This no bake lemon cheesecake is seriously easy! A crunchy biscuit base is filled with a quick mix with just a few simple ingredients. and then some chilling time and then you are ready to tuck in!
It's so simple to turn this dish into a lemon meringue cheesecake too by adding an easy topping.
Bon appétit!
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Why you will love this no bake lemon cheesecake
- no fiddly use of gelatin to set the cheesecake
- no baking to worry about, just chilling time
- perfect for make ahead entertaining
What are the ingredients?
I've used a biscoff (speculoos) cheesecake crust which is just crushed biscuits and melted butter. If you can't get hold of them ginger nut biscuits are very similar.
The lemon cheesecake filling is very simple. The primary ingredient is a tin of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese which, when combined with fresh lemon juice, has a reaction which causes the filling to naturally set without baking or gelatin.
If you want to add a meringue topping you'll need egg whites and caster sugar.
How to make a lemon meringue cheesecake
I used a food processor to turn the biscuits into crumbs. These biscuits are naturally very hard so break the biscuits before you process or the sound will be deafening! Alternatively put the biscuits in a bag and bash with a rolling pin or a tin.
Add the melted butter and then press into the base and sides of a loose tin.
I use the base of a straight glass to get the base flat and an edge at the sides so it resembles a pie. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
The filling is so quick and simple; just combine some cream cheese with a tin of sweetened condensed milk then add lemon zest and juice until the mixture thickens. This just needs a through mix together for a few minutes.
Pour into the base and smooth flat. Chill for 3 hours or overnight.
Whip the egg whites in a very clean bowl, until you can turn it upside down, then gradually whisk in the sugar until stiff and glossy.
Transfer to a piping bag and pipe little rosettes all over. If you don't fancy this bit just spread it on and fluff it up with the back of a spoon.
I used a blow torch to quickly set the meringue but you could put it under a very hot grill, for just a minute, watching it all the time.
Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
If you use the meringue topping then this cheesecake is great on its own.
To serve the dessert on its own some red fruits such as rasperries, on the top or served at the sides with a fruit purée is delicious.
This dessert will last for 3 days in the fridge. I don't reccommed freezing this cheesecake.
TOP TIPS FOR FOOLPROOF MERINGUES
- Make sure that the bowl you use for mixing meringues is freshly washed and dried and preferable glass or metal. A miniscule amount of grease in the bowl can mean that your egg whites won't whip correctly.
- I normally store my eggs at room temperature, but if you put your eggs in the fridge for an hour or so before you are ready to bake, then they will be easier to separate.
- Separate each egg and add the whites to the whipping bowl one at a time. This makes it easier in case you come across a bad egg without wasting the rest. More importantly you can check the egg white. If you have the slightest bit of yolk in the white it can stop the egg whites from whipping.
- When the meringue has reached the right consistency handle it as little as possible with metal spoons or a spatula so that you don't allow the air to escape.
- These are French meringues, which has the simplest method and ingredients, compared to Italian and Swiss meringue. However, it's vitally important to follow the easy steps.
More dessert recipes to try
📋 Recipe
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 250 g speculoos biscuits crushed
- 100 g butter melted
- 2 lemons zest and juice
- 454 g sweetened, condensed milk tin
- 300 g cream cheese
- 2 egg whites
- 110 g white caster sugar
Instructions
- Combine the biscuits with the butter and press into the base and sides of a 20cm loose bottom tin. Leave to chill.
- Whisk together the milk and cheese then add the lemon juice and zest until the mixture thickens.
- Spread the mixture over the base and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks are formed then gradually whisk in the sugar.
- Pipe or spread the meringue mixture on top of the cheesecake and use a blow torch to gently set the meringue. Chill until serving.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Ieva
I normally prefer baked cheesecake, but this was soooo good, that I may be converted! Everyone was so impressed with the meringue top decoration too!
Jen
No bake desserts are so perfect especially during the holidays when oven space is precious! This looks amazing!
Melissa
This looks beautiful and delicious! I like the idea of ginger with the lemon.
Jen
I love a no bake cheesecake so you don't have to worry about cracking. But adding the meringues gives it toastiness. The best of both worlds! Great lemon flavor too!
Vicky
This is absolutely fabulous! I'm drooling!!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
Sounds fantastic! I want to bake more next year and have already started to gather recipes! This one looks amazing!
Toni
This is really a gorgeous cheesecake! Such a perfect dessert!
Maria
Wow! This looks so pretty and yet so easy to whip. Thank you for sharing!
rika
I love no bake desserts. So quick to make!
Charla
I'm always on the hunt for a no bake cheesecake. Looking forward to trying your rendition. Thank you!!
Ella
I'm always so nervous about baking cheesecake, so this looks like the perfect recipe for me! Also love speculoos - yum!
Amanda
Thanks Angie. It's good to have an easy cheesecake for last minute cravings!
Angela Muir
Peter makes a cheesecake just like this and next time I will add the meringue to jazz it up. Oh and you can still buy those packet cheesecake mixes here in Australia.
Amanda
Thanks Elizabeth, that would be lovely! I'm really glad you like it!
Elizabeth
This looks so delicious! I'm reblogging this recipe!
Amanda
Thanks Laura. I love desserts that you can just pull from the fridge when you're exhausted from the main course!
Amanda
Thanks Emily. I made it when friends came for dinner and they loved it!
Amanda
Thanks Beth. I've got one of those squeezy bottles for doing the meringue to make it easier!
Amanda
Thanks June. I hope you try it! Luckily there are gaps in the prep so not too much stress in one go. I didn't bother trying to get it off the base though!
junedesilva
This sounds absolutely delicious! My brother is a very good cook & when we have lunch with him, I always provide a desert. This would definitely be a great one to make - as long as I don't mess it up!
Beth Neels
Oh, my! This cheesecake looks to die for! What a beautiful job on the meringue! Anything lemon. I'm in!
Emily
This looks stunning, it would be great for a dinner party!
Laura
it sounds deliciously easy, and you certainly don't need complicated desserts when you have guests over. Thank you for sharing
Amanda
Thanks Jas. I'm a cheesecake addict too!
Jas @All that's Jas
Oh, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Pinning to my cheesecakes collection!