Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake Recipe

Nigella Lawson, the queen of effortless elegance in the kitchen, created this recipe as a celebration of citrusy brightness paired with luscious creaminess – without the hassle of turning on your oven. Her No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a chilled dessert made with a buttery biscuit base and a silken cream cheese filling, swirled or topped with lemon curd. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it ideal for spring brunches, summer garden parties, or anytime you crave a cool slice of sunshine.

This cheesecake is a masterpiece in contrasts – the crumbly, salty-sweet base meets a smooth, tangy filling, with lemon curd adding both aesthetic flair and flavor punch. And best of all, there’s no water bath or baking drama involved.

Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For the base:

• 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers, for a more American twist)
• 75g unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 300g cream cheese (full-fat, please – for structure and richness)
• 250ml double cream (heavy cream)
• 100g icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar), sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of half a lemon (for a subtle zing)

For the topping:

• 200g good-quality lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: Extra zest or thin lemon slices for decoration

Equipment Needed

• 20cm (8-inch) springform pan or loose-bottomed tin
• Food processor or rolling pin (to crush biscuits)
• Mixing bowls (preferably chilled for the cream)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for whipping)
• Silicone spatula
• Offset spatula or spoon (for smoothing and swirling)
• Measuring cups/spoons and a digital kitchen scale for precision

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Blitz the digestive biscuits in a food processor until finely crushed (or bash them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin).
2. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the base of your springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to level and compact the crust.
4. Chill the base in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and soft.
2. Add icing sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently, using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
5. Stir in the lemon juice. This will slightly thicken the mixture thanks to the acid reacting with the dairy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Spoon the filling over the chilled base and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
2. Dollop spoonfuls of lemon curd on the surface and gently swirl with a skewer or knife for a marbled effect – or spread it evenly over the top for a glossy, golden layer.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform tin.
2. Garnish with lemon zest, candied peel, or fresh berries if desired.
3. Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat wedges of bliss.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Use full-fat ingredients: Reduced-fat cream cheese or light whipping cream won’t hold the structure well and could lead to a runny filling.
• Chill thoroughly: This is crucial – the cheesecake needs time to firm up, or it won’t slice cleanly.
• Homemade lemon curd: If you’re feeling fancy, make your own lemon curd for a deeper, brighter flavor. The store-bought kind works fine too – just opt for one with a smooth texture and real lemon juice.
• Don’t overwhip the cream: Whip to soft peaks, not stiff ones. Overwhipped cream can cause the mixture to become grainy or overly firm.
• Add a pinch of salt: This can heighten the flavors subtly, especially if your lemon curd is very sweet.

🎯 Bonus Variations

• Swap lemon curd with passionfruit or orange curd for a twist.
• Add crushed pistachios to the base for crunch and color.
• Fold in crushed meringue pieces for a lemon Eton mess-style cheesecake.

Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is more than a dessert – it’s a statement of indulgence that doesn’t require stress. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or experienced hosts alike, blending simplicity with a gourmet result. Each forkful is a creamy cloud kissed by lemony brightness, balanced by a buttery base – the kind of treat that makes people swoon and ask for seconds.

Whether you serve it at a summer soirée or as a weekend pick-me-up, this cheesecake delivers a luxurious yet breezy experience that stays in memory long after the last slice disappears.

Simple Twists On Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake Recipe

Nigella’s original no-bake lemon curd cheesecake is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance: a biscuit base, a whipped cream cheese filling kissed with lemon, and a glossy crown of golden lemon curd. But the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. With just a few tweaks, you can elevate it into something uniquely yours.

1. 🌿 Herbaceous Elegance – Lemon & Thyme
   Add a subtle earthiness by incorporating finely chopped fresh thyme into the biscuit base or whipped into the lemon curd. This twist balances the sweetness with aromatic complexity-perfect for those who love a grown-up dessert.

2. 🫐 Berry Bright – Blueberry Swirl
   Create a vibrant blueberry compote and gently swirl it through the cheesecake mixture before chilling. The tartness of blueberries pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon, creating a stunning visual and flavor contrast.

3. 🥥 Tropical Flair – Coconut Crust & Passionfruit Curd
   Replace digestive biscuits with crushed coconut biscuits or graham crackers mixed with desiccated coconut. Instead of lemon curd, spoon over fresh passionfruit curd. The result is a sun-kissed dessert that transports you to the tropics with every bite.

4. 🍫 Decadent Contrast – White Chocolate Infusion
   Fold melted and slightly cooled white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture before chilling. The sweetness of the chocolate rounds out the citrus sharpness of the curd for a more luxurious mouthfeel.

5. 🥂 Boozy Bliss – Limoncello Kick
   Add a splash of limoncello to the filling for a heady, aromatic twist. Just a tablespoon or two will enhance the lemon flavor and introduce a sophisticated note ideal for dinner parties or festive occasions.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

One of the many joys of a no-bake cheesecake is its longevity-if stored properly, it keeps its creamy texture and vibrant flavor for days.

1. Use an airtight container or tightly cover the cheesecake with cling film or foil to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Beyond this, the texture of the curd can start to break down, and the base may become soggy.
3. If you’ve made individual portions (in jars or ramekins), keep them sealed with lids to maintain freshness.
4. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator-note that the texture of the curd might become slightly looser after thawing, but still delicious.

What To Eat With Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake?

Pairing is all about enhancing the delicate balance of sweet and tart in this cheesecake. Here are some delicious ways to round out your experience:

1. ☕ A Cup of Earl Grey Tea
   The bergamot in Earl Grey perfectly complements the citrus notes in the lemon curd, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon tea or dessert time.

2. 🍓 Fresh Berries
   Serve with a medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a fresh, vibrant side that adds color and contrast.

3. 🥂 A Glass of Sparkling Wine
   A crisp Prosecco or Champagne cuts through the richness of the cheesecake while echoing its lemony brightness-perfect for special occasions.

4. 🍨 Sorbet Companion
   A scoop of raspberry or passionfruit sorbet alongside a slice brings a refreshing contrast and adds a cool, textural play on the palate.

5. 🌰 Crunchy Add-ons
   Scatter chopped pistachios, crushed meringue, or caramelized almonds over the top just before serving to add crunch and a touch of elegance.

Conclusion

Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake is more than just a dessert-it’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re infusing the filling with white chocolate, layering it with vibrant fruit compotes, or adding herbal complexity, the variations are endless.

Proper storage ensures not a crumb goes to waste, and thoughtful pairings elevate this luscious, zesty treat into a full-sensory experience. Whether served at a summer garden brunch or as a quiet indulgence on a rainy evening, this cheesecake never fails to bring a little sunshine to your plate.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake?

The key ingredients for Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake include digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), butter, cream cheese, double cream, lemon curd, and lemon zest. These simple ingredients combine to create a delicious and creamy no-bake dessert.

Can I Make Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake In Advance?

Yes, this cheesecake is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, it benefits from sitting in the fridge for several hours, or even overnight, as this allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake to firm up for the best texture. Just make sure to cover it properly before refrigerating.

How Can I Adjust The Sweetness Of Nigella Lawson’s No Bake Lemon Curd Cheesecake?

If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, you can add extra sugar to the cream cheese mixture or use a sweeter brand of lemon curd. Conversely, if you want to reduce the sweetness, you can use a less sweet lemon curd or cut down on the sugar in the recipe.