Dreamy Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Pina Colada Recipe for Summer Sips

Summers buzz with excitement when a key lime pie cheesecake pina colada hits the dessert scene, promising tropical delight in every creamy spoonful.

Sweet coconut whispers of Caribbean beaches dance through rich cream cheese layers.

Tangy lime zings across your palate with unexpected brightness.

Pineapple chunks add surprising bursts of sunshine to each decadent bite.

Smooth textures meld into a dessert that feels like a beachside vacation condensed onto your plate.

Unexpected flavor combinations make this treat a conversation starter at any gathering.

Pina Colada Cheesecake With Key Lime Layers and Smart Chilling Tips

• Wrap the springform pan's exterior with aluminum foil to protect the crust from direct heat and prevent potential cracks.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cheesecake to crack during baking.
• Toast coconut before adding to the mixture to enhance its nutty, caramelized flavor and provide a more intense tropical taste profile.
• Keep cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to reduce sudden temperature changes, preventing potential surface cracks and ensuring a silky texture.
• Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal texture and taste.

Keep Pina Colada Cheesecake Cold And Creamy

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 1-2 months.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight to slowly defrost, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Enjoy cold or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance flavors.

Tropical Pairings for Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Pina Colada

• Tropical Rum Splash: Pair the cheesecake with a chilled piña colada cocktail, matching the recipe's tropical coconut and pineapple flavors for an authentic Caribbean experience.
• Zesty Citrus Wine Match: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the key lime's tangy notes and balance the rich cheesecake's creamy texture.
• Coconut Liqueur Boost: Drizzle a shot of coconut rum or Malibu over each slice to enhance the dessert's tropical essence and add an extra layer of indulgent flavor.
• Sparkling Fruit Finish: Pour a chilled prosecco or sparkling moscato to cut through the cheesecake's richness while highlighting its bright, fresh fruit undertones.

Key Lime Cheesecake Piña Colada Inspired

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour mixed with melted butter for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Island Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with aquafaba or silken tofu for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Tropical Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce the amount of pineapple to lower overall sugar content while maintaining the tropical flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Paradise: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like almond or coconut-based cream cheese, and coconut cream instead of sour cream for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What makes the crust unique in this recipe?

The crust uses graham cracker crumbs combined with sugar and melted butter, creating a sweet and buttery base that perfectly complements the tropical cheesecake flavors.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It should not look liquid or overly wet when you gently shake the pan.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well and is a convenient alternative to squeezing fresh limes. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice for the best authentic flavor.

• Why do I need to add cornstarch to the cheesecake mixture?

Cornstarch helps stabilize the cheesecake, preventing cracks and creating a smoother, creamier texture while helping the filling set properly during baking.

Why Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Pina Colada Is A Must

• Tropical Taste Adventure: Dive into a vacation-inspired dessert that blends the tang of key lime pie with creamy cheesecake and tropical pina colada flavors.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Create a stunning dessert with simple steps and basic ingredients that even novice bakers can master in under 90 minutes of total preparation and cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfectly designed for stress-free entertaining, this cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance and chills beautifully in the refrigerator, allowing hosts to relax before serving.
• Party-Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved dessert elements like graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and tropical pineapple-coconut notes that appeal to wide range of taste preferences at gatherings, potlucks, and summer celebrations.

Pina Colada Cheesecake Pie Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a sweet and crunchy foundation, provides texture and flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust, balances the graham cracker's mild taste.
• Melted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients, creates a rich and compact base.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy base that delivers rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling, balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize and thicken the cheesecake filling, prevents cracking.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake, create a smooth consistency.
• Key Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence to the cheesecake.

• Crushed Pineapple, Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical flavors and texture, enhances the pina colada theme.
• Coconut Extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor, adds depth to the dessert.
• Whipped Cream, Toasted Coconut, Lime Slices: Decorative garnishes that add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Pina Colada Directions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab a 9-inch springform pan and give it a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Tropical Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press this sandy mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom.

Pop it in the oven for a quick 10-minute toast, then let it chill and cool down.

Step 3: Whip up Creamy Cheesecake Base

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

• Sour cream
• Fresh key lime juice
• Bright lime zest

Step 4: Fold in Tropical Treasures

Gently add eggs one by one, mixing softly.

• Crushed pineapple
• Shredded coconut
• Coconut extract

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the dreamy mixture over your crust.

Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center looks just set and slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Gentle Cooling Method

Turn off the oven.

Leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly cracked open, allowing it to cool gradually.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours – patience is key for that perfect texture!

Step 8: Dress Up Your Dessert

Top with fluffy whipped cream, sprinkle toasted coconut, and garnish with fresh lime slices.

Serve and transport yourself to a tropical paradise!

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Pina Colada Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime pie cheesecake pina colada blends tropical paradise with classic dessert charm. Silky layers of tangy lime, rich coconut, and smooth cream cheese promise a delightful escape you’ll savor with each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter (113 grams)

Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut
• Lime slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 325°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with a light grease layer.
2. Create a crunchy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the pan’s base. Briefly bake for 10 minutes to solidify the crust, then allow it to cool completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, transform cream cheese into a silky smooth consistency by blending with sugar and cornstarch, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Enhance the cream cheese mixture with tangy sour cream, zesty key lime juice, and fragrant lime zest, stirring until perfectly integrated.
5. Gently incorporate eggs into the mixture, one at a time, maintaining a delicate mixing technique to preserve the cheesecake’s potential for a luxurious texture.
6. Introduce tropical elements by carefully folding in crushed pineapple, delicate shredded coconut, and aromatic coconut extract, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the velvety mixture onto the prepared crust, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
8. Bake the cheesecake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center that indicates perfect doneness.
9. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar, facilitating a gradual cooling process.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal flavor melding and structural integrity.
11. Before serving, embellish with billowy whipped cream, sprinkle of toasted coconut, and artfully placed lime slices for a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

• Customize the crust by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prevent cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter, which can introduce excess air and cause surface fissures.
• Enhance tropical flavors by adding a splash of rum extract or using fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned for a more vibrant, authentic taste profile.
• Create a water bath when baking to ensure even, gentle heat distribution and maintain the cheesecake’s creamy, smooth texture without potential drying or overbaking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Cocktails
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg