Description
Key Lime Cheesecake brings creamy tangy paradise straight to your dessert table with minimal fuss. Smooth cream cheese and zesty lime create a refreshing slice that whispers tropical vacation vibes without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- ¾ cup (180 ml) key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Garnish and Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime (optional)
Instructions
- Crush 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons sugar and 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until mixture resembles damp sand. Press firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan, extending slightly up sides.
- Bake crust at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool while preparing filling.
- Beat 24 oz softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Blend 1 cup sour cream, ¾ cup key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract into cream cheese mixture. Fold in zest of 2 limes.
- Incorporate 3 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding next. Mix until batter becomes silky and uniform.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Tap pan gently to eliminate air bubbles.
- Bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes. Edges should appear set while center remains slightly jiggly.
- Turn oven off. Leave cheesecake inside with door cracked open for 1 hour to prevent surface cracking.
- Cool cheesecake completely at room temperature. Refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with zest of 1 lime before serving. Slice and enjoy your tangy, creamy dessert.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Zest limes carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the green skin for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Prebake the graham cracker crust until golden to prevent a soggy bottom and add a nice crunch to your cheesecake.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Cheesecakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg