Tangy & Buttery Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

Whipping up a delectable key lime cheesecake feels like a tropical vacation for your taste buds.

Creamy textures and zesty flavors promise a delightful dessert experience.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with tangy lime juice, creating a mouthwatering treat.

Baking this dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Crisp graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch to each heavenly bite.

Sweet and tart notes dance together in perfect harmony.

Pack your ingredients and prepare to impress everyone at the gathering – this cheesecake will become an instant favorite.

Simple Instructions For Easy Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab your 9-inch springform pan and give it a light grease on the sides to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Mix everything until it looks like damp beach sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture. Make sure no lumpy rebels remain in your batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs Carefully

Introduce eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This technique ensures a silky, luxurious texture that’ll make everyone swoon.

Step 5: Blend Zesty Flavors

• Key lime juice
• Lime zest
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the filling becomes a vibrant, uniform masterpiece that screams tropical paradise.

Step 6: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the lime-infused cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth top that looks like a work of art.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is almost set but still does a cute little jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake chill at room temperature for a full hour. Patience is key here!

Step 9: Refrigerate and Set

Pop the cheesecake into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This waiting game allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to become absolutely divine.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Before serving, pipe or spread whipped cream around the edges. Sprinkle extra lime zest on top and garnish with fresh lime slices for that Instagram-worthy moment.

Step 11: Final Reveal

Carefully release the springform pan, slice, and serve this tangy, creamy masterpiece that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!

Tips To Perfect Easy Key Lime Cheesecake

• Select the Right Pan: Use a 9-inch springform pan for easy cheesecake removal without damaging the delicate crust.
• Crush Cracker Crumbs Finely: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor to create uniform, fine crumbs for a smoother, more compact crust.
• Prevent Cracks with Gentle Mixing: Beat cream cheese and eggs at low speed to minimize air incorporation, reducing the risk of surface cracks.
• Master the Baking Technique: Watch for a slight jiggle in the center when shaking the pan, indicating the cheesecake is perfectly baked and will set while cooling.
• Chill for Ultimate Flavor: Refrigerate overnight to develop a rich, tangy taste and allow the texture to become wonderfully creamy and smooth.

Creative Twists For Easy Key Lime Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Lime Zinger: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Tropical Coconut Lime Delight: Substitute half the cream cheese with coconut cream and add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical-inspired cheesecake with exotic undertones.
• Low-Sugar Lime Sensation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and swap full-fat cream cheese for a lighter, reduced-calorie option that doesn't compromise on tangy flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Dream: Create a plant-based version using cashew cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and agar-agar as an egg replacement, delivering a creamy, zesty cheesecake alternative.

What Goes Well With Easy Key Lime Cheesecake

• Pair Zesty Tropical Cocktails: Mix mojitos or margaritas with key lime cheesecake to complement the tangy citrus flavors and enhance the dessert's bright profile.
• Create Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy cheesecake's richness with its refreshing acidity and light fruit notes.
• Serve Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Craft a non-alcoholic beverage using sparkling water, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and a touch of honey to mirror the cheesecake's zesty and sweet characteristics.
• Offer Fresh Berry Accompaniment: Plate the cheesecake with a small side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart, colorful contrast and add a refreshing element to the dessert.

How To Store Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Properly

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months; place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight, allowing gradual temperature adjustment and maintaining its creamy texture.

FAQs For Easy Key Lime Cheesecake

• Why are key limes different from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more acidic, and have a more intense, floral flavor compared to standard Persian limes, giving this cheesecake a uniquely bright and tangy taste profile.

• Can I substitute bottled key lime juice for fresh?

Fresh key lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled key lime juice can work if fresh limes are unavailable. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice without added sugars.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracking and maintain a smooth texture.

Why Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Is Tart And Sweet

• Create Stunning Dessert: Impress guests and family with a professional-looking key lime cheesecake that looks like it came from a gourmet bakery.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy baking method that transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious, creamy dessert without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting toppings or adding personal touches like extra zest or different cream garnishes to make it uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, and special occasions where you want a crowd-pleasing, refreshing dessert that stands out.

Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers a bright, citrusy flavor that defines the cheesecake's character.
• Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds aromatic notes.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds depth to the cheesecake.

• Whipped Cream, Fresh Lime Slices, Additional Key Lime Zest: Provide a fresh, decorative finish that complements the cheesecake's lime flavor.

Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and refrigerating)
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime cheesecake delivers a tangy tropical escape with its zesty graham cracker crust and silky smooth filling. Rich citrus notes dance across your palate, whisking you to sunny Florida shores in one delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup key lime juice
• 2 tbsp key lime zest
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 2 tbsp key lime zest
• 4–5 lime slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the sides.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base for the cheesecake.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
6. Fold in key lime juice, zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract, gently blending until the filling is uniform and vibrant.
7. Pour the lime-infused cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure complete setting and flavor development.
11. Before serving, pipe or spread whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake.
12. Sprinkle additional key lime zest over the top and garnish with fresh lime slices for a bright, citrusy presentation.
13. Carefully release the springform pan and slice to serve the chilled, tangy cheesecake.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks from forming during baking, which can happen when too much air is incorporated.
• Use room temperature ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling and even baking.
• Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to help prevent the cheesecake from cracking and promote even cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same proportions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg