Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

This Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is creamy, light, and beautifully fresh, with a buttery biscuit base and a smooth strawberry-infused filling. It is an ideal dessert for warm days, celebrations, or stress-free entertaining when you want something impressive without using the oven. The strawberries add natural sweetness and color, while the chilled setting method keeps the texture soft yet perfectly sliceable. From start to finish, this cheesecake is simple, reliable, and full of classic British charm.

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

Mary Berry’s no-bake strawberry cheesecake is a chilled dessert made by setting a cream cheese and whipped cream mixture over a biscuit base, finished with fresh strawberries. Inspired by Mary Berry’s practical and calm baking style, the recipe focuses on balance, correct texture, and clean flavor without unnecessary steps.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

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

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• No oven needed – Perfect for warm weather or busy days.
• Fresh strawberry flavor – Light, natural sweetness throughout.
• Make-ahead friendly – Sets well overnight.
• Smooth, creamy texture – Easy to slice when chilled properly.
• Simple ingredients – Readily available and easy to work with.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry’s No-Bake Strawberry 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
• Fresh strawberries – 250 g, finely chopped or lightly crushed
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Springform tin (20–23 cm) – Makes unmoulding easy.
• Mixing bowls – Keeps each step organized.
• Electric whisk – Helps achieve a stable, airy filling.
• Spatula – Useful for folding gently.
• Food processor or rolling pin – For crushing biscuits evenly.

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

• Prepare the base – Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press firmly into the tin.
• Chill the base – Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until firm.
• Soften the cream cheese – Beat until smooth and lump-free.
• Sweeten gently – Add icing sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
• Add strawberries – Fold in chopped or lightly crushed strawberries.
• Whip the cream – Beat to soft peaks in a separate bowl.
• Fold carefully – Gently combine whipped cream with the cheesecake mixture.
• Set and chill – Spoon over the base, smooth the top, and chill until firm.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Runny filling – Whipping the cream properly improved the set.
• Watery strawberries – Chopping finely instead of puréeing helped.
• Soft base – Extra chilling time made slicing easier.
• Overmixing – Folding gently kept the texture light.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

• Reduced sugar option – Slightly less icing sugar still works well.
• Thinner biscuit base – Cuts down on butter.
• Extra fruit topping – Adds sweetness naturally.
• Smaller portions served – Keeps indulgence balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

• Graham crackers instead of digestives – A suitable base swap.
• Frozen strawberries – Use thawed and well-drained fruit.
• Mascarpone addition – Adds extra richness if desired.
• Gluten-free biscuits – For dietary needs.

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

• Fresh strawberry slices – Enhance flavor and presentation.
• Light whipped cream – Adds softness without heaviness.
• Mint leaves – Brings a clean, fresh finish.
• Strawberry coulis – Adds color and gentle sweetness.
• Tea or coffee – Balances the chilled dessert.

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

• Use full-fat cream cheese – Helps the cheesecake set firmly.
• Dry the strawberries slightly – Prevents excess moisture.
• Fold, don’t beat – Keeps air in the filling.
• Press the base firmly – Prevents crumbling when slicing.
• Chill long enough – At least 6 hours gives the best result.
• Cover while chilling – Stops the surface from drying.
• Warm knife for slicing – Creates neat, clean slices.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

• Chocolate biscuit base – Adds depth and contrast.
• Strawberry swirl top – Swirl purée gently on the surface.
• Mini cheesecake jars – Perfect for individual servings.
• Mixed berry version – Combine strawberries with raspberries.
• White chocolate touch – Softens the fruit flavor slightly.

Storing Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry 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 Strawberry 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: From fresh strawberries

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FAQs

Why is my no-bake strawberry cheesecake runny?

A runny cheesecake is usually caused by excess moisture from the strawberries or cream that has not been whipped enough. Use fresh strawberries, chop them finely instead of puréeing, and whip the double cream to soft peaks before folding it into the mixture.

Should strawberries be cooked before adding to no-bake cheesecake?

Strawberries do not need to be cooked, but they should be well-drained and finely chopped. Cooking or puréeing them releases extra liquid, which can stop the cheesecake from setting properly.

How long does a no-bake strawberry cheesecake need to set?

The cheesecake needs at least 6 hours in the fridge to set, but chilling overnight gives the best texture and clean slices. Cutting it too early can cause the filling to lose its shape.

Can I use frozen strawberries for no-bake cheesecake?

Frozen strawberries can be used, but they must be fully thawed and drained well. Patting them dry with kitchen paper helps remove excess moisture and improves the final set.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake is a dependable, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels fresh, light, and comforting all at once. With its creamy texture, natural strawberry flavor, and simple method, it is a recipe that fits effortlessly into both everyday treats and special occasions.