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Lime lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing, this Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. The zesty lime flavor paired with a velvety cream cheese filling and an airy mousse topping will have your taste buds singing! Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
Let’s dive right into the details, so you can start creating this delightful dessert yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Lime Mousse Cheesecake
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this cheesecake:
- Bright and refreshing: Lime zest and juice add a tangy burst of flavor that complements the richness of the cheesecake.
- Light mousse topping: The lime mousse on top brings a smooth, airy finish, keeping the cake light and refreshing.
- Simple ingredients: With basic pantry items like graham crackers, cream cheese, and limes, you’ll be amazed at the gourmet taste.
- No-fuss prep: Minimal baking is involved—just the crust! The rest of the magic happens in the fridge.
The taste is everything you’d expect from a citrus-based dessert: tart, creamy, and subtly sweet, with a cool, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this cheesecake the ultimate summer treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake, here’s what you’ll need:
The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes
- Juice of 3 limes (approximately 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Lime Mousse Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Spatula
- Zester
- Juicer
- Whisk or piping bag (optional for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well-combined and has the texture of wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is cooling, it’s time to whip up the filling!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and the filling is zesty and aromatic.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture, making sure to keep the airy texture.
- Once the mixture is combined, pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld and the filling set.
3. Prepare the Lime Mousse Topping
After the cheesecake has set, it’s time for the mousse topping. The mousse adds a beautiful lightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the cheesecake.
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add the lime zest and lime juice, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Gently spread or pipe the mousse on top of the chilled cheesecake. You can make swirls with a spatula or pipe it decoratively using a piping bag for a fancier presentation.
4. Serve Your Cheesecake
For a fresh finishing touch, garnish with extra lime zest or thin lime slices. The vibrant green pops against the creamy mousse, making it look as good as it tastes! Slice, serve, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Lime Mousse Cheesecake
This cheesecake pairs well with a variety of dishes. You could serve it after a light, summery meal like grilled fish or chicken with a citrus glaze. For a drink pairing, try a sparkling limeade, a mojito, or even a glass of chilled white wine.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesecake
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps.
- Chill for the full time: The longer you refrigerate the cheesecake, the better it sets. Overnight chilling is ideal for a firm yet creamy texture.
- Don’t over-mix the whipped cream: When folding the whipped cream into the cheesecake filling, do it gently to maintain the airy texture.
Storage Instructions
You can store this Lime Mousse Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the cheesecake and freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To serve frozen slices, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other citrus fruits in this cheesecake?
Absolutely! If you love other citrus flavors, you can swap out the lime juice and zest for lemon, orange, or even a mix of both for a fun twist.
2. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries! You can use a regular pie dish, though it might be harder to remove clean slices. Simply grease the pie dish well before pressing in the crust.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free alternative. Make sure all other ingredients, like powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake brings together the perfect harmony of creamy richness and zesty brightness. With every bite, you’ll experience the smooth cheesecake filling, the tart kick of lime, and the light-as-air mousse topping. Best of all, it’s an easy dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more citrusy treats like our Lemon Cream Pie or Key Lime Bars—both are just as irresistible!
I can’t wait to hear how your cheesecake turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review, share your thoughts, and pin this recipe on Pinterest for later. Enjoy!
PrintRefreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake: A Creamy and Zesty Delight
- Total Time: About 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake combines the zesty flavor of fresh lime with a creamy cheesecake base and a light mousse topping. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch, while the mousse brings a smooth, airy finish that melts in your mouth. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a cool, citrusy treat!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes
- Juice of 3 limes (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Lime Mousse Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, mixing until combined. Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Lime Mousse Topping: Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add lime zest and juice, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the mousse on top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Serve: Garnish with extra lime zest or lime slices for a decorative touch. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- If you prefer a more subtle lime flavor, reduce the amount of lime juice slightly.
- Cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking + No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg