If you’re a fan of cheesecakes and love a fresh citrus kick, Mary Berry’s Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is a recipe you absolutely need to try. This delightful dessert combines the smooth, creamy texture of a classic cheesecake with the vibrant zing of lemon and lime, creating a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake will surely hit the spot.

I’ve always been a fan of Mary Berry’s baking, and this lemon and lime cheesecake is no exception. The balance of tangy citrus with the rich, velvety cream cheese base is perfect. Plus, it’s a no-bake cheesecake, which means you don’t need to worry about turning on the oven on a hot day. It’s as easy as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

Refreshing citrus flavor: The combination of lemon and lime gives the cheesecake a bright, fresh taste that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Creamy and smooth: The filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy, just like a traditional cheesecake should be.
No-bake convenience: This is a no-bake cheesecake, so it’s incredibly easy to make. Just mix the ingredients, chill, and serve!
A stunning dessert: The cheesecake’s vibrant color and fresh citrus topping make it a showstopper at any gathering.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re having a casual family dinner or celebrating a special event, this cheesecake will impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need to Make It

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mary Berry’s Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake:

For the base:

250g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
100g unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

600g full-fat cream cheese, softened
200ml double cream
75g icing sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

2 tablespoons lemon curd (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
Extra lime zest for garnish

How to Make Mary Berry’s Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

This cheesecake is a no-bake recipe, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by crushing the digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and smashing them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor if you have one.
Once you have your crumbs, mix them with the melted butter in a large bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the base of a 20cm (8-inch) springform cake tin to create an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press it down tightly.
Place the tin in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk, depending on what you have available.
Add the double cream to the cream cheese and continue to beat until the mixture thickens and holds its shape. It should be firm but spreadable.
Add the icing sugar, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, lime juice, and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until everything is well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or citrus levels as desired. If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can add a bit more lemon or lime juice.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

Spoon the creamy filling onto the chilled biscuit base. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top.
If you’re using lemon curd, you can swirl it through the top of the cheesecake for extra flavor and a beautiful marbled effect. This step is optional but adds an extra burst of citrus.
Place the cheesecake back in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, so it sets properly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform tin and place it on a serving plate.
Garnish with extra lime zest for a fresh, colorful finish.
Slice and serve! Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it as the perfect dessert after dinner.

How I Like to Serve It

This Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is just as delicious as it looks, and I love serving it in a variety of ways:

For a summer picnic: If you’re heading to a picnic, this cheesecake is the perfect dessert to bring along. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any baking, which is perfect for a laid-back summer day.
As a dinner party treat: It’s a showstopper dessert that will impress guests at any dinner party or gathering. The zesty lemon and lime flavors are refreshing and light, making it the perfect end to a big meal.
With fresh fruit: I love serving this cheesecake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The sweetness of the berries pairs wonderfully with the tangy citrus flavor of the cheesecake.
With a drizzle of honey or lemon curd: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of honey or more lemon curd over the top. The sweetness complements the tanginess beautifully.

Tips for the Best Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

Use full-fat cream cheese: For the creamiest and richest texture, stick to full-fat cream cheese. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor and consistency of the cheesecake.
Chill the base: Don’t skip the step of chilling the biscuit base while you prepare the filling. It helps the base set and stay firm when you slice the cheesecake.
Let it chill overnight: If you have the time, let the cheesecake chill overnight. This will ensure that the filling sets properly and gives it a firmer, smoother texture.
Experiment with the citrus: If you prefer a more dominant lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or juice, or if you love lime, you can increase the lime juice or zest to suit your taste.
Serve with a garnish: A sprinkle of lime zest or fresh fruit on top will elevate the appearance and flavor of the cheesecake, making it look as good as it tastes.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), here’s how to store them:

In the fridge: Keep the cheesecake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While cheesecakes can be frozen, I recommend freezing individual slices for easier serving. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight.

A Refreshing and Light Dessert

Mary Berry’s Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is the perfect balance of rich, creamy cheesecake and refreshing citrus. It’s easy to make, no-bake, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it as a treat for yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day. With its tangy flavors and creamy texture, it’s a dessert that everyone will adore. So, go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!