Once you know the basic ratio of biscuits, butter, cream cheese and cream, a no-bake cheesecake becomes one of the easiest make-ahead desserts.

A no-bake cheesecake recipe is often the safer choice when you want a dessert that looks impressive without worrying about cracked tops, water baths or overbaking.

The trade-off is time: a fridge cheesecake needs several hours to set properly, which makes it ideal for preparing ahead of a family gathering, birthday or Sunday lunch.

In South Africa, many home cooks often swap digestive biscuits for coconut biscuits, while others prefer a condensed milk version that has become a classic in many households.

Serves: 10 to 12