¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more at room temperature for greasing the pan
5 ounces graham crackers
2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
For the Filling:
One ¼-ounce packet granulated gelatin
¼ cup hot water
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
½ cup canned unsweetened, puréed mango pulp
1 lime, zested and juiced
½ tsp. ground cardamom
For the Glaze:
One ¼-ounce packet granulated gelatin
¼ cup hot water
1 cup canned unsweetened puréed mango pulp
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. lime zest
Instructions
Generously butter the sides and bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch round springform pan; line the base and the sides with parchment paper and grease again with butter; chill pan in the refrigerator. (This helps the butter firm up and the cake release more seamlessly).
To prepare the crust:
In a food processor, pulse the crackers until they are a fine powder.
Add the brown sugar and pulse to combine; add the melted butter and pulse again until fully incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and use fingers or a measuring cup to press it into an even layer.
Freeze the pan for 10 to 15 minutes until completely chilled.
To prepare the filling:
Add ¼ cup room temperature water to a small, wide bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let sit for 5 minutes, until gelatin granules swell. (There should be no dry flecks of gelatin).
Pour the ¼ cup hot water over the hydrated gelatin and stir to dissolve.
As gelatin hydrates, add the heavy cream and ½ cup sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; mix at medium speed until the cream forms stiff peaks; about 2 to 3 minutes; transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
Wipe down the stand mixer bowl and the whisk attachment.
Add the cream cheese and remaining ½ cup sugar; whisk on medium-high until smooth, light and fluffy; about 5 minutes; scrape down the bowl..
Add the mango pulp and lime juice; beat on medium-low, gradually increasing the speed to medium-high once the mango is incorporated; about 2 minutes; stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl.
Add the gelatin mixture and whisk, on medium-high, until completely incorporated.
Remove the bowl from the mixer; add the whipped cream, lime zest and the cardamom.
Fold the cream into the mango mixture until there are no flecks of cream. (The mixture will be very light and airy, resembling a mousse).
Pour this mango mixture over the chilled crust; level the top with an offset spatula.
Return pan to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
To prepare the glaze:
As cheesecake chills, prepare the glaze by adding ¼ cup room temperature water to a small, wide bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let sit for 5 minutes, until gelatin granules swell. (There should be no dry flecks of gelatin).
Pour ¼ cup hot water over the hydrated gelatin and stir to dissolve.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the mango pulp with the sugar.
Whisk in the gelatin mixture; add 1 teaspoon lime juice and 1 teaspoon lime zest; whisk to thoroughly combine.
Pour this mixture over the top of the cheesecake; swirl the pan to coat evenly; cover the top of the pan with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the cheesecake until the gelatin layer is completely set and firm; at least 6 hours and up to overnight.
To serve:
When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap; carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Slice the cheesecake with a sharp, serrated knife; for cleanest slices, wash the knife with warm water, and wipe dry with a towel between each cut.
Notes
Unsweetened mango pulp can be found in the baby food section of your local grocer.