Mary Berry is a renowned British chef, known for her baking skills and delectable desserts. Among her many popular recipes is the Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake, which has been enjoyed by countless enthusiasts around the world.
This creamy and tangy dessert is perfect for a special occasion or as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you are wondering how to make this delightful dessert, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake at home. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Gather All Your Ingredients and Equipment First
Gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment is an essential first step in making Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake. To make the perfect cheesecake, you will need to obtain ingredients such as digestive biscuits, unsalted butter, caster sugar, full-fat soft cheese, double cream, and lemons.
It’s also vital to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment ready before you start making the cheesecake. Some essential equipment include a cake tin, a food processor, a mixing bowl, and an electric mixer. By gathering all the ingredients and equipment ahead of time, you’ll save time and avoid any unnecessary stress and chaos that could impact your final outcome.
Make the Cheesecake Base
Making Mary Berry’s lemon cheesecake base is quite simple and requires just a few ingredients. To start, preheat your oven to 180°C and line an 8-inch springform cake tin with greaseproof paper. The first step of making the base is to crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor until they turn into small crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also place the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin.
Next, melt the butter in a pan and pour the melted butter over the biscuits. Mix well until the butter is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. Transfer the mixture to the lined cake tin, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a spatula to make sure it’s compact and even. Bake the cheesecake base in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until it turns slightly golden brown. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool down before adding the cheesecake filling. Your Mary Berry lemon cheesecake base is now ready to be filled with the delicious cheesecake filling.
Prepare the Lemon Curd Filling
The lemon curd filling is the heart of Mary Berry’s lemon cheesecake. To prepare it, start by juicing 3-4 lemons and grating their zest. In a heatproof bowl, mix together the lemon juice, zest, 100g sugar, and 25g butter. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted.
In a separate bowl, whisk 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks together. Add this mixture to the lemon mixture and stir continuously until the curd has thickened. This process can take around 10-15 minutes. Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool down. You can now use this delicious lemon curd filling for your cheesecake.
Mix the Cheesecake Filling
Now that the base for the Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake is ready, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s soft and smooth. Use an electric mixer for faster results. Once the cream cheese has been beaten, add the caster sugar to it and mix it well. The sugar will add sweetness to the cheesecake and balance out the tanginess of the lemon.
After that, crack the eggs in a separate bowl, whisk them well, and add it to the cream cheese mixture. Add the lemon zest to the mixture and give it a good stir. Using a spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure that all the ingredients are mixed well. Lastly, add the double cream and mix well until the mixture is light, creamy and smooth. Be careful not to overbeat the mixture as it may lead to a lumpy and curdled texture. With the filling ready, pour it over the biscuit base and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Bake Your Cheesecake
Baking your Mary Berry lemon cheesecake is the final step in creating this delectable dessert. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and carefully place your cheesecake into the oven. Let it bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until it has turned golden brown and the center is almost set.
Once you have removed the cheesecake from the oven, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least two hours to let it set firmly. Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the refrigerator and top it with your favorite fruits, whipped cream, or toppings of your choice. Slice it up and serve it to your guests, who will love its tangy lemon flavor and creamy texture. Your Mary Berry lemon cheesecake is now ready to be enjoyed!
Add the Delicious Finishing Touches
Now that your Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake is almost ready, it’s time to add some delicious finishing touches. Start by taking the cheesecake out of the fridge and carefully detaching it from the edges of the tin using a palette knife. Once it’s fully released, remove the tin and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate or stand.
For the lemon curd topping, take a spoonful of lemon curd and place it on top of each slice. You can also decorate the cheesecake with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re a fan of whipped cream, you can also serve a dollop of it alongside the cheesecake for added indulgence. With these finishing touches, your Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake is sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests.
Refrigerate and Serve Your Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake.
After preparing and baking your Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake, it is important to properly refrigerate it before serving. Be sure to allow it to cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes before refrigeration. This will help prevent any condensation from forming on the surface of the cheesecake and affecting its texture.
Once cooled, wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and settle, resulting in a deliciously creamy and tangy cheesecake. When ready to serve, slice the cheesecake and garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh berries. Your guests are sure to love this refreshing and decadent dessert!
The Bottom Line
Making Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake is an excellent option when you want to indulge in a dessert that is both tangy and creamy. This recipe is relatively simple to follow, and you won’t have to be a seasoned baker to pull it off. The ingredients are quite easy to acquire and are found in most stores. Right from the biscuit base to the lemon curd topping, every step is crucial in bringing out the perfect flavors for the cheesecake.
In conclusion, Mary Berry Lemon Cheesecake is an excellent dessert choice that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat after dinner, the lemony tanginess and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser. By following the recipe’s instructions, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, why don’t you try this recipe out and let your taste buds be the judge?