Name: Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs; 2 tbsp Butter, melted; 1 cup Cream cheese, softened (At room temperature); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain; 1/2 cup Lime juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tbsp Lime zest, finely grated; 1/4 cup Honey; 1/2 cup Heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, zesty, and impossibly light — this Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that brightens any table and disappears fast. Picture a silky lime mousse folded into smooth cream cheese, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust: each bite is tangy, sweet, and feather-light. Fun fact: lime desserts have been a summertime favorite since the early 20th century when citrus was celebrated for its refreshing kick. If you love bright, fruity cheesecake variations, you might also enjoy these Blackberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for another crowd-pleasing twist.

This recipe is special because it proves you don’t need hours or complicated techniques to make an elegant dessert. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and family-friendly — kids and adults both adore the balance of creamy and citrusy flavors. Compared to a dense baked cheesecake, this mousse-style version is lighter, no-bake, and much faster to set. Ready to impress without sweating over the oven? Let’s get zesting!

What is Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake?

What’s in a name? Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake sounds like a hybrid — and it is. Is it mousse? Is it cheesecake? Both! Imagine the cloud-like texture of a mousse joined with the familiar tang of cream cheese. Curious where the name came from — was it invented by a chef who loved puns? Maybe. Or perhaps someone tasted it and declared it so delightful that “refreshing” just had to be part of the title.

There’s a playful side to this dessert: it’s light enough to follow a big meal yet satisfying enough to feel indulgent. And remember the old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you bake for a date night or family gathering, this dessert is a charming way to show you care. Give it a try — I promise you’ll smile with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the main highlight: the perfect harmony of tangy lime and velvety cream cheese creates a bright, refreshing flavor that isn’t overly sweet. It wakes up the palate and leaves you craving the next bite.

Second, it’s economical. Making this at home saves money compared to store-bought mousse cakes or restaurant desserts, and the ingredient list is short and affordable. A single batch serves many, making it a budget-friendly party dessert.

Third, the toppings and texture make it stand out. A light whipped cream fold-in provides cloud-like structure while lime zest adds aromatic pops. Add thin lime slices or toasted coconut on top for extra contrast.

If you enjoy other key lime inspirations, this dessert pairs well in spirit with our Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada, which explores similar bright flavors in a different format. Ready to make a refreshing crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive in.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Preparation is mostly no-bake: you’ll press a buttery graham cracker crust, whip a few ingredients together, and chill until set. The texture is light and airy from the whipped cream, with a creamy core from the cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Total time: about 20 minutes active prep and 2 hours chilling.

Ingredients

1 cup cream cheese, softened, room temperature
1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1/2 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 tbsp lime zest, finely grated
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted

Directions

Prepare the crust: Mix 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or small springform pan, creating an even layer. Place in the fridge to chill while you make the filling so it firms up.
Soften the cream cheese: Make sure the 1 cup cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free, about 1–2 minutes.
Add yogurt and sweetener: Add 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup honey to the cream cheese. Beat until combined and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Add lime: Mix in 1/2 cup lime juice and 1 tbsp lime zest. Taste and adjust sweetness if you prefer it sweeter — add a bit more honey, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the 1/2 cup whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold just until uniform to keep the mousse light and airy.
Assemble and chill: Pour the lime mousse mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set and slightly firm to the touch.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with thin lime slices, extra lime zest, or a light dusting of crushed graham for texture. Slice and serve chilled. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then press into the bottom of a pie dish to form the crust. Beat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, and honey until smooth. Fold in whipped cream. Pour mixture over the crust and chill for 2 hours or until set. Garnish with lime slices before serving. Enjoy!

Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake

What to Serve With

Pair this Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake with light, complementary items that enhance its citrus profile:

Fresh berry salad (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for bright, juicy contrast
A simple mint and cucumber salad to cleanse the palate between bites
Espresso or cold brew coffee for a bitter-sweet balance
Sparkling water with a lime wedge or a citrusy white wine like sauvignon blanc for adult gatherings

These pairings help create a balanced finish to a summer meal or a light dessert course.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient substitutions: If you prefer lower fat, use low-fat Greek yogurt but keep full-fat cream cheese for best texture. For a vegan version, try vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, though texture will vary.
Timing adjustments: If short on time, quick-chill in the freezer for 45–60 minutes, checking often to avoid freezing solid.
Flavor enhancements: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for depth or a tablespoon of lime curacao for a subtle adult twist. Fresh lime zest on top increases aroma.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overfold the whipped cream — you want to preserve air for a mousse-like lift. Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling when sliced.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent drying and absorption of other fridge flavors.
Freezing: You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Texture may change slightly after freezing.
Best serving temperature: Serve chilled straight from the fridge. No reheating is necessary; warm temperatures will soften the mousse too much. For a firmer slice, chill an extra hour before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this mousse cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. It often tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice is best for bright, natural flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Adjust sweetness as bottled juice can be less vibrant.

How do I get a smoother filling without lumps?
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature and beat it well before adding other ingredients. Strain yogurt if it’s very thick.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with ground nuts (almonds or pecans) mixed with butter for a nutty crust.

Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9-inch dishes. Chill time remains similar but may need extra time if filling is very deep.

Conclusion

This Refreshing Lime Mousse Cheesecake is proof that an elegant dessert can be quick, economical, and loved by everyone. With a creamy lime filling, light whipped texture, and simple graham crust, it’s a delightful way to end a meal or celebrate a sunny day. Give it a try, share slices with friends, and enjoy the bright flavors that make this recipe a keeper. For inspiration and similar lime mousse ideas, check out this classic Lime Mousse Cheesecake – La Casa de Sweets and a light, whipped version at Key Lime Mousse – Live Laugh Rowe.