Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Lime Mousse Cheesecake! It’s like a little slice of sunshine on a plate. Every time I make it, I’m instantly transported to a warm beach, the tangy lime balancing perfectly with the creamy cheesecake. I remember the first time I served it at a summer barbecue; everyone was raving about how refreshing it was! Trust me, the lightness and zestiness just make it the perfect dessert for warm days or any occasion that calls for something special. Plus, the combination of the buttery graham cracker crust and that fluffy mousse-like filling? Pure bliss. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (make sure to zest before juicing the limes!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the whipped cream)
How to Prepare Lime Mousse Cheesecake
Preparing the Crust
Let’s start with that delicious graham cracker crust! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix it all together until it looks like wet sand. Now, grab a springform pan and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s compact for a sturdy base! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Wow, the smell is heavenly! Once it’s done, let it cool completely before we pour in that creamy filling.
Making the Filling
Now for the real magic! In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 packages (8 oz each) of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy—trust me, you want this to be velvety! Next, add in 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, and that zesty 1 tablespoon of lime zest. Mix it all until it’s well combined. Now, in another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. This is where the mousse-like texture comes in! Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it. We want all that airiness!
Assembling the Cheesecake
Alright, it’s assembly time! Carefully pour that luscious filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Now here’s the tough part—patience! Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you can wait overnight, even better! This chilling time really lets all those flavors meld together and gives the cheesecake that perfect texture. You’ll be so glad you did!
Tips for Success

To ensure your Lime Mousse Cheesecake turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh limes for that bright, zesty flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare. When you’re making the crust, make sure to pack the graham cracker mixture tightly in the pan. This helps it hold together when you slice the cheesecake later. And speaking of slicing, let it chill for the recommended time; trust me, it’s worth the wait! If you’re in a hurry, don’t rush the cooling process—your cheesecake needs that time to set up properly. Another common pitfall is overmixing the filling; you want to be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to keep that airy texture. Lastly, if you want to avoid cracks on the surface, don’t open the fridge door too often while it’s chilling! A little patience goes a long way with this delicious dessert. Enjoy the process, and you’ll create something magical!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I’ve done my best to provide accurate nutritional information for this Lime Mousse Cheesecake, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Typically, one slice contains about 350 calories, 22g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. For the most precise information, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and remember that it’s all about balance and savoring each bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While I adore the classic graham cracker crust, you can switch things up if you want. Try using crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist, or even a nut-based crust made with almond or pecan meal for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to adjust the butter and sugar accordingly for a delicious base!
How long can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this crowd-pleaser!), you can store the Lime Mousse Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well so it stays fresh and doesn’t absorb any odors from the fridge!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
You bet! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, I recommend preparing it a day in advance to allow all those lovely flavors to meld together. Just follow the chilling instructions and keep it covered in the refrigerator. You’ll be so glad you did when it’s time to serve—your guests will be impressed, and you’ll have less stress on the day of your gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for warm weather or any festive occasion.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
- The creamy texture paired with the zesty lime creates a delightful balance that dazzles the taste buds.
- Perfect for impressing guests at parties, barbecues, or family gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom to enjoy your event without stress.
- Versatile enough to customize with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a tangy fruit coulis.
Variations on Lime Mousse Cheesecake
Now, let’s get creative with this Lime Mousse Cheesecake! One of my favorite twists is to add fresh berries. You can fold in some pureed strawberries or blueberries to the filling for a fruity burst of flavor. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out lime for lemon or even orange for a citrus medley that’s equally refreshing!
Another fun idea is to incorporate a layer of raspberry or passion fruit puree on top for a stunning presentation and an extra zing. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before serving! The possibilities are endless, and the best part is, you can easily make it your own while still enjoying that creamy, zesty goodness. So go ahead, experiment and have fun with it!
Print
Lime Mousse Cheesecake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A light and refreshing dessert that combines the tanginess of lime with creamy cheesecake.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh limes for the best flavor.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for better texture.
- Top with additional lime zest for garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Lime Mousse Cheesecake
