Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

This Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is light, creamy, and refreshingly citrusy, with a crisp biscuit base and a smooth lemon filling that sets beautifully in the fridge. It is ideal for warm days, make-ahead entertaining, or any time you want a dessert without turning on the oven. The flavor is clean and bright, the texture is soft yet sliceable, and the total hands-on time is short—perfect for stress-free baking with classic British charm.

What Is Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake?

Mary Berry’s no-bake lemon cheesecake is a chilled dessert made by setting a whipped cream-cheese filling over a buttery biscuit base. Inspired by Mary Berry’s practical approach, it relies on careful mixing and proper chilling rather than baking to achieve a firm, creamy finish.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Baked Vanilla Cheesecake
• Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake
• Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No oven required – Ideal for busy days or hot weather.
• Fresh lemon flavor – Bright, clean taste without heaviness.
• Make-ahead friendly – Sets well overnight.
• Simple ingredients – Easy to find and easy to use.
• Reliable texture – Slices neatly when chilled properly.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

• Digestive biscuits – 200 g, finely crushed
• Butter – 100 g, melted
• Full-fat cream cheese – 600 g
• Icing sugar – 100 g, sifted
• Double cream – 300 ml
• Lemon zest – from 2 lemons
• Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Springform tin (20–23 cm) – Helps with clean release.
• Mixing bowls – Keeps steps organized.
• Electric whisk – Achieves a stable, airy filling.
• Spatula – For folding and smoothing.
• Fine grater – For fragrant lemon zest.

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

• Prepare the base – Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press firmly into the tin.
• Chill the base – Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
• Soften the cheese – Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Sweeten gently – Add icing sugar and mix until combined.
• Add lemon – Stir in zest and juice for fresh flavor.
• Whip the cream – Whisk to soft peaks in a separate bowl.
• Fold carefully – Combine whipped cream with the cheese mixture.
• Set and chill – Spoon over the base, smooth the top, and chill until firm.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Loose filling – Whipping the cream to soft peaks improved structure.
• Overmixing – Gentle folding kept the texture light.
• Warm base – Proper chilling stopped sliding layers.
• Too much juice – Measuring carefully prevented a runny set.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

• Reduced sugar option – Slightly less icing sugar still works.
• Half-fat cream cheese – Can be used, though the set will be softer.
• Thinner base layer – Lowers butter content.
• Fresh fruit topping – Adds sweetness without extra fat.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

• Graham crackers instead of digestives – Works well for the base.
• Lime zest and juice – Creates a sharper citrus profile.
• Mascarpone swap – Adds richness if preferred.
• Gluten-free biscuits – Suitable for dietary needs.

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

• Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add color and contrast.
• Lemon curd drizzle – Deepens citrus flavor.
• Lightly whipped cream – Softens the sharpness.
• Mint leaves – Adds a clean finish.
• Hot tea or coffee – Balances the chilled dessert.

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

• Use full-fat cream cheese – Helps the cheesecake set properly.
• Chill the bowl before whipping – Improves cream stability.
• Fold, don’t beat – Keeps air in the mixture.
• Level the base firmly – Prevents cracking when slicing.
• Allow enough chilling time – At least 6 hours for best results.
• Warm the knife before cutting – Creates clean slices.
• Store covered – Protects the surface from drying.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

• Blueberry topping – Adds sweetness and color.
• Ginger biscuit base – Brings gentle warmth.
• Layered glass jars – Perfect for individual servings.
• White chocolate swirl – Softens the lemon edge.
• Poppy seed sprinkle – Adds texture and visual appeal.

Storing Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake the Right Way

• Chill fully before covering – Maintains shape.
• 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 Lemon Cheesecake (If Needed)

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: Moderate to high
• Protein: Moderate from dairy
• Fat: High due to cream and butter
• Carbohydrates: From biscuits and sugar
• Vitamin C: Contributed by fresh lemon

Print

FAQs

Why is my no-bake lemon cheesecake not setting?

A no-bake lemon cheesecake usually stays soft if the cream was not whipped enough or if low-fat cream cheese was used. Whip the cream to soft peaks, use full-fat cream cheese, and chill the cheesecake for at least 6 hours to achieve a firm set.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended because it provides better flavor and helps the filling thicken naturally. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat and may affect how well the cheesecake sets.

How long should a no-bake lemon cheesecake chill before serving?

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

Should I freeze a no-bake lemon cheesecake to make it set faster?

Freezing is not ideal for speeding up the setting process. Slow chilling in the fridge allows the filling to firm evenly and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a dependable, refreshing dessert that fits both casual meals and special occasions. With its bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and simple method, it is a recipe you can rely on again and again—no oven required.