Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

This Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake is rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, with a crisp biscuit base and a creamy filling that sets perfectly in the fridge. It is an excellent choice when you want a show-stopping dessert without switching on the oven. The flavor is indulgent but balanced, the texture is soft yet sliceable, and the preparation is straightforward. From start to finish, this cheesecake delivers comfort and confidence with minimal effort.

What Is Mary Berry’s No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake?

Mary Berry’s no-bake chocolate cheesecake is a chilled dessert made by combining cream cheese, melted chocolate, and whipped cream over a biscuit base. Inspired by Mary Berry’s practical baking style, it relies on correct mixing and proper chilling rather than baking to achieve a firm, creamy finish.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Rhubarb Cheesecake​
• Mary Berry Mango Cheesecake
• Mary Berry Crumble Cheesecake
• Mary Berry Malteser Cheesecake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No oven required – Ideal for busy days and warm weather.
• Deep chocolate flavor – Rich without being heavy.
• Make-ahead friendly – Sets beautifully overnight.
• Smooth, creamy texture – Slices cleanly when chilled.
• Simple ingredients – Easy to source and easy to use.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Digestive biscuits – 200 g, finely crushed
• Butter – 100 g, melted
• Full-fat cream cheese – 600 g
• Dark chocolate – 200 g, melted and cooled slightly
• Icing sugar – 75 g, sifted
• Double cream – 300 ml
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Springform tin (20–23 cm) – Allows easy release after setting.
• Mixing bowls – Keep steps organized.
• Electric whisk – Helps achieve a light, stable filling.
• Spatula – Useful for folding gently.
• Heatproof bowl – For melting chocolate safely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Prepare the base – Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press firmly into the tin.
• Chill the base – Refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
• Melt the chocolate – Heat gently and allow it to cool slightly.
• Soften the cream cheese – Beat until smooth and lump-free.
• Sweeten and flavor – Add icing sugar and vanilla, mixing gently.
• Add chocolate – Stir in the melted chocolate until evenly combined.
• Whip the cream – Beat to soft peaks in a separate bowl.
• Fold carefully – Gently combine whipped cream with the chocolate mixture.
• Set and chill – Spoon over the base, smooth the top, and chill until firm.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Chocolate seized – Letting it cool slightly before mixing solved this.
• Dense texture – Folding gently kept the filling light.
• Soft base – Extra chilling time improved slicing.
• Over-sweetness – Reducing sugar balanced the chocolate.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Reduced sugar option – Slightly less icing sugar still works well.
• Darker chocolate choice – Higher cocoa content adds richness with less sweetness.
• Thinner biscuit base – Cuts down on butter.
• Smaller slices served – Keeps indulgence balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Graham crackers instead of digestives – Suitable base swap.
• Milk chocolate option – Sweeter, softer chocolate flavor.
• Mascarpone addition – Adds extra richness if preferred.
• Gluten-free biscuits – Works well for dietary needs.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Fresh berries – Add contrast and freshness.
• Light whipped cream – Softens the richness.
• Chocolate shavings – Enhances presentation.
• Raspberry coulis – Sharpens the chocolate flavor.
• Coffee or espresso – Complements the dessert perfectly.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Use full-fat cream cheese – Ensures a firm set.
• Cool melted chocolate slightly – Prevents lumps.
• Whip cream to soft peaks only – Avoids grainy texture.
• Fold slowly – Keeps the filling airy.
• Press the base firmly – Prevents crumbling.
• Chill long enough – At least 6 hours for best results.
• Warm knife before slicing – Produces clean edges.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

• Orange zest addition – Adds a subtle citrus note.
• Chocolate biscuit base – Deepens cocoa flavor.
• Layered jar servings – Ideal for individual portions.
• Nut topping – Adds crunch and contrast.
• White chocolate drizzle – Softens the dark chocolate edge.

Storing Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake the Right Way

• Chill fully before covering – Maintains structure.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
• Avoid strong fridge odors – Cheesecake absorbs smells easily.
• Freeze slices individually – Thaw slowly in the fridge.

How to Reheat Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake (If Needed)

This cheesecake is best served chilled. Let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving rather than reheating, as heat affects the set.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: High
• Protein: Moderate from dairy
• Fat: High due to cream and chocolate
• Carbohydrates: From biscuits and sugar
• Calcium: Provided by cream cheese

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FAQs

Why is my no-bake chocolate cheesecake not setting properly?

A no-bake chocolate cheesecake usually stays soft if the cream is under-whipped or low-fat cream cheese is used. Whip the double cream to soft peaks, use full-fat cream cheese, and chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours so it firms up properly.

Should melted chocolate be hot or cooled before mixing?

The chocolate should be melted and then allowed to cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese. Hot chocolate can cause the mixture to seize or turn grainy, affecting the final texture.

How long should no-bake chocolate cheesecake chill before slicing?

The cheesecake needs a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge, but chilling overnight gives the cleanest slices and best structure. Cutting it too early can cause the filling to collapse.

Can I freeze no-bake chocolate cheesecake to make it set faster?

Freezing is not recommended to speed up setting. Slow chilling in the fridge allows the cheesecake to firm evenly and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake is a dependable dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence. With its smooth texture, rich chocolate flavor, and stress-free method, it is a recipe you can rely on for both everyday treats and special occasions—no oven required.