Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
Gelatin Mixture
- 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin (7 grams per envelope)
- 2/3 cup water (cold)
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 cups mango chunks (fresh or canned, divided)
- 24 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until all crumbs are coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan or a 9x13-inch cake pan using a measuring cup for even pressing. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over 1 cup of cold water in a small bowl and let it absorb (bloom) for 1-2 minutes. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk until completely dissolved. Set aside.
- Puree Mango: Process 2 cups of the mango chunks in a food processor until smooth. Set aside the puree.
- Mix Cheesecake Base: Using an electric hand or stand mixer on medium-low speed, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and 1 ½ cups sugar until smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally. Be careful not to overmix to avoid separation.
- Whip Cream and Fold: In a chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture by hand to keep it light and airy.
- Combine Mango and Gelatin: Stir the mango puree into the gelatin mixture until smooth. Then add this mixture to the cheesecake batter, mixing gently until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Mango Chunks: Carefully fold the remaining 2 cups of mango chunks into the cheesecake filling, distributing them evenly without breaking them up.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up properly.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Whip 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream with 3 tablespoons sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Decorate: Pipe the whipped cream decoratively over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with additional mango chunks on top.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan, slice, and serve chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Notes
- Use fresh mangoes if possible for the best flavor, but canned mango chunks work well too.
- If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you may substitute with additional cream cheese, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.
- Do not overmix the mascarpone and cream cheese to prevent the mixture from separating.
- Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
- This cheesecake must be kept refrigerated as it contains no baking for structure.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian