Introduction

There is something absolutely magical about the combination of tart citrus and velvety cream cheese. As the weather warms up, my kitchen usually transitions from heavy chocolate desserts to things that feel light, airy, and bright. That is exactly where this Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake comes in.

This isn’t your average, heavy New York-style cheesecake. Instead, it features a dual-layer approach: a rich, classic cheesecake base topped with a cloud-like lime mousse that delivers a punch of Vitamin C-inspired zest. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a “treat yourself” moment on a Tuesday, this recipe is designed to impress without keeping you chained to the oven all day.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve made dozens of cheesecakes over the years, but this one holds a special place in my heart for three specific reasons:

1. The Texture Contrast: You get the crunch of the graham cracker, the density of the cream cheese, and the fluffiness of the mousse in every single bite.
2. Perfect Balance: Many lime desserts are either too sour or cloyingly sweet. The cornstarch-thickened lime curd in the mousse ensures a stable, tangy flavor that balances the sugar perfectly.
3. Visual Appeal: Topped with deep purple blackberries and bright green mint, it looks like it came straight out of a high-end bakery case.

List of Ingredients

The Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

The Lime Mousse Layer

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup fresh lime juice (approx. 4-5 limes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cheesecake Filling

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnishes

• Fresh blackberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• Additional lime zest

Swaps and Notes

• The Citrus: If you can’t find standard Persian limes, Key Limes are a fantastic swap, though you’ll need to juice many more of them!
• The Crust: Want a twist? Swap the graham crackers for crushed ginger snaps or even these easy coconut macaroons pulsed into crumbs for a tropical flair.
• Dairy-Free: You can use plant-based cream cheese and heavy whipping cream alternatives, though the setting time in the fridge may need to be longer.
• Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup without affecting the structure.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it feels like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Craft the Lime Mousse Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lime juice, zest, 1 cup of sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. You want the mixture to thicken until it coats the back of a spoon and just starts to boil. Once thick, remove from heat and let it cool completely. (Pro tip: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming).

3. Whip the Mousse

In a large chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold your cooled lime mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and a “cut and fold” motion to keep the air in the mousse.

4. Create the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. Stir in the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract.

5. Assemble and Chill

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Top this with the lime mousse layer, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for the cleanest slices.

6. The Grand Finale

Before serving, garnish with fresh blackberries, mint leaves, and a final dusting of lime zest.

Tips for Success

• Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened. If it’s cold, you’ll end up with tiny lumps in your filling that are impossible to whisk out.
• Juice Wisely: Always zest your limes before you juice them. It is much harder to zest a squished lime!
• Don’t Rush the Cooling: Ensure the lime curd is completely cool before folding it into the whipped cream, or the cream will melt and your mousse will become a liquid.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cheesecake is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other light treats.

• Drinks: Serve a slice alongside a tall glass of this refreshing blueberry lemonade for a double dose of fruit flavor.
• Party Spread: If you are hosting a spring brunch, pair this with this 3-ingredient egg wrap for a savory start followed by a sweet finish.
• Snack Table: Add some spring flower pretzel bites to the dessert table for a salty-sweet crunch that kids will love.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on 12 servings

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 23g
• Sugar: 20g

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: This cheesecake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge for 2 hours before eating.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the crust and the lime curd a day in advance to save time on the day of your event.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this refreshing dessert, you have to try these other fan favorites from the site:

• This easy ice cream sandwich cake – another perfect no-bake summer solution.
• These spring flower pretzel bites – the cutest addition to any dessert platter.
• This 3-ingredient egg wrap – for when you need a quick meal before diving into dessert prep.

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Final Thoughts

This Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter. The vibrant green zest and the punchy lime flavor never fail to brighten up a room. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you stick to the blackberries or try a different fruit topping?

Please leave a comment below with your feedback, and don’t forget to follow ChefManiac on social media for more daily recipe inspiration!