Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake is a zesty and refreshing dessert, perfect for those who adore the tangy kick of key limes paired with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This delightful treat features a smooth, lime-infused filling atop a crisp, buttery biscuit base, finished with a soft whipped cream topping. Each bite offers a burst of citrus flavor, balanced beautifully with sweet and creamy notes.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make Mary Berry key lime cheesecake recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure success. I’ll also answer some common questions and share some variations and serving suggestions.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe?
Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake is a no-bake cheesecake recipe that features a buttery biscuit base, a creamy and tangy filling made with cream cheese, condensed milk, lime juice and zest, and a whipped cream and lime topping. It’s a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
This recipe serves 8-10 people and the total preparation and chilling time is approximately 2 hours.
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Why You Love this Recipe
Delve into the delightful experience of Mary Berry’s Key Lime Cheesecake, a recipe that’s bound to be a hit for its:
- No-Bake Ease: Skip the oven worries! This recipe offers a fuss-free approach to a gourmet dessert, ideal for hot days or when you’re short on time.
- Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of ingredients and a clear, straightforward method, even novice bakers can produce a stunning dessert.
- Refreshing Taste: The zesty lime flavor provides a refreshing palate cleanser, perfect as a summer treat or a light dessert after a heavy meal.
- Luscious Texture: Enjoy the luxurious combination of a crunchy biscuit base with a smooth and creamy filling that’s sure to delight.
- Customizable: Tailor this cheesecake to your liking with various toppings and flavors, making it a versatile option for all occasions.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake
To make Mary Berry’s key lime cheesecake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the base:
- 300g digestive biscuits
- 150g butter, melted
For the filling:
- 600g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 397g can condensed milk
- 3 large limes, zest and juice
For the topping:
- 150ml double cream, whipped
- 2 limes, zest, and slices
Useful Equipment
You’ll also need the following equipment to make this cheesecake:
- A 23cm springform tin
- A food processor or a rolling pin and a ziplock bag
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or a wooden spoon
- A grater or a zester
- A juicer or a fork
- A palette knife or a spatula
- A piping bag and a star nozzle (optional)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake
Follow these steps to make Mary Berry’s key lime cheesecake recipe:
Step 1:Â Prepare the base.
Grease the base and sides of the springform tin with some butter or spray oil. Crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor or in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and add the melted butter. Mix well until the mixture is moist and clumpy. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the base of the prepared tin, using the back of a spoon or a glass. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set.
Step 2:Â Prepare the filling.
In the same mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a spatula or a wooden spoon until smooth and creamy. Add the condensed milk and mix well until combined. Add the lime zest and juice and mix again until the mixture is thick and glossy. Spoon the filling over the biscuit base and spread it evenly with a palette knife or a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Step 3:Â Prepare the topping.
Whip the double cream with a whisk or an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, if using, or just use a spoon. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake, leaving some space in the center. Sprinkle some lime zest over the whipped cream and arrange some lime slices in the center. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy! To serve, run a knife around the edge of the tin and release the springform. Cut into slices and enjoy your delicious key lime cheesecake!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake?
Enhance your cheesecake experience with these delightful accompaniments:
- Creamy Delights: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a side of rich custard to complement the tangy lime flavor.
- Sauce It Up Drizzle with chocolate, caramel, or honey for a sweet and luxurious finish.
- Fresh and Fruity: Garnish with fresh berries, aromatic mint leaves, or edible flowers to introduce a burst of freshness and color.
- Sweet Toppings: Spoon over some lemon curd, berry jam, or fruit coulis to infuse additional sweet and tangy notes.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake
Enhance your cheesecake-making skills with these expert tips to ensure a delectable Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake every time:
- Opt for Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for the desired creamy texture and rich flavor. Lighter versions might not set correctly and can dilute the taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your mixture, resulting in a uniformly smooth and creamy filling.
- Fresh Limes for Zest and Flavor: Utilize fresh limes for their vibrant zest and juice, offering a natural and robust flavor. You’ll need about 5 to 6 limes for this recipe.
- Mix Just Right: Once you add the lime juice, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a runny or split filling.
- Sufficient Chilling Time: Allow the cheesecake to chill and set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This patience ensures a firm and sliceable dessert.
Variations of Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake
Tailor the classic key lime cheesecake to your taste or occasion with these delightful variations:
- Textured Base: Enhance the biscuit base by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes for an added crunch and flavor dimension.
- Flavor Swirls: Before chilling, swirl lime curd, your favorite jam, or coulis into the filling for a beautiful color and a sweet tang.
- Fresh Garnishes: Adorn the finished cheesecake with fresh berries, aromatic mint leaves, or edible flowers for a visually stunning and refreshing touch.
- Citrus Varieties: Experiment with lemon or a mix of lemon and lime for a varied citrus profile.
- Biscuit Variety: Change up the base with different biscuits like graham crackers, shortbread, or Oreos for a new twist.
How do I store Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake Leftovers?
Keep your delightful cheesecake fresh for later enjoyment with these storage tips:
- In the Fridge: Store it in an airtight container or covered in the springform tin for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the cheesecake or individual slices in airtight conditions for up to 3 months, separating slices with parchment paper.
- In the Cooler: For outdoor events, keep it in a cooler with ice packs for up to 4 hours, away from direct heat.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Key Lime Cheesecake Leftovers?
Typically, key lime cheesecake is enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
If you’ve stored it in the freezer:
- Thawing in Fridge: Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Quick Thaw: If needed quickly, use the microwave on a low setting for a few seconds, but be cautious not to melt or overheat it.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Sodium: 317 mg
- Sugar: 29 g
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mary Berry’s key lime cheesecake recipe:
Can I make Mary Berry’s Key Lime Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this is actually one of the best desserts to make ahead! Prepare and chill the cheesecake as directed, usually overnight. It allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up, making it easier to slice. Just ensure it’s kept in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How can I ensure my no-bake cheesecake sets properly?
To ensure your cheesecake sets, make sure to:
- Use full-fat cream cheese which has less water content and sets firmer.
- Mix the filling just enough to combine the ingredients well but not so much that it introduces too many air bubbles or breaks down the structure of the cream cheese.
- Allow ample chilling time; at least 4 hours, though overnight is often best for a firm set.
What’s the best way to get a smooth top on my cheesecake?
After pouring the filling onto the biscuit base, gently shake or tap the tin on the counter to let any air bubbles rise to the top and pop. You can also smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Remember, a few imperfections won’t affect the delicious taste!
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can. Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, but they are not always easy to find. You can use regular limes instead, but you may need to adjust the amount of juice and zest depending on how tart or sweet you like your cheesecake.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can. You can use vegan or dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese, condensed milk, butter, and cream. There are many brands and products available in the market that you can choose from. Just make sure to check the labels and ingredients for any allergens or additives that you may want to avoid.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s key lime cheesecake recipe is a simple and delicious dessert that you can make for any occasion. It has a buttery biscuit base, a creamy and tangy filling, and a zesty lime topping that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s also a no-bake cheesecake, which means you don’t need to use an oven or worry about any baking issues. You just need to mix, chill, and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s key lime cheesecake recipe step by step. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I’d love to hear from you and help you out. Happy baking!
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Notes
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Chill time: 4 hours or overnight Servings: 12 slices