Zesty Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe: Silky Sweet-Tart Heaven

Sweet and tangy key lime cheesecake captures the essence of tropical paradise with its vibrant citrus twist.

This creamy dessert blends zesty lime flavors into a luscious, smooth cheesecake that melts in your mouth.

Decadent graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for the velvety filling that promises pure indulgence.

Key West’s signature fruit brings a refreshing brightness to every delightful bite.

The balance of tart and sweet creates a harmonious dessert that stands out from traditional cheesecake recipes.

Each slice delivers a burst of sunshine and tropical elegance that will transport you to a beachside paradise.

Put Your Twist On Key Lime Cheesecake

• Tropical Coconut Lime Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crust with toasted coconut flakes and add coconut extract to the filling for a tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Version: Substitute graham crackers with ground almonds and almond flour, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cashew Lime Cheesecake: Use soaked cashews, coconut cream, and plant-based cream cheese as dairy replacements, with agar-agar as an egg substitute.
• Low-Sugar Stevia Option: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie and sugar content while maintaining sweet lime flavor.

Serve Key Lime Cheesecake With Sunshine Vibes

• Tropical Paradise Plating: Garnish with thin lime slices, fresh mint leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired presentation.
• Zesty Whipped Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar and key lime zest, creating a tangy, light accompaniment that complements the cheesecake's richness.
• Summer Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a refreshing mojito or key lime margarita to enhance the citrusy flavor profile and create a complete dessert experience.
• Texture Contrast Crunch: Add a small side of crushed graham crackers or toasted almond slivers for an extra textural element that provides a delightful crunch against the creamy cheesecake.

Save Key Lime Cheesecake For Tomorrow’s Treat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice cheesecake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Remove from freezer and let defrost in refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften texture.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more acidic than Persian limes. They have a more intense, slightly floral flavor that gives this cheesecake its distinctive tangy taste.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well if fresh key limes are unavailable. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice for the most authentic flavor.

• Why does the recipe require adding eggs one at a time?

Adding eggs individually helps prevent overmixing and ensures a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture without incorporating too much air that could cause cracking.

Key Lime Cheesecake – Your Next Sweet Escape

• Boost Tropical Flavor: Capture the zesty essence of key limes that transforms an ordinary cheesecake into a vibrant, tangy dessert bursting with sunshine-inspired taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where everyone craves a creamy, rich treat that looks professionally made yet requires minimal baking skills.
• Simple Prep Strategy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all experience levels, ensuring consistently delicious results without complicated steps.
• Versatile Serving Option: Adaptable for different occasions from summer parties to holiday dessert tables, this cheesecake offers a refreshing twist on classic desserts that will impress family and friends.

Essential Ingredients For Key Lime Cheesecake Love

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps to hold the crust ingredients together and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy key lime flavor.
• Flour: Helps to stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers a bright, tart citrus flavor that defines the cheesecake.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds aromatic citrus notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.

Whip Up Key Lime Cheesecake—The Easy Way

Step 1: Craft The Crumbly Crust

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine bits.

Toss the crumbs with sugar and melted butter.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until silky smooth.

Add sugar, flour, zesty key lime juice, fragrant lime zest, and vanilla extract.

Mix thoroughly until the texture becomes luxuriously uniform.

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in sour cream for an extra touch of richness.

Step 3: Bake With Precision

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325°F.

Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes until the center looks set but still has a gentle jiggle.

Step 4: Cool Down Slowly

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly.

Let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour, allowing it to cool gradually and prevent cracking.

Step 5: Chill And Set

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Slice and serve your tangy, creamy key lime cheesecake.

Garnish with lime zest or whipped cream if desired.

Expert Moves For Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake

• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to reduce air bubbles and potential surface cracks during baking.
• Use a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle heating and prevent drying out.
• Increase lime zest or add a splash of extra key lime juice for a more intense citrus profile without compromising the cheesecake's texture.
• Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free batter.
• Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to achieve clean, precise slices when serving the cheesecake.

Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy lime-infused Key Lime Cheesecake promises a zesty tropical escape with its graham cracker crust and silky smooth filling. Tangy flavors dance across palates, inviting sweet adventure and refreshing moments of pure culinary bliss you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cream cheese (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter (melted)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Create a velvety filling by whipping cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth, incorporating flour, zesty key lime juice, fragrant lime zest, and vanilla extract.
3. Gently fold eggs into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated without overmixing, then fold in sour cream for additional richness.
4. Carefully pour the luminous filling over the prepared crust, maintaining an even surface.
5. Slide the pan into a preheated 325°F oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake for approximately 55-60 minutes until the center demonstrates a subtle wobble when gently nudged.
6. After baking, switch off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake rest inside for one hour to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth texture.
7. Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely at room temperature.
8. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting the filling to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
• Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil before baking to prevent water from seeping in during a water bath method, which helps create a more even bake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding eggs to prevent air bubbles and potential cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the same delightful crust texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg