This Jamie Oliver Mascarpone Cheesecake is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Made with a buttery biscuit base and a creamy mascarpone filling, this no-fuss dessert is elegant yet incredibly easy to prepare.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Cheesecake?
Jamie Oliver’s mascarpone cheesecake is a no-bake dessert that uses mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla over a digestive biscuit crust. It’s chilled instead of baked, creating a soft yet firm texture that’s light, creamy, and full of flavor. Often topped with fresh berries, lemon curd, or fruit compote, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity – No oven needed
- Velvety Texture – Thanks to rich mascarpone and whipped cream
- Perfect for Entertaining – Can be made in advance
- Customizable Toppings – Fruit, sauces, or chocolate
- Crowd-Pleaser – Elegant and indulgent, yet not too heavy
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Cheesecake
For the base:
- Digestive Biscuits (250g / ~9 oz)
- Unsalted Butter (100g / 7 tbsp, melted)
- Optional: 1 tbsp sugar or ½ tsp cinnamon for added flavor
For the filling:
- Mascarpone Cheese (250g / 1 cup)
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese (250g / 1 cup, at room temperature)
- Double Cream (150ml / ⅔ cup)
- Powdered Sugar (75g / ⅔ cup, sifted)
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for tang
Topping Ideas (choose one or combine):
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Fruit compote or jam
- Lemon curd
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Crushed pistachios
Equipment Needed
- 20cm (8-inch) springform pan
- Food processor or rolling pin (for biscuit base)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the base
Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix in the melted butter until evenly coated. Press into the base of a springform pan, smoothing it out evenly. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice (if using). In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble and chill
Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Step 4: Add toppings and serve
Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, lemon curd, or any desired garnish. Slice and serve cold.

What Goes Well With Mascarpone Cheesecake
- Fresh Berry Sauce – Adds tart contrast
- Espresso or Coffee – Balances the richness
- Lemon Curd or Passionfruit Pulp – Bright and zesty pairing
- Crushed Nuts or Biscotti – For texture
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle – For indulgence
- Sparkling Wine or Moscato – Perfect for celebrations
Expert Tips for the Best Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Cheese – Ensures smooth mixing
- Chill Overnight – Helps it fully set and develop flavor
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream – Soft peaks are ideal for folding
- Use a Springform Pan – Makes removal easy
- Wipe Knife Between Slices – For clean cuts
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Cheesecake
- Chocolate Mascarpone Cheesecake – Add melted dark chocolate to the filling
- Tiramisu-Inspired Version – Add coffee-soaked ladyfingers and cocoa
- Citrus Twist – Use orange zest and top with candied orange slices
- Nutty Crust – Mix in crushed almonds or pecans with biscuits
- Mini Cheesecakes – Use muffin tins for individual portions
Best Practices to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate Covered – Keeps for up to 3 days
- Don’t Freeze Assembled Cheesecake – Texture may change
- Freeze the Base Separately (Optional) – Can prep in advance
- Store Toppings Separately – Especially fresh fruit or compote
- Keep in Springform Pan Until Serving – Helps maintain shape
Nutrition Value (per slice, based on 10 slices)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Sugar: ~16g
FAQs
Can I make this mascarpone cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for preparing in advance. It’s best when chilled overnight, which helps it set completely and develop deeper flavor.
Can I freeze mascarpone cheesecake?
Freezing is not recommended once assembled, as mascarpone can separate when thawed. If needed, you can freeze just the biscuit base and prepare the filling fresh.
How do I stop no-bake cheesecake from being too soft?
Be sure to whip the cream to soft peaks and chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours—preferably overnight. This ensures a firmer set.
Can I use cream cheese only instead of mascarpone?
Yes. You can substitute full-fat cream cheese for mascarpone, but the flavor and texture will be slightly tangier and less rich.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Cheesecake is a dream dessert—rich, creamy, and no-bake. Whether you top it with fruit, chocolate, or curd, it’s sure to impress with its elegant simplicity and deep flavor. Ideal for special occasions or lazy weekends, this cheesecake is always a hit.
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Jamie Oliver Mascarpone Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 240
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s mascarpone cheesecake is a no-bake dessert that uses mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla over a digestive biscuit crust. It’s chilled instead of baked, creating a soft yet firm texture that’s light, creamy, and full of flavor. Often topped with fresh berries, lemon curd, or fruit compote, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the base:
-
Unsalted Butter (100g / 7 tbsp, melted)
-
Optional: 1 tbsp sugar or ½ tsp cinnamon for added flavor
Digestive Biscuits (250g / ~9 oz)
For the filling:
-
Full-Fat Cream Cheese (250g / 1 cup, at room temperature)
-
Double Cream (150ml / ⅔ cup)
-
Powdered Sugar (75g / ⅔ cup, sifted)
-
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
-
Zest of 1 Lemon
-
Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for tang
Mascarpone Cheese (250g / 1 cup)
Topping Ideas (choose one or combine):
-
Fruit compote or jam
-
Lemon curd
-
Dark chocolate shavings
-
Crushed pistachios
Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Instructions
Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix in the melted butter until evenly coated. Press into the base of a springform pan, smoothing it out evenly. Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice (if using). In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, lemon curd, or any desired garnish. Slice and serve cold.