Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

Tequila and lime-fueled tingle in a cooling summer dish

Cheesecake? Absolutely! But who wants to turn on the oven in this heat?

Enter Margarita Cheesecake Mousse. It’s a rich, no-bake tongue pleaser that’s loaded with flavor.

The taste mimics that of its namesake cocktail. But there’s no hangover if you have one too many.

We’ll, um, drink to that.


Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

Recipe: Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

A Margarita Cocktail combines tequila, lime, and triple sec. Margarita Cheesecake Mousse plays on this theme, adding cream cheese for flavor and body, plus whipped cream because, well, whipped cream. The result is pure bliss.

Mrs. Kitchen Riffs is the dessert maven in our household. She adapted this recipe from several she found on the interwebs, including this one.

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to make. Then you need to allow at least an hour for it to chill in the refrigerator.

The recipe yields 4 to 6 servings. But it’s easy to double or halve it to suit your needs.

Ingredients
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese (preferably full fat)
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) tequila
  • zest and juice of 3 to 4 limes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • garnish of lime wedges or slices (optional)
Procedure
  1. Using a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, using a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until they’re smooth. 
  2. Add the tequila, lime zest and juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Using a separate bowl, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream-cheese mixture. 
  4. Spoon the cheesecake mousse into serving dishes or glasses. Cover each dish with plastic wrap, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
  5. Garnish each dish with a lime wedge or slice, if desired.
Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

Notes
  • Want extra garnish? Just sprinkle on some additional lime zest.
  • You could also garnish each dish with a dollop of whipped cream. Though that will make an already-rich dish even more decadent. 
  • Some recipes call for serving this dish with a graham cracker crust. We don’t recommend this unless you like graham crackers in your Margaritas.
  • If you want to serve this dish with a crust, we recommend using one that’s made with saltines. See, for example, the crust we used in our recipe for Atlantic Beach Pie. The saltiness of this crust mimics the salty rim that some people like on Margarita cocktails. 
  • If you make this with a crust, you could tamp the crust down in a pie dish, then add the topping. This turns the dish into a pie that you can slice. We’ve made the dish both ways, and much prefer going the individual-serving route. 
  • The ramekins in our pictures hold 6 ounces, which makes for fairly large servings. You could use 4-ounce ramekins if you prefer. 
  • This dish also looks great when served in a fancy glass. Such as a cocktail glass, for example – with a lime slice for garnish. 
  • This dessert has some booze in it. Not a lot, but probably enough to cause a reaction for people who don’t tolerate alcohol. 
  • The tequila does add quite nice flavor to this dish. You could make it without, but the dish wouldn’t be as good.
Margarita Cheesecake Mousse

Mousseketeers

“Yummo,” I said. “This dessert is perfect for summer dinner parties.”

“If we could have dinner parties,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs.

“Yeah, this social distancing is getting old,” I said. “But at least we can chill in our own private Margaritaville.”

“And with all the cream cheese and whipped cream in this dish, we won’t be wasting away,” said Mrs K R.

“Though we may go feral,” I said.

“True,” said Mrs K R. “We might need to learn socialization skills all over again.” 

You mean, like not eating dessert first?

You may also enjoy reading about:
Margarita Cocktail
Atlantic Beach Pie
Atlantic Beach Pie
Blueberry-Lemon Parfait
Lemon Cheesecake with Walnut Crust
Dark and Stormy Icebox Cake
Fruit Salad with Champagne
Grape Flaugnarde (Flan)
Easy Peach Cobbler
Peachy Cream Shortcake
Or check out the index for more

80 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Your recipe sounds fabulous, alas. Our principles for avoiding lockdown weight gain forbid us to indulge in such a luxuriant ingredient list -- we just have to skip eating almost pure cream cheese and whipping cream!

Be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Chef Mimi said...

Oh boy, I bet this is good! I make a lime ice cream and I bet this is similar, except for the tequila. Fabulous!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, we're getting out and walking every day, but aren't as active as we usually are. On the flip side, we're not going to restaurants, so the calories even out. We hope. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, bet it is similar! Like the idea of lime ice cream. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, boy, you can see how luscious this mousse is from the photos!! Perfect for a summer dessert...though I'd indulge any time of year.

Jeff the Chef said...

Oh, I gave up saving dessert for last years ago. This cheesecake sounds luscious! I love that it has tequila in it, and not merely margarita flavors.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, we DO serve this throughout the year, also probably more often during warm weather. And yeah, this is luscious. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, the tequila does add a nice, subtle ping. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

This dish must be light in texture since there aren't any eggs. I make myself a Margarita once a week- so I'll definitely have to segway this into your special dessert!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, definitely a lighter texture than many cheesecakes. Margaritas are good cocktails, aren't they? One of our favorites! Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

MMMMM. I've been craving a margarita lately. (You know, we hardly ever have them unless we're out eating Mexican food and that had definitely not been happening lately.) I think I'll halve this recipe for dessert tonight!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, you'll like this -- promise. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dahn @savorthebest said...

This really is a great summer dessert that everyone will love. You are right about the crust. I have never had a graham cracker with my margarita ;)

Pam said...

I know I would love this!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, yeah, graham crackers get so soggy with margaritas. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, you would! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

What a fun idea. I’d serve it in margarita glasses just for fun. I’ll definitely try this. What’s not to love!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, this looks terrific in margarita glasses! With a lime garnish, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

Truly a perfect summer dessert! I would love to have some too, John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, one serving coming right up! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Sounds Incredible! And a must make soon. Pinning. Thanks John.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

John, this is a brilliant recipe! Can't wait to try it. You bet ya! We are so not turning on the oven in this heat. Love this adult dessert so rich and creamy!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, you really do need to make this. Soon. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, we actually will turn on the oven, but not too often. Besides, this is such a great dish, why would we want to? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anne in the kitchen said...

Oh My! (Said in a strong Alabama accent)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, indeed! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Sounds like the perfect weather for the hot days of summer. I love that you don't have to turn on the oven. So refreshing! Thanks for sharing!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is SO good. And cooling. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Isn't it the truth? Social skills are out the door! But that's OK when it comes to dessert!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, pretty much anything goes when it comes to dessert. Good thing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

handmade by amalia said...

Looks heavenly and just perfect for a summer's evening. Yum.
Amalia
xo

Sherry's Pickings said...

oh yum yum this sounds delish especially cos it doesn't have gelatine in it!!
yee hah!

Natalia said...

Looks so creamy and yum!

All That I'm Eating said...

This sounds so good! What's not to like?!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, heavenly is the perfect word! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, this is SO worth trying -- bet you'd like it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, yum indeed! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, exactly! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

I love a no bake cheesecake anyday. I like them better than baked versions. This one will top the charts. Yum yum

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, this really is a chart-topper. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

I made a margarita mousse once and it was so alcoholic that we got buzzed from dessert! No one really complained. Love the addition of cheese in yours!

Martyna said...

It looks very delicious 😊

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, sounds like a fun time! :-) Nice thing about the cream cheese is all the fat helps carry the tequila flavor, so you don't have to use that much. Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

My life is depending on no-bake desserts right now in this heat!! Thank you!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Martyna, it is. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, it's really, REALLY hot at the moment, isn't it? But no worries -- soon enough cooler weather will be here. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Yes, yes, and yes...this sound and look amazing...I am loving the idea of tequila in this no-bake dessert...such a lovely treat for the summer...thanks for the post John!
Have a great rest of the week!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, I take it you like this dish. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

This is good, definitely the mousse for me

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, it's really fantastic stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Eating dessert first, why not especially this good looking mousse.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, eating dessert first sometimes is fun! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ron said...

I'd grab this one up in a hurry John or should I say Mrs. K R. You know, I know it's crazy, but your Margarita Cheesecake Mousse makes me want to put it on top of a crushed corn chip crust. Salty crunch on the bottom and margarita joy on the top. Problem is, I don't have a clue how one would make a corn chip crust...

R's Rue said...

Yes. I want some.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, interesting idea! I'll bet you could just crush the corn chips and mix with sugar and melted butter. Instant crust! I think that would work. Maybe. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi R, you need some! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Just a perfect little bite to end a meal. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, isn't it, though? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Balvinder said...

Your mousse looks scrumptious! So easy and light, just right for summer.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Balvinder, really easy to make, and it goes down easy. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Oh YUM! My mouth is already watering. Key lime pie is my favorite and I can tell that this is a great alternativ and easier to make. Thanks for sharing John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, this has a kinda sorta similar flavor to Key Lime pie. And much easier to make, as you noticed. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

Now doesn't this sound yummy? And easy to make. I even think I have all the ingredients in the kitche. Bookmarked for a try out very soon!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, this is mainly a company dish for us -- so rich, when we make a full batch we don't want to eat the whole thing. Much better to share with people. Of course it's easy enough to make a half batch, which is what we did for this post. Still have a bit leftover in the freezer -- sounds like breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

This is the easiest cheesecake -- ever. And bonus points that it tastes like one of my favorite cocktails, too, complete with lime and salt.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this is an outstanding dessert. SO worth making. :-) Thanks for the comment.

lisa is cooking said...

This could be the official dessert of summer! The saltine crust suggestion sounds great. I'd love to try it with and without!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, definitely the official dessert of summer! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Heidi | The Frugal Girls said...

No bake desserts are the way to go with it so hot outside, and your cheesecake mousse sounds so amazingly delicious! Plus I really love how it doesn't take too many ingredients!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Heidi, cool stuff for hot weather. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

We’re in stage 2 of opening so we’ve had several outdoor dinner parties with one other couple. This looks like a perfect way to end a meal. I wonder if you could put it into an ice cream machy?
Eva Http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, interesting idea with the ice cream machine. Worth experimenting! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

Posting a cocktail inspired recipe when not posting a cocktail. I like the way you think :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, we're just bad, aren't we? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

Love the flavors in this mousse, John. Can't resist the combination of lime and cream cheese!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, this is wonderful stuff -- TONS of flavor. Tons. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

Oh my goodness, this is a dessert I know we will love. We may skip the tequila so I can serve it to the kids, but I already know I will have to make myself stop eating this LOL Love this recipe, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, you'll lose a little bit of flavor without the tequila, but just a little. It'll still be good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

One refreshing dessert perfect for sumemrtime fun.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, yup! :-) Thanks for the comment.