Margarita Cheesecake Lime Tequila (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 10 tablespoons salted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Margarita Cheesecake Filling

04 - 24 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 6 tablespoons lime juice
09 - 2 tablespoons lime zest
10 - 6 tablespoons tequila
11 - 3 large eggs, at room temperature
12 - 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature

→ Tequila Whipped Cream

13 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, cold
14 - 2 tablespoons tequila
15 - 1/2 tablespoon lime zest
16 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until evenly mixed. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
03 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool. Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent leaks during the water bath.
04 - Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth and homogeneous. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
05 - Add sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, and tequila. Continue mixing on low speed until well blended.
06 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Add egg yolks and blend just until incorporated. Scrape the bowl to ensure a uniform mixture.
07 - Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan and add warm water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan, taking care not to let water breach the foil.
08 - Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. The center should appear set but still slightly jiggly.
09 - Turn off the oven and keep the door closed for 30 minutes. Then, crack the oven door and let the cheesecake cool for another 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
10 - Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
11 - In a mixer bowl, whip heavy cream, tequila, lime zest, and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
12 - Release the sides of the springform pan and transfer cheesecake to a serving platter. Pipe whipped cream swirls around the top edge and garnish with lime slices and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Keep refrigerated until serving.

# Notes:

01 - For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
02 - If freezing, omit whipped cream and wrap the fully cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic before placing in an airtight container.
03 - To make alcohol-free, replace tequila with equal parts of lime juice or sour cream for the filling, and with additional heavy cream for the whipped topping.