Dreamy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe: A Zesty Summer Treat

Crafting a delectable key lime cheesecake promises a zesty adventure for dessert enthusiasts.

Creamy textures blend with tangy citrus notes in this tropical-inspired treat.

Smooth cream cheese meets bright lime juice, creating a luxurious balance of flavors.

Summer memories flood back with each refreshing bite.

Sophisticated yet simple, this dessert impresses without complicated techniques.

Whisking ingredients becomes an effortless journey of culinary creativity.

Savor every moment and let your taste buds dance with excitement.

What Makes Key Lime Cheesecake Stand Out

• Escape to a sunny paradise with this zesty key lime cheesecake that brings refreshing flavors right to your dining table.
• Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers, this recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
• Wow friends and family with a professional-looking dessert that requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, making it an ideal showstopper for gatherings.
• Suitable for summer parties, birthdays, potlucks, or just a sweet weekend indulgence, this cheesecake adapts to any occasion with its crowd-pleasing tangy taste.

Key Lime Cheesecake Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base that provides a classic, sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, rich core of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake.
• Key Lime Juice: Gives the signature tangy lime flavor.
• Key Lime Zest: Enhances the bright citrus notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.

• Whipped Cream, Key Lime Slices: Optional toppings for decoration and extra flavor.

How to Create Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Foundation

Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until they form a perfect sandy texture.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a smooth, compact base.

Bake this golden crust in the oven for 10 minutes until it’s lightly toasted and fragrant.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth.

Gently incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully blended.

• Fresh key lime juice
• Zesty key lime zest
• Aromatic vanilla extract

Stir until the filling becomes a velvety, tangy dream.

Step 3: Craft the Cheesecake Magic

Carefully pour the luxurious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Tap the pan gently to release any sneaky air bubbles.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges look set but the center still has a gentle wiggle.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Cool Down

Turn off the oven and crack the door open.

Let the cheesecake rest inside for an hour, allowing it to slowly cool and set.

Remove from the oven and let it reach room temperature completely.

Step 5: Chill and Wow Your Guests

Wrap the cheesecake in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours – overnight is even better.

When ready to serve, add a flourish of whipped cream and delicate key lime slices for a show-stopping dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tip: The secret to a crack-free cheesecake is gentle baking and gradual cooling.

Your patience will be rewarded with a smooth, creamy masterpiece that melts in your mouth!

Tips That Help with Key Lime Cheesecake

• Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed gingersnaps or digestive biscuits for a unique flavor twist that adds exciting texture to your cheesecake.
• Avoid overbeating the cream cheese mixture and bake the cheesecake in a water bath to create a smooth, crack-free surface that looks professionally made.
• Boost key lime flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of zest or using fresh key limes instead of bottled juice for a more vibrant, authentic citrus punch.
• Wrap the fully cooled cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, allowing you to prepare this dessert in advance for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
• Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut milk instead of regular milk to create a delicious vegan version that doesn't compromise on creamy texture.

How to Keep Key Lime Cheesecake Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and zesty flavor.
• Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Preserve its delightful taste and smooth consistency.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent texture changes and maintain quality.
• Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave at 50% power for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Tasty Matches for Key Lime Cheesecake

• Pair Sweet Moscato: Complement the tangy key lime cheesecake with a chilled, light Moscato wine that brings out the dessert's zesty citrus notes and balances its creamy richness.
• Serve Tropical Coconut Cocktail: Mix a refreshing coconut-based cocktail like piña colada to echo the tropical flavors and provide a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the cheesecake's texture.
• Enhance with Fresh Berries: Accompany the dessert with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, which add a bright, tart contrast and enhance the key lime's vibrant flavor profile.
• Create Citrus Sorbet Companion: Offer a small scoop of lemon or lime sorbet alongside the cheesecake to intensify the citrus experience and provide a palate-cleansing, refreshing element.

New Takes on Key Lime Cheesecake

• No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake: Replace the baked version with a chilled, no-bake alternative using gelatin or condensed milk to set the filling, perfect for hot summer days.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to create a safe crust for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Key Lime Cheesecake: Use cashew-based cream cheese, coconut cream, and silken tofu as replacements for traditional dairy ingredients, creating a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or almond flour, and use a sugar substitute like erythritol to reduce carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.

FAQs

• Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly different. Key limes have a more intense, tangy taste that gives the cheesecake its distinctive flavor.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This indicates the cheesecake is done and will continue to set as it cools.

• Why do I need to let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar?

This gradual cooling prevents the cheesecake from cracking by allowing it to cool slowly and evenly. The slow cooling helps maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.

• What can I do if my cheesecake cracks?

Don’t worry! You can cover the top with whipped cream or a lime zest garnish to hide any imperfections. Cracks don’t affect the taste, just the appearance.

Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime cheesecake delivers a tangy tropical escape with its velvety texture and zesty punch. Silky graham cracker crust and bright citrus notes make this dessert a refreshing dream that delights your palate with each cool, smooth bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (89 ml) unsalted butter, melted

Main Filling Ingredients:

• 3 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs

Flavor and Enhancing Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from about 4–5 key limes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• Key lime slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
2. Create the graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the blend uniformly across the pan’s bottom, ensuring a compact and even surface. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
3. Craft the creamy filling by whipping cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Integrate key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
4. Gently transfer the filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly. Eliminate potential air pockets by softly tapping the pan against the counter. Bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for slightly wobbly center and set edges.
5. Switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for approximately one hour to stabilize temperature gradually.
6. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature. Seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture.
7. Before serving, optionally garnish with whipped cream and delicate key lime slices for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a dietary-friendly version.
• Place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking to create more even heat distribution and reduce cracking.
• This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg