Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is a creamy, zesty dessert that brings a bright and refreshing twist to traditional cheesecake. With a buttery biscuit crust and a silky filling infused with citrus flavors, it’s the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a slice with afternoon tea, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with fresh citrus flavor
  • Creamy, smooth texture with a light tang
  • No need for a water bath
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Great for warm-weather desserts
  • Can be made ahead of time
  • Versatile for toppings like whipped cream or fruit
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • Lovely presentation for special occasions
  • Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Digestive biscuits or graham crackers (for the base)
  • Unsalted butter (melted)
  • Cream cheese (room temperature)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream or heavy cream
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Lime juice and zest
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.
  3. Press the mixture into the base of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
  4. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  6. Mix in sour cream (or heavy cream), lemon and lime juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
  7. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  10. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 slices and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and bake, plus cooling and chilling time.

Variations

  • Add a citrus curd layer on top for more zing
  • Use ginger biscuits for a spicy crust twist
  • Fold in whipped cream for a no-bake version
  • Add a dash of coconut extract for tropical flavor
  • Top with fresh berries, candied citrus slices, or mint leaves
  • Make mini cheesecakes using a muffin tin
  • Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer texture

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This cheesecake is best served chilled; reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

Yes, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake. If using a regular dish, line it with parchment for easy lifting.

Do I need to bake this in a water bath?

No, this recipe doesn’t require a water bath, but baking at a lower temperature helps prevent cracks.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

How tart is this cheesecake?

It has a noticeable citrus zing but remains well balanced with sweetness.

What’s the best cream cheese to use?

Full-fat block cream cheese gives the best creamy texture.

Can I make it no-bake?

Yes, just replace the eggs with whipped cream and use gelatin or condensed milk to set it.

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid over-mixing, bake gently at low temperature, and cool slowly in the oven.

Can I use bottled lemon/lime juice?

Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely—try whipped cream, citrus zest, fresh berries, or a fruit compote.

Is this dessert freezer-friendly?

Yes! Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.

Conclusion

Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is the ultimate citrus lover’s dream—tangy, creamy, and indulgently smooth. With its sunny flavors and elegant texture, it’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and refreshing. Make it for your next gathering or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your week.

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Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

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This Lemon & Lime Cheesecake is a zesty twist on the classic dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, citrus-packed filling, it’s cool, creamy, and absolutely refreshing. The lemon and lime flavors shine through without being overpowering — the perfect treat for sunny days or anytime you’re craving something bright and sweet.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional topping:

  • Whipped cream

  • Extra lemon/lime zest for garnish

  • Thin lemon/lime slices


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

  4. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

  5. Add sour cream, lemon and lime juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and combined.

  6. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.

  7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.

  8. Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

  9. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

  10. Before serving, top with whipped cream, zest, or citrus slices if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.

  • Don’t skip the chilling time — it helps the cheesecake set properly.

  • You can also use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the crust.

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