Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada

If you’re a fan of tropical flavors and creamy desserts, then you’re in for a treat with this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada. Imagine the zesty tang of key lime pie, the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake, and the exotic sweetness of a piña colada, all blended into one decadent dessert. This is a showstopper—perfect for summer parties, beach vacations, or whenever you’re in the mood for a little tropical escape. The coconut crust, the tangy lime filling, and the luscious pineapple topping will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, this dessert is as dreamy as it sounds. It’s basically vacation in a bite!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada

• Tropical Flavors: The perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet pineapple, and creamy coconut flavors will transport you straight to a beachside paradise.
• Decadent Yet Light: Despite being a cheesecake, it has a light, airy texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
• Unique Twist: This isn’t your average cheesecake—it combines three beloved desserts into one unforgettable treat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this in advance and let it chill, making it an easy and stress-free dessert for your next event.
• Impressive Presentation: It’s as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

Ready to create tropical bliss? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of your crust, giving it that nice, crumbly texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical touch to the crust, making it extra flavorful.
• Butter: Helps the crust hold together while adding richness.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sweetness to balance the crust’s savory elements.

For the Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the cheesecake, giving it that smooth texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness, making the cheesecake extra indulgent.
• Sour Cream: Gives the cheesecake a tangy kick to balance out the sweetness.
• Key Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key here! It adds that signature tangy lime flavor.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake, making it nice and firm once baked.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warmth that complements the tropical flavors.

For the Piña Colada Topping:

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, this adds a juicy, sweet element to the topping.
• Coconut Cream: Adds richness and a deep coconut flavor to the topping.
• Shredded Coconut (optional): For an extra coconut touch that gives a little crunch to the topping.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the tropical goodness!

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the crumbs are moist.

2. Press the Crust Into a Pan:

Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to compact the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and key lime juice. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Bake the Cheesecake:

Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

5. Make the Piña Colada Topping:

In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks and coconut cream. Blend until smooth. If you’d like a more textured topping, pulse the pineapple chunks instead. Once blended, pour the topping over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

If desired, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cheesecake for a bit of extra crunch and coconut flavor. Slice, serve, and enjoy your tropical cheesecake delight!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: 330
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Total Time: 5-6 hours

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada

• Tropical Gathering: Serve this at a summer BBQ, pool party, or any event where you want to impress guests with a stunning dessert.
• With a Piña Colada Drink: Double the tropical experience by pairing the cheesecake with a chilled Piña Colada. It’s the perfect way to transport your tastebuds to a beachside paradise!
• On its Own: This cheesecake is rich enough to stand on its own, making it a perfect showstopper for any occasion.

Additional Tips

• Make It a Day Ahead: Cheesecakes always taste better when they’ve had time to set. Make this dessert the day before you plan to serve it, and let it chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to add a little rum flavor to the topping for an extra Piña Colada kick. A teaspoon of rum extract or actual rum can enhance the tropical vibes.
• Add a Coconut Crust: If you really want to amp up the coconut flavor, use a coconut macaroon crust instead of the graham cracker crust for an extra tropical twist.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months if you want to save them for later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cheesecake without the Piña Colada topping?
A1: Yes! The cheesecake is delicious on its own, even without the topping. However, the Piña Colada topping adds a lovely tropical flair that makes it extra special.

Q2: Can I use key lime juice from a bottle?
A1: While fresh lime juice is always the best for flavor, bottled key lime juice will work just fine in this recipe if fresh limes aren’t available.

Q3: Can I use a different crust?
A3: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of the graham cracker and coconut crust, feel free to use a traditional graham cracker crust or even an almond meal crust for a gluten-free option.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: Can I use a regular cheesecake pan instead of a springform pan?
A5: A springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes because it allows easy removal, but you can use a regular round cheesecake pan or a square baking dish. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Q6: Can I make this cheesecake vegan?
A6: You can make a vegan version by using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, and flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Be sure to use a vegan-friendly crust as well.

Q7: Can I add alcohol to the topping?
A7: Yes, adding a splash of rum to the Piña Colada topping would give it an extra tropical vibe. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could change the consistency of the topping.

Q8: Can I use frozen pineapple for the topping?
A8: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the pineapple chunks before blending them into the topping for a smooth texture.

Q9: How do I make sure the cheesecake doesn’t crack?
A9: To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often while it’s baking. Let it cool slowly by turning off the oven and letting it sit in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour before transferring it to the fridge.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! You can double the recipe for a larger cheesecake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and use a larger pan.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada is the ultimate tropical dessert. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of tropical flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a little vacation in dessert form, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Print