Margarita Cheesecake

(132)

This cheesecake merges all the flavors of your favorite cocktail.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
8 to 10

Taking its inspiration from the classic cocktail, this margarita cheesecake has a fresh tasting filling made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, in addition to the usual cream cheese and sour cream. A salted pretzel crust replaces the usual cookie crust and is a nod to the salted rim on a margarita glass. It’s an ultra-creamy cheesecake that packs a punch. It’s also a talking point—who doesn’t want a slice of margarita?—and a dessert that always goes fast. The alcohol bakes out while cooking, so guests of all ages can enjoy this decadent treat.

margarita cheesecake
Credit: Con Poulos

Directions

  1. Preheat oven and make crust:

    Preheat oven to 375°F, with rack in center. In a food processor, pulse pretzels until fine crumbs form (you will have a little more than 1 cup). Add sugar and melted butter; process until combined.

  2. Press crust into pan and bake:

    Press evenly in bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake until golden brown, about 9 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

  3. Wrap pan in foil:

    Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Wrap exterior of springform pan with a double layer of foil. Set a kettle of water to a boil.

  4. Beat cream cheese:

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

  5. Add sour cream, orange liqueur, tequila, lime zest, and salt:

    Reduce speed to medium. Mix in sour cream, sugar, Grand Marnier, tequila, lime zest, and salt; beat until well incorporated.

  6. Add eggs:

    Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

  7. Pour filling into crust; set pan in bain marie:

    Pour cream-cheese mixture over cooled crust (filling will come up higher than crust). Set springform pan in a roasting pan; carefully pour in enough boiling water to reach halfway up side of springform pan.

  8. Bake and cool:

    Bake on center rack until cake is set and slightly firm to the touch, about 65 minutes. Transfer springform pan to a wire rack and remove foil; let cool completely.

  9. Refrigerate; loosen and unmold for serving:

    Refrigerate until chilled, at least 6 hours or up to overnight. Run a knife around edge of cake to loosen before unmolding. Garnish top of cheesecake with lime slices.

This recipe appears in our cookbook decorvow's Cakes.

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