This no bake lime mascarpone cheesecake is incredibly easy to make and so tasty. It's handily made ahead and the quick macerated raspberry topping finish it off perfectly.
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This is a recipe that I'e made a version of for years, after I found it on a supermarket recipe card in the UK years ago. Over the years, I have adapted it a little to suit our tastes and tried out different bases. It's incredibly easy to make and tasty, too.
True, mascarpone is far from the healthiest fat content-wise, but it's worth the little indulgence. Especially with the lime, it doesn't seem as rich as it is. Just wonderfully smooth, creamy and delicious.
Adaptations and variations
I've tried an adaptation to change the base to a simple gluten-free mixture of dates and pecans. It's quick and easy to make, tasty and much better for you than a typical crumb base. True, it's not got that crunch but it also holds together that bit better. I've made it both ways and shared both options below.
The topping is incredibly easy - simple grate the zest and juice a couple of limes and add both to the mascapone, along with a little maple syrup or honey, and mix well. I've reduced the sweetener here to make it just gently sweet rather than as sweet as many cheesecakes.
The topping will initially seem a bit runnier than you might think is 'normal' for a cheesecake that is not being baked but don't worry, it will firm up when you chill it before serving.
How long you chill it is a bit up to you - an hour or more is certainly needed but it can easily be make the day ahead of when you need it saving you from doing any work on the day (which can be very handy, if you've got a group coming over!).
Finishing touches
The original recipe, as I remember, topped the cheesecake with frosted grapes and chocolate leaves. Chocolate certainly goes well, but I find berries are also great with the lime, if not better. And especially something like raspberry cuts through the richness a little, too.
Here, I've made a really simple macerated raspberries with a little mint which goes perfectly.
Overall this no bake lime mascarpone cheesecake is an easy, delicious dessert that feels so much more than the effort involved. The topping is deliciously smooth, rich and creamy with a lovely lime tang but that's not overpowering. It's one of those desserts you'll find yourself many any excuse to make again soon.
Try these other no bake desserts:
- Strawberry mousse
- Mango cheesecake parfaits
- Creme Anglaise ('real' custard)
- Peach panna cotta
- Rhubarb fool
- Plus get more dessert recipes in the archives.
No bake lime mascarpone cheesecake
Ingredients
For base (cookie crumb)
- 2 cups ginger snaps approx volume
- 3 ½ tablespoon butter melted
- 1 lb mascarpone (1lb is typically 2 tubs)
- 2 lime juice (2 lime juice meaning from 2 limes, approx ¼ cup)
- 2 lime zest (ie from 2 limes, around 1 ½tbsp)
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, or a little more/less to taste
Macerated raspberry topping (optional)
- ½ cup raspberries
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped mint
Instructions
- Put the ginger snaps in a food processor and pulse until you have a breadcrumb-like consistency. Add the melted butter and pulse to mix the butter through and form gently sticky crumbs.
- Tip the crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8in/20cm cake tin with a removable base and spread the mixture flat, if you like slightly higher to the sides.
- Mix together the mascarpone, lime juice and zest and maple syrup/honey until well combined. Taste the mixture and add a little more sweetener or lime to taste.
- Tip the mascarpone mixture over the base and spread out carefully and evenly. Use a spatula or side of a knife to smooth out the surface.
- Chill the cheesecake for ideally an hour or more (can be made the day before needed) before taking out of the tin and serving.
For topping (if using)
- Mix together the raspberries, sugar, lime and chopped mint in a bowl and mix to combine and dissolve the sugar a little. Let sit around 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then and breaking up the raspberries slightly. You'll find more juices come out of the berries and sugar will completely dissolve. Serve over the cheesecake.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Lindsay
The thickness of your crust is perfect - I always think that a cookie crust is just as delicious as the pie filling itself 🙂
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, I actually felt if anything it was too thick, but it's certainly easy to adjust the amount to taste, and I agree it is a delicious (and needed) part of the whole thing.
Cathy
I love lime and mascarpone so I would eat this whole thing! Looks delicious! 🙂
Cathy
Jade @ Jonesin' For Taste
This sounds really similar to my husband's favorite key lime pie but I like the mascarpone cheese!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Jade. Mascarpone has such a great texture and flavor.
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen
I've only cooked with mascarpone once and LOVED it! This sounds perfect for days when I don't feel like turning on the oven but want dessert!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Ashlyn, absolutely!
Analida's Ethnic Spoon
I love the combinations of flavors with lime and mascarpone.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Analida, it is a great combination - simple but delicious.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Faye!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love no bake cheesecakes, this sounds like a delicious combination, I really love the crust with the pecans and dates!
KC the Kitchen Chopper
Luscious and "calorie worthy'. And no bake. Everything I could want in a dessert!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
Caroline, I love the fresh lime falvor and that it is no bake--suuper easy for this time of year!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Kristen, it is indeed great being so easy (and not just this time of year!)
Denise Wright
I love that there are not a lot of ingredients in this recipe. I could eat the crust all by itself!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Denise, the crust is definitely good enough to eat alone! But the topping is delicious as well so I wouldn't miss it out 🙂