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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 325°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with a light grease layer.
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, transform cream cheese into a silky smooth consistency by blending with sugar and cornstarch, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Enhance the cream cheese mixture with tangy sour cream, zesty key lime juice, and fragrant lime zest, stirring until perfectly integrated.
- 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.
- Introduce tropical elements by carefully folding in crushed pineapple, delicate shredded coconut, and aromatic coconut extract, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the velvety mixture onto the prepared crust, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center that indicates perfect doneness.
- After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar, facilitating a gradual cooling process.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal flavor melding and structural integrity.
- 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