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Homemade margarita cheesecake recipe with whipped cream, lime wedges, and zest on a white kitchen counter, overhead shot with natural homemade feel.

Margarita Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy no-bake margarita cheesecake recipe infused with lime zest and a splash of tequila. Perfect summer or Cinco de Mayo dessert with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs Sweet crunchy base
  • 6 tablespoon Butter, melted Binds crust
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar Sweetens crust
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances flavors
Filling
  • 24 oz Cream cheese, softened Room temperature
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar Smooth sweetness
  • ¼ cup Fresh lime juice Tangy margarita flavor
  • 3 tablespoon Tequila Sub with lime juice for alcohol-free
  • 2 tablespoon Lime zest Divided for filling + garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Depth of flavor
  • 1 ½ cups Heavy whipping cream Whipped for airy texture
  • 2 packets Unflavored gelatin Helps set filling
  • ¼ cup Water To bloom gelatin
Garnish
  • Whipped cream Garnish
  • Lime wedges Garnish
  • Coarse salt Optional rim
  • Extra lime zest For topping

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch springform pan For easy removal and professional presentation
  • 1 Electric Mixer (stand or hand) To beat cream cheese and combine filling
  • 1 Rubber spatula For folding whipped cream
  • 1 Fine-Mesh Zester To zest limes evenly
  • 1 Offset spatula To smooth cheesecake top
  • 1 Sharp knife For clean slices

Method
 

  1. Line pan & prep crust.
  2. Mix crumbs, butter, sugar, and salt.
  3. Press mixture into pan, chill.
  4. Bloom gelatin in water.
  5. Dissolve gelatin.
  6. Beat cream cheese smooth.
  7. Add sugar, lime juice, tequila, zest, vanilla.
  8. Mix in gelatin.
  9. Whip cream to soft peaks.
  10. Fold whipped cream into filling.
  11. Pour filling over crust.
  12. Smooth top, cover, chill 6+ hours.
  13. Garnish & serve.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.