumb mixture into a springform pan, using a spoon or cup to press it down firmly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cream.
Step 3: Make the Christmas cream. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the caster sugar, then stir in the cream cheese, cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined.
Step 4: Spread the Christmas cream evenly over the chilled vanilla crescent crust. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 5: Just before serving, open the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
Step 6: Whip the cream, cinnamon, and icing sugar together in a tall container until stiff. Using a piping bag with a star nozzle, decorate the cheesecake with small dots of whipped cream.
Step 7: Place white chocolate snowflakes on top of each dot of whipped cream, slice the cheesecake, and enjoy!
🍽 Equipment
- Springform pan 9-inch (23 cm)
- Electric chopper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or Stand mixer
- Piping bag with star tip
🇦🇹 Austrian Vanillekipferl Tradition
In Austria, Vanillekipferl are more than just cookies; they’re a cherished holiday tradition that has been passed down through generations. These crescent-shaped, buttery treats made with ground nuts and coated in powdered sugar symbolize the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas in Austrian homes.
Often prepared together as a family, Vanillekipferl capture the spirit of the season, filling kitchens with the comforting aroma of vanilla and evoking memories of festive celebrations, cozy winter nights, and the joy of sharing sweet moments with loved ones.
More Cheesecake Recipes for You to Try
- No-bake Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
- No-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- No-bake White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake {Halloween}
- No-bake Fig Cheesecake in a Jar
- No-bake Eggnog Cheesecake
- No-bake Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
- No-bake Patriotic Cheesecake
- No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake
- No-bake Oreo Cheesecake
- No-bake Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping
- No-bake Biscoff Cheesecake
- No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake {Valentine's Day}
- No-bake Lime Cheesecake in a Jar
- Semolina Cheesecake
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📖 Recipe
Vanillekipferl Cheesecake
Equipment
- Springform pan 9-inch (23 cm)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Piping bag with star tip
Ingredients
Crust
- 15-20 Vanilla Crescents
- 2 tablespoon Butter
Cream filling
- 2 ⅛ sticks Butter room temperature
- 2 ¾ cup Powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cup Cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- Orange zest from 1 orange
Garnish
- Cinnamon-flavored whipped cream
- 12 White chocolate snowflakes
Instructions
- Chop 15-20 Vanilla Crescents using an electric chopper or place them in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.15-20 Vanilla Crescents
- Melt 2 tablespoon Butter and combine with the crumbs to create a sandy mixture.2 tablespoon Butter
- Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan using a spoon or cup. Refrigerate while you prepare the cream.
- Beat 2 ⅛ sticks Butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add 2 ¾ cup Powdered sugar, followed by1 ½ cup Cream cheese, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, and Orange zest.2 ⅛ sticks Butter, 2 ¾ cup Powdered sugar, 1 ½ cup Cream cheese, ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, Orange zest
- Spread the cream mixture over the chilled vanilla crescent base and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Whip the cream, cinnamon, and icing sugar together until stiff, then pipe small dots of Cinnamon-flavored whipped cream onto the cheesecake using a piping bag with a star nozzle.Cinnamon-flavored whipped cream
- Top each dot with one of the 12 White chocolate snowflakes, slice, and serve.12 White chocolate snowflakes
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Nisha says
Love no bake desserts and this vanilla crescents cheesecake, turned out very delicious .I can't wait to make it one more time for my guests .