If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is the perfect choice. With its zesty lemon flavor, creamy filling, and buttery biscuit base, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser that requires no baking. It’s an easy, elegant dessert that’s ideal for any occasion.
What is Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake?
Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a refreshing and creamy dessert that combines a buttery biscuit base with a rich, lemon-flavored cream cheese filling, topped with swirls of tangy lemon curd. This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing without the need for an oven.
Other Popular Cheesecake Recipes
- Mary Berry No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Nigella Lemon No-Bake Cheesecake
- Mary Berry No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: No baking is required, making it quick and easy to assemble.
- Delicious flavor: Combines creamy cheesecake with a refreshing lemony tang.
- Perfect for gatherings: This can be made ahead, saving you time on the day of your event.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different toppings or variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed for Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- 200g digestive biscuits
- 75g butter, melted
- 300g cream cheese, softened
- 300ml double cream
- 100g icing sugar, sifted
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 tbsp lemon curd (additional for topping)
Equipment
- Food processor or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 23cm springform pan
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Prepare the Base: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the base of a 23cm springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the icing sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and continue to mix until well combined. Gradually pour in the double cream, whipping until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Remove the biscuit base from the fridge. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Add dollops of lemon curd on top and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture.
- Serve: Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve with an additional drizzle of lemon curd if desired.
What Goes Well With Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Pair with drinks: Enjoy with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a light, citrusy white wine.
- Serve with sides: Complement the cheesecake with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Firm base: If your biscuit base seems too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter to ensure it holds together.
- Creamy filling: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Lemon curd swirl: For a more pronounced swirl, use a small amount of curd at a time and gently drag a knife through the cheesecake.
- Zest boost: Add extra lemon zest to the filling for a more intense citrus flavor.
- Chill time: Let the cheesecake set overnight for the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
- Garnish with flair: Decorate with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
Easy Variations of Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Lime twist: Substitute lime juice and zest for a tangy variation.
- Berry burst: Add a layer of fresh berries between the biscuit base and the cheesecake filling.
- Ginger base: Use ginger biscuits instead of digestive biscuits for a spicy kick.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Cover well: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with cling film to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Serve cold: This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat.
How Can I Make Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake Healthier?
- Low-fat option: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of icing sugar.
- Greek yogurt: Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
- Whole wheat base: Use whole wheat digestive biscuits for a healthier base.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Can I use store-bought lemon curd for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd, and it works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and still provides the tangy, sweet flavor that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
How long does the cheesecake need to chill before serving?
The cheesecake should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, it’s recommended to let it set overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up nicely.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This no-bake lemon curd cheesecake is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare it up to two days in advance, making it a convenient dessert option for parties or gatherings.
What can I use instead of digestive biscuits for the base?
If you don’t have digestive biscuits, you can use graham crackers, ginger snaps, or even a mix of nuts and oats for a different texture and flavor profile. Just ensure the crumbs are fine enough to create a solid base.
Final Words
Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a refreshing, zesty dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a burst of citrusy goodness. Easy to make and delightful to eat, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Nigella Lawson No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is not only easy to make but also delivers a delightful combination of creamy and tangy flavors. The no-bake method saves time and effort, making it perfect for those who want an impressive dessert without the fuss. Additionally, its versatility allows you to prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 200g digestive biscuits
- 75g butter, melted
- 300g cream cheese, softened
- 300ml double cream
- 100g icing sugar, sifted
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 tbsp lemon curd (additional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the base of a 23cm springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the icing sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and continue to mix until well combined. Gradually pour in the double cream, whipping until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Remove the biscuit base from the fridge. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Add dollops of lemon curd on top and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Place the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture.
- Serve: Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve with an additional drizzle of lemon curd if desired.
