There is something incredibly irresistible about combining tropical flavors into one creamy delight, and this Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Imagine a luscious cheesecake bursting with the tangy brightness of key lime and the sweet, fragrant richness of mango purée, layered on a buttery graham cracker crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re craving a refreshing summer dessert or want to impress guests with a vibrant twist on classic cheesecake, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that brings sunshine to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe lies not only in its exquisite taste but also in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is essential, working harmoniously to create a balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet notes that make this cheesecake outstanding.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide the perfect buttery and crunchy base that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both crust and filling evenly without overpowering the fruit flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust firmly.
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient for that silky, smooth cheesecake texture.
- Eggs: Give structure and help the cheesecake set to a perfect firmness.
- Sour cream: Adds subtle tanginess and keeps the filling moist.
- Key lime juice: Brings that zesty and refreshing citrus punch that defines this dessert.
- Key lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds off the tartness beautifully.
- Mango purée: Infuses the cake with tropical sweetness and a vibrant color that makes it pop.
- Whipped cream, mango slices, lime zest: Optional toppings that elevate presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
How to Make Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s evenly packed to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes to set the base, then remove and let it cool while you work on the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial to avoid lumps and create that luxurious mouthfeel. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to maintain a velvety consistency. Then stir in sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until combined, which gives the cheesecake its signature tangy and fragrant notes.
Step 3: Incorporate Mango Purée
Gently fold in the mango purée, ensuring it is fully incorporated without overmixing. This careful folding keeps the filling light and preserves the fresh tropical flavor that makes this Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe so special.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling onto the cooled crust and smooth out the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, watching for the center to set yet remain slightly jiggly, which indicates perfect doneness. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour. This gradual cooling step helps prevent cracks and ensures a creamy texture.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the texture to firm up just right for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe even more enticing, top it with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh mango slices, and a sprinkling of lime zest. These simple garnishes add a lovely visual appeal and a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness of the cheesecake perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a tropical fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a mint-infused berry compote. These accompaniments elevate the tropical vibe without overwhelming the delicate flavors in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in clear glasses layered with crushed graham cracker, mango purée, and cheesecake filling for a no-fuss parfait style. Another delightful option is to drizzle a tangy key lime syrup over each slice or garnish with edible flowers for a stunning, festive look that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance for gatherings or to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cheesecake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Cheesecake is typically enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it can alter the creamy texture. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let slices sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving to soften the cake gently.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime instead of key lime in this recipe?
Yes, regular lime juice can be used as a substitute. While it won’t have the exact same tartness and aroma as key limes, it will still deliver a delicious citrus flavor that complements the mango beautifully.
What type of mango works best for the purée?
Ripe, sweet mangoes like Ataulfo or Haden varieties make excellent purée because of their smooth texture and intense flavor. You can use fresh or frozen mango purée, just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing into the filling.
How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?
Avoid overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air causing cracks. Also, bake the cheesecake slowly and allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. Using a water bath is another method that helps maintain even heat distribution.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just make sure your butter and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is this Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or gelatin. It uses common dairy ingredients and eggs but no animal-derived gelatin products.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe is truly a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with tropical aromas and your table with vibrant colors. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate warmer days or to bring a sunny twist whenever you need a special dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that first blissful bite that captures all the charm of mango and key lime in every creamy forkful!
Print
Mango Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mango Key Lime Cheesecake combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the tangy zest of key lime, creating a refreshing and creamy dessert perfect for summer. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust and a luscious filling enriched with cream cheese and sour cream, this cheesecake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh mango slices, and lime zest for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mango purée (fresh or frozen, thawed)
For the topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Mango slices
- Lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well blended. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes to set, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free from lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Blend in sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Take care not to overmix to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
- Add mango purée: Gently fold in the mango purée until it is evenly distributed throughout the batter, maintaining a smooth texture without overmixing.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is firm yet still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking caused by sudden temperature changes.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, garnish optionally with whipped cream, fresh mango slices, and additional lime zest for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Notes
- If fresh key limes are unavailable, bottled key lime juice works well as a substitute.
- To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and consider baking with a water bath for gentler heat distribution.
- For a stronger mango flavor, swirl in extra mango purée on top of the batter before baking.
