The Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is a bright, tangy dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings. It features a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a rich and zesty lime-flavored cheesecake. The cheesecake is infused with the fresh flavors of lime zest and lime juice, and lightened with a whipped cream filling. The final touch is a lime mousse topping made from whipped cream, powdered sugar, and more fresh lime zest. This cheesecake is best served chilled, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat for warm weather. Garnish with extra lime zest or slices for a burst of color and flavor!
Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake: A Zesty Summer Delight
This Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is a citrus lover's dream! With its bright and tangy lime flavor, paired with a creamy mousse topping, this cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any warm-weather gathering. The base starts with a classic graham cracker crust, which provides a crunchy, buttery contrast to the smooth lime cheesecake filling. The filling itself is infused with fresh lime juice and zest, giving it a refreshing and slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and cream. The crowning glory is the lime mousse topping—whipped cream lightly sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with more lime zest and juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
INGREDIENTS
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups, for the crust.
- Granulated sugar (for crust): ¼ cup, to sweeten the base.
- Melted butter: 6 tbsp, to bind the crust.
- Cream cheese: 16 oz (softened), for the cheesecake filling.
- Granulated sugar (for filling): ¾ cup, to sweeten the filling.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, to flavor the filling.
- Zest of 2 limes:, for a bright citrus flavor in the cheesecake.
- Juice of 3 limes: (about ⅓ cup), to add tartness to the cheesecake filling.
- Heavy whipping cream (for filling): 1 cup, whipped to add lightness to the cheesecake filling.
- Heavy whipping cream (for mousse): 1 cup, for the mousse topping.
- Powdered sugar: ¼ cup, to sweeten the mousse topping.
- Zest of 1 lime:, for flavoring the mousse topping.
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp, for a tangy kick in the mousse topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cheesecake mixture. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 3:
- For the lime mousse topping, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add lime zest and lime juice, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the mousse over the chilled cheesecake.
- Step 4:
- Garnish with extra lime zest or thin lime slices. Slice and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving, or overnight for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- To intensify the lime flavor, you can add more zest or a bit more lime juice to the mousse topping.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight ensures that the flavors have time to meld together for the best possible taste.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Emily suggests adding a touch of honey to the mousse for a more complex sweetness that complements the tart lime flavor.
How to Create the Perfect Lime Mousse Topping
The secret to a perfect lime mousse topping is in the whipped cream. Make sure the heavy cream is cold and whip it until soft peaks form before adding the powdered sugar, lime zest, and lime juice. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the mousse to become too dense. The mousse should be light and airy, providing a lovely contrast to the rich cheesecake below.
Achieving the Ideal Cheesecake Texture
The key to a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture lies in properly mixing the filling and allowing the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined, and avoid overmixing, which can incorporate too much air. Once the filling is poured over the crust, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavors.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used if necessary.
How long can I store the cheesecake?
The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make the mousse topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mousse topping a few hours in advance, but it's best to assemble it on the cheesecake right before serving for the freshest texture.
Summary
The Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is a zesty and creamy dessert, perfect for summer occasions. The cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and tangy lime-infused filling, and a light lime mousse topping. The combination of the tart lime juice and zest with the creamy texture of the cheesecake creates a well-balanced dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. The lime mousse adds a light, airy finish to this already delightful dessert, making it ideal for serving after a summer meal. The cheesecake is easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients, but delivers a vibrant and flavorful dessert that will impress any guest. Garnish with extra lime zest or thin slices for a pop of color and flavor!