Are you someone who doesn’t bake but would love to impress this holiday season? I’ve got you covered! In this post, learn how to jazz up a store-bought, no-bake cheesecake in FOUR different ways that will leave your guests begging for seconds!

First, buy a no-bake cheesecake. During the fall holidays, I love the Pumpkin Cheesecake or the New York Cheesecake from Trader Joes. Prepare the dessert according to the package directions, which usually just means defrosting it in the fridge overnight. Et voila, your base layer is ready!

Hack #1: Sour Cream Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups sour cream, 1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread this topping evenly over the top of the defrosted cheesecake.

You can serve the cheesecake just like that if you wish, or keep going to embellish it even further with one of three delicious premade toppings. (Or do what I did: slice the cheesecake into thirds and serve all three!)

Hack #2: Candied pecans

Candied pecans are usually available wherever you can buy nuts. You only need 1-2 cups to top most cheesecakes. Lay them out on the top however you wish.

Hack #3: Speculoos cookies

Have you ever had the combo of Speculoos cookies and cheesecake? It’s a match made in heaven! Simply purchase a single pack of these cookies – I prefer the Biscoff brand – place them in a sealable bag, and crush them into crumbles with a rolling pin until they look like the photo below. Sprinkle the crumbs all over the top of your cheesecake.

Hack #4: Espresso mascarpone whipped cream

Whip up a batch of my favorite Mascarpone Whipped Cream. But if you love coffee and want to take your cheesecake to the next level, use BelGioiso’s Espresso Mascarpone. As a finishing touch, sprinkle the top with espresso powder. This is especially good for anyone who loves pumpkin spice lattes!