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

- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the base of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in sour cream (or heavy cream), lemon and lime juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- 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.
PrintLemon & Lime Cheesecake
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.
- 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
For the crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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½ cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon lime zest
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional topping:
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Whipped cream
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Extra lemon/lime zest for garnish
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Thin lemon/lime slices
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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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.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar and mix until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
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Add sour cream, lemon and lime juice, zest, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and combined.
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Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
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Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
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Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
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Before serving, top with whipped cream, zest, or citrus slices if desired.
Notes
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Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
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Don’t skip the chilling time — it helps the cheesecake set properly.
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You can also use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the crust.