Zesty Lime Mousse Cheesecake

By boom Last updated Oct 1, 2024

Are you looking for a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent? This Lime Mousse Cheesecake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The tangy flavor of lime paired with the creamy texture of cheesecake creates a delightful dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s for a summer get-together or a special occasion, this cheesecake is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Plus, with a fluffy lime mousse topping, it’s as light as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this refreshing cheesecake, you’ll need a combination of basic ingredients and a few key flavor boosters like fresh lime juice and zest. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
Zest of 2 limes
1 envelope (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin (optional, for firmer texture)

For the Lime Mousse:

1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Lime zest for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Begin by preparing your crust, which forms the base of the cheesecake. The crust will be crunchy and slightly sweet, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, making sure it forms an even layer.
Bake the crust for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s golden brown and set. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While your crust cools, start on the cheesecake filling. The combination of tangy lime juice and creamy cheese will make the filling both rich and refreshing.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the cheese is evenly mixed.
Gradually add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You’ll fold this into the cream cheese mixture to give the cheesecake its light and airy texture.
Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and the zest from two limes. This will give the filling a bright citrus flavor.

If you prefer a firmer cheesecake texture, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in two tablespoons of water. Heat the gelatin mixture gently until it is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly before folding it into the cheesecake filling.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake: Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the cheesecake.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, making sure to spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Smooth the top and then refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours. This will allow the cheesecake to set properly. For best results, you can even leave it overnight.

4. Prepare the Lime Mousse: The lime mousse adds a fluffy, creamy layer on top of the cheesecake. This light mousse, infused with lime juice, will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice to give the mousse its signature flavor.
Once the cheesecake has set, spoon or pipe the lime mousse over the top, creating a beautiful, pillowy layer.

5. Garnish and Serve: To finish off your lime mousse cheesecake, garnish it with a bit of lime zest. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the zesty lime flavor.

Serve the cheesecake chilled for the best experience. The cool, creamy texture of the cheesecake combined with the bright citrus flavor makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake

Use Fresh Limes:
For the best flavor, always use fresh lime juice and zest. Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same zesty, citrusy punch that fresh limes provide. You can zest the limes before juicing them, and make sure to avoid zesting the white pith, as it can add a bitter taste.

Refrigeration is Key:
It’s essential to let your cheesecake chill for at least four hours, but ideally, it should chill overnight. This gives the cheesecake time to fully set and ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly. The lime mousse also needs time to firm up, so make sure to chill it before serving.

Consider the Gelatin:
If you like your cheesecake to be a bit firmer, adding the optional gelatin will help achieve that consistency. However, if you prefer a softer, creamier texture, you can skip this step.

Expanding Your Recipe

If you’re looking to expand the recipe or make it more unique, consider adding a few variations:

Tropical Twist: Add some shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust for an additional layer of flavor. You can also top the cheesecake with slices of fresh mango or kiwi for a tropical touch.

Chocolate Lime Cheesecake: For chocolate lovers, melt some white chocolate and swirl it into the cheesecake filling before chilling. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lime.
Ginger Lime Mousse: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the lime mousse for a spicy kick. Ginger complements the lime’s brightness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Layered Lime Mousse Cheesecake: To add more texture and color, you can layer the lime mousse and cheesecake filling. Alternate layers of cheesecake and mousse, finishing with a mousse layer on top for a striking presentation.

Conclusion

This Lime Mousse Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for those who love the combination of tart and sweet. With its crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fluffy lime mousse, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a party, a special dinner, or just to enjoy with family, this cheesecake is bound to be a hit.

The next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing and indulgent dessert, give this cheesecake a try. You won’t be disappointed!