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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 325°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for approximately one hour to stabilize temperature gradually.
- 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.
- 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