No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

This no-bake cake is the saviour of lazy summer days. Its base is the crumbly biscuit layer of famous American cheesecakes, while the cream relies on the richness of mascarpone. No eggs, no baking, just pure, creamy indulgence. The acidity of the lemon slightly 'cooks' (denatures) and thickens the milk proteins, while the gelatine ensures it is sliceable.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
Total Time 4 hrs 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 8 servings
🔥 Calories 420 kcal
🌍 Cuisine American / Cheesecake style

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor (for biscuits)
  • 20 cm springform tin
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Cereals containing gluten

Instructions

1

Mix the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter. The consistency should be like wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the cake tin (use the bottom of a glass to compact it). Refrigerate.

Tip: Compacting removes air, creating a stable base that can support the cream.
2

Mix the mascarpone until smooth with the icing sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

Tip: Due to its high fat content, mascarpone can easily curdle if mixed too fast. Only work at a slow speed!
3

Bloom the gelatine in the water, then heat until liquid. Temper it (mix a spoonful of mascarpone cream into it) before adding to the mascarpone base.

Tip: Tempering prevents the gelatine from setting in a shock-like manner.
4

Whip the cream until stiff and fold gently into the lemon cream.

Tip: The airy whipped cream loosens the dense mascarpone, making the result creamy rather than heavily greasy.
5

Pour the cream onto the biscuit base. Smooth it out.

Tip: Tap the tin against the table to bring air bubbles to the surface.
6

Chill for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight).

Tip: Gelatine setting is time-dependent.
7

Decorate with lemon slices before serving. If you like, you can make a thin clear cake glaze on top for a professional finish.

Tip: The glaze protects the cream from drying out and adds shine.

Recipe FAQ

The biscuit base falls apart when cutting.
Not enough butter was used, or you didn't press it down firmly enough. Chilling is also important so the butter sets and acts as a 'glue'.
The cream turned rubbery.
You used too much gelatine. Gelatine strength (bloom count) can vary, follow the packet instructions!

Ingredients

  • 250 g Crushed Digestive biscuits or butter biscuits
  • 100 g Butter (melted)
  • 300 ml Whipping cream (cold)
  • 250 g Mascarpone
  • 100 g Icing sugar
  • 100 ml Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Grated lemon zest
  • 10 g Gelatine powder
  • 50 ml Water (for gelatine)
  • 50 ml Water (for optional glaze)