Description
Creamy margarita cheesecake brings zesty lime and tequila flavors to a classic dessert. Mexican-inspired ingredients combine for a refreshing and indulgent treat you’ll savor with each tangy, smooth bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 ounces or 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) tequila
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a 325F (163C) preheated oven, ensuring optimal baking temperature for the cheesecake.
- Create a crunchy foundation by thoroughly combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, gently mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Infuse the cheesecake with vibrant citrus and cocktail-inspired flavors by blending in sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, zesty lime zest, tequila, orange liqueur, and pure vanilla extract.
- Carefully transfer the velvety mixture onto the prepared graham cracker crust within the springform pan.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, watching for a perfectly set center that indicates proper doneness.
- After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to gradually cool inside with the door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling it to firm up and develop enhanced flavors before serving.
Notes
- For an extra zesty kick, increase the lime zest and use fresh lime juice instead of bottled.
- Experiment with different types of tequila to create unique flavor profiles in your cheesecake.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila and orange liqueur with lime juice and orange extract.
- Prevent cracking by avoiding overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Cocktails
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg