Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake

by Feli Chic'Cuisine

The Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake is a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the refreshing flavors of a margarita and the creamy indulgence of a cheesecake. This mouthwatering cake is a true delight for the senses, offering a harmonious balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy notes, leaving you wanting more.

The first time I tried Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake, I couldn’t believe how good it was. The creamy, lime-flavored filling with a hint of tequila reminded me of a margarita, and the sweet, fresh strawberry topping tied everything together perfectly.

It’s one of those desserts that looks fancy but feels so fun and refreshing to eat. Every bite had the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet.

The real star of this dessert is the vibrant strawberry topping that crowns the dessert, adding a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the cheesecake.

Margarita Cheesecake Made Easy: Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Biscuits for the Crust:

Use graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.

2. Get the Filling Right:

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Add fresh lime juice and zest for that authentic margarita tang. Add a splash of tequila and triple sec (optional) for a margarita twist. Use just enough to keep the flavor balanced.

3. Prevent Cracks in the Cheesecake:

Use room-temperature ingredients to avoid overmixing and air bubbles. Bake in a water bath (wrap the pan in foil to keep water out) to ensure even baking.

4. Don’t overbake!

The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.

5. Chill for the Best Texture:

Turn the oven off and prop the door open about 4 inches. Let the cheesecake stand 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

6. Chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Non-Alcoholic Margarita Cheesecake

If you're looking to make a Non-Alcoholic Margarita Cheesecake, you can easily substitute the alcoholic ingredients (tequila and triple sec) while keeping the delicious margarita flavor. Here are some great substitutions:

For Tequila:

Lime Juice: Increase the amount of fresh lime juice to maintain the citrusy tang. You can even add a bit of lime zest to enhance the flavor.
Lime-flavored Syrup: A non-alcoholic lime syrup can provide a more intense lime flavor if desired.
Sparkling Water or Club Soda: For a fizzy, margarita-like feel without the alcohol, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda.

For Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur):

Orange Juice: A splash of fresh orange juice will provide the sweetness and citrus notes without the alcohol.
Orange Extract or Zest: A few drops of orange extract or a little orange zest can replicate the flavor of triple sec without the alcohol.
Lemon or Lime Syrup: If you're looking for a sweeter alternative, an orange or lemon syrup can mimic the citrus liqueur’s sweetness and tang.

For the Margarita Flavor:

Agave Syrup or Honey: For added sweetness, agave syrup or honey can bring out the flavor profile of a margarita.

How to Make Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake

Make the Biscuit Crust

1. Mix the ground graham crackers and sugar in a bowl. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a springform pan. Bake for 6 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Not only does this cheesecake taste incredible, but it looks amazing too. The fresh strawberries on top make it so vibrant and inviting. The lime and tequila flavors in the cheesecake are perfectly balanced—just enough to remind you of a margarita without being overpowering.

Make the Filling

2. Beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually mix in the sour cream until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lime juice, tequila and Grand Marnier (optional) until just combined.

3. Pour the filling over the cooked crust. To minimize cracking, place springform pan in a large backing pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Add 2.5 cm (1 inch) of hot water to larger pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set.

3. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set.

Make the Topping:

4. Whisk sour cream, lime juice, lime peel and sugar. Spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake.

5. Arrange sliced strawberries on the topping for garnish.

Not only does this cheesecake taste incredible, but it looks amazing too. The fresh strawberries on top make it so vibrant and inviting. The lime and tequila flavors in the cheesecake are perfectly balanced—just enough to remind you of a margarita without being overpowering.

Strawberry Margarita

Cheesecake Recipe

Tropical vibes in every bite! This cheesecake is like a little slice of summer. The lime and tequila in the filling were just enough to make it tangy and refreshing, and the strawberry topping tied it all together beautifully.

Prep. Time: 25 min Bake Time: 55 min

Total Time: 1h 15 min Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Crust

350g ground graham crackers

3 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling

225g (8-ounce) cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/4 cups sour cream

3/4 cup, plus 2 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (Cointreau)

2 Tbsp tequila

3 Tbsp fresh lime juice

3 large eggs

For the Topping

1 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

2 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp grated lime zest

thinly sliced strawberries

Method

Make the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the ground graham crackers and sugar. Add the melted butter and toss with a fork until well combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to the springform pan and evenly cover the sides and bottom of the pan with crumbs. Bake for 6 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Make the Filling

4. In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually mix in the sour cream until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat until well combined.

5. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lime juice, tequila and Grand Marnier until just combined. Pour the filling over the cooked crust.

6. To minimize cracking, place springform pan in a large backing pan on the bottom rack of the oven. Add 2.5 cm (1 inch) of hot water to larger pan.

Bake

7. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set. Turn the oven off and prop the door open about 4 inches. Let the cheesecake stand 30 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool 10 minutes. Carefully remove the sides of the pan and let cool to room temperature on the rack.

Make the Topping

9. In a medium bowl, whisk sour cream, lime juice, lime peel and sugar. Spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Arrange sliced strawberries and a slice of lime on the topping for garnish.