National Dish Australia: Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake (Recipe)
In this article
Discover the fresh, zesty world of the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake, a dessert that captures the bright citrus notes of Australia’s native lemon myrtle in a wonderfully creamy bake. Every slice pairs a buttery biscuit base with a smooth, tangy filling for a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you are marking a special occasion or simply spoiling yourself on an ordinary day, this cheesecake brings a genuine taste of Australian cooking straight to your table.
About Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake
The Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake is a rather special dessert that unites the fresh, citrus-like aromas of Australian lemon myrtle with a rich, creamy cheesecake base. It is not only a delight to eat but also a striking centrepiece on any table. The cake works beautifully for special occasions or simply as a little everyday indulgence. With its distinctive flavour combination, this cheesecake brings a slice of Australian cuisine into your home, echoing the citrus-forward charm you might also find in a bright Passionfruit Curd.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g biscuits (e.g. plain butter biscuits)
- 100g melted butter
- 300g cream cheese
- 100g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried lemon myrtle
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 30g whipping cream
Shopping for the ingredients
Before you start on the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake, make sure you have all the ingredients to hand. Many of them are easy to find in your local supermarket. Choose good-quality products wherever you can, especially the cream cheese and the biscuits, as these form the very foundation of the flavour. The one thing that makes this recipe stand out is the lemon myrtle, which sometimes has to be bought from a specialist food shop or ordered online.
Preparing the dish
Preparation is the key to a successful Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake. First, crush the biscuits thoroughly until they reach the texture of fine sand. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter to create the perfect base for the cheesecake. This is the first step towards a crisp, buttery foundation that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling to come.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Crush the biscuits and combine them with the melted butter.
- Press the biscuit mixture into a springform tin and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cream cheese with the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon myrtle and vanilla extract.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the pre-baked biscuit base.
- Bake the cheesecake for 40–50 minutes, until the centre is set.
- Leave the cake to cool, then serve with whipped cream.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to make a gluten-free or lactose-free version of the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake, you can use gluten-free biscuits in place of the usual ones. Many supermarkets now stock ready-made gluten-free crumbs. For the lactose-free version, choose lactose-free cream cheese and cream. That way every guest can enjoy this delicious dessert, whatever their dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can use a plant-based alternative to cream cheese, made from cashews or soya. The eggs can also be replaced with apple purée or ground linseed to achieve the same binding effect. These tweaks make it possible to prepare the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake fully vegan without losing its wonderful flavour. Experimenting with different plant-based ingredients can help you reach exactly the right consistency.
More tips and tricks
For the best flavour and the perfect texture, it is important to bring all the ingredients to room temperature before you begin. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures the flavours blend well. After baking, let the cheesecake rest in the fridge for a few hours so it can firm up and the aromas can develop fully. An extra topping of fresh fruit or a citrus sauce can add a lovely finishing touch to the dessert.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the best things about the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake is how easily it adapts to different preferences and tastes. Prefer it sweeter? Add a little more sugar. Fancy a more intense citrus flavour? Increase the amount of lemon juice and lemon myrtle. You can also experiment with different bases — perhaps adding nuts or desiccated coconut for an extra layer of texture.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find lemon myrtle, you can use lemon zest or lemon extract instead to achieve a similar, if slightly altered, flavour note. Look out too for seasonal fruit as a topping, using whatever is available to make the cheesecake even fresher and more appealing. You can just as easily change the type of biscuit to discover new flavours — try chocolate biscuits, for example, for a chocolatey twist reminiscent of a rich Chocolate Mousse.
Drink pairing ideas
Several drinks pair beautifully with this exciting dessert. A fruity white wine or a light cocktail with citrus notes complements the fresh flavours of the cheesecake perfectly. Alternatively, you could serve an iced tea or a lemonade-style drink to round off the tasting experience in harmony. Offering guests a selection of such refreshing drinks will noticeably lift the whole atmosphere at dessert time.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake can make a real difference. Use fresh fruit, edible flowers or even a pretty sugar glaze to make the dessert more attractive. Place the cheesecake on a decorative plate and garnish it with mint leaves or a fruity sauce. Take care to serve it in suitable portion sizes, which further enhances the visual appeal of the dessert. For a showstopping spread, present it alongside a classic Pavlova or dainty Lamingtons.
A bit of history
Lemon myrtle is a plant native to Australia and has been used for centuries by Aboriginal peoples to flavour food and drink. As this ingredient has become better known in modern cooking, lemon myrtle has grown into a popular element in many recipes. The popularity of the Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake reflects a desire to transform regional ingredients into creative and delicious desserts. This culinary tradition shows how flavours can evolve and be preserved across generations, much like the native flavours celebrated in Wattleseed Ice Cream and across Australian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake
The Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake is not just a dessert but a journey into the flavours of Australia. With its fresh, citrus-like note and creamy texture, it offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that suits both special occasions and relaxed dinners with friends. Because the recipe can be adapted to individual tastes, you can turn this dish into your own personal speciality. Surprise your guests with a slice of this delicious cheesecake and enjoy the compliments on your culinary skills.
