If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent, the Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a perfect choice. This cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of Philadelphia cream cheese with the zesty brightness of lemon. The result? A dessert that’s not only visually stunning with its smooth, lemony filling and golden biscuit crust but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and no need for baking, you can have this cheesecake ready in no time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or a delightful family treat.
What is Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake?
The Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a simple yet delicious dessert that requires no baking. The cheesecake features a buttery biscuit base, a creamy Philadelphia cream cheese filling, and a hint of lemon that adds a refreshing tang. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for warm days when you want something sweet without heating the kitchen.
Other Popular Cake Recipes
- Delia Smith No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Mary Berry Vanilla Cheesecake
- Nigella White Chocolate And Raspberry Cheesecake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: No baking is required, just mix and refrigerate.
- Rich and Creamy: Philadelphia cream cheese ensures a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Zesty Flavor: Lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic cheesecake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special event, this cheesecake is always a hit.
- Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for those new to baking or those who want a hassle-free dessert.
Ingredients Needed for Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese (300g)
- Digestive Biscuits (200g)
- Unsalted Butter (100g, melted)
- Icing Sugar (100g)
- Lemon Juice (2 lemons)
- Lemon Zest (1 lemon)
- Double Cream (150ml)
Equipment
- Springform Pan (8-inch)
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Spatula
- Zester
- Juicer
Instructions to Make Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Prepare the Base: Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a springform pan and refrigerate.
- Make the Filling: Beat the Philadelphia cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest, then mix again.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan, slice, and serve chilled.
What Goes Well With Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the creamy texture.
- Lemon Curd: A drizzle of lemon curd intensifies the lemony flavor.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast.
- Berry Coulis: A drizzle of berry coulis adds a touch of elegance.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese for the best texture.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a runny filling.
- Firm Biscuit Base: Press the biscuit mixture firmly into the pan to ensure a sturdy base.
- Refrigerate Properly: Allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a firmer texture.
- Zest Before Juicing: Zest the lemons before juicing to avoid difficulty in grating.
Easy Variations of Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
- Berry Lemon Cheesecake: Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the cheesecake before refrigerating.
- Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake: Mix in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Lime Version: Substitute lemon with lime for a different citrusy flavor.
- Ginger Biscuit Base: Use ginger biscuits instead of digestives for a spiced base.
- Yogurt Addition: Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Best Practices to Store Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Cover with Cling Film: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with cling film to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate Properly: Keep the cheesecake in the fridge and consume it within 3-4 days.
- Avoid Freezing: While possible, freezing can alter the texture; fresh is best.
Best Practices to Reheat Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
- Serve Chilled: This cheesecake is best served cold, so no reheating is required.
- Room Temperature Option: If too cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Microwave Warning: Avoid microwaving as it can melt the filling and ruin the texture.
- Cutting Tip: For easier slicing, warm the knife under hot water before cutting.
How Can I Make Philadelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Healthier?
- Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for a reduced-fat version of Philadelphia cream cheese.
- Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of icing sugar used in the filling.
- Wholegrain Biscuits: Use wholegrain or digestive biscuits for a higher fiber content.
- Greek Yogurt Addition: Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
- Honey Instead of Sugar: Sweeten the filling with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Smaller Portions: Serve smaller slices to control calorie intake.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Type of Biscuit for the Base?
Yes, you can use any type of biscuit you prefer. While digestive biscuits are traditional, alternatives like graham crackers, ginger snaps, or even shortbread can add a unique flavor to your cheesecake base.
How Long Does Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Take to Set?
The cheesecake typically takes about 4 hours to set in the refrigerator. For the best results, letting it chill overnight will give you a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
Can I Freeze Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake, but it’s important to note that freezing may slightly alter its creamy texture. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Lemon for a Different Flavor?
If you’re looking to switch up the flavor, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange juice and zest. These citrus fruits offer a similar tangy taste and will work just as well in this no-bake cheesecake recipe.
Final Words
The Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and tangy lemon flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to making cheesecakes or just need a quick and delicious dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
More By British Baking Recipes
PrintPhiladelphia No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Philadelphia No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake is a simple yet delicious dessert that requires no baking. The cheesecake features a buttery biscuit base, a creamy Philadelphia cream cheese filling, and a hint of lemon that adds a refreshing tang. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for warm days when you want something sweet without heating the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese (300g)
- Digestive Biscuits (200g)
- Unsalted Butter (100g, melted)
- Icing Sugar (100g)
- Lemon Juice (2 lemons)
- Lemon Zest (1 lemon)
- Double Cream (150ml)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a springform pan and refrigerate.
- Make the Filling: Beat the Philadelphia cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth. Add lemon juice and zest, then mix again.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan, slice, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother filling and make it easier to combine with the other ingredients.
- Chilling Time: While the cheesecake sets in about 4 hours, leaving it in the fridge overnight will enhance the texture, making it firmer and easier to slice.
- Zesting Tip: When zesting the lemon, be careful to avoid the white pith, as it can add a bitter taste to your cheesecake.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your personal taste preferences. More lemon will give the cheesecake a sharper, tangier flavor.