Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
This Key Lime Cheesecake features a creamy, tangy filling made with fresh key lime juice and zest, resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and chilled overnight, it’s a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 1–2 tablespoons more if needed)
Filling
- 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons lime zest
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup key lime juice
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and the melted butter. If the mixture feels dry and crumbly, add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter to achieve a texture resembling wet sand.
- Press crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Beat filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lime zest together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gradually pour in the key lime juice and blend until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 60 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly open for about 25 minutes to cool gradually.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, remove the springform pan sides. Garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream and lime wedges if desired for a decorative and refreshing touch.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use fresh key lime juice for authentic flavor; bottled juice can alter taste.
- Do not over bake; slight jiggle indicates perfect doneness.
- Chilling overnight enhances texture and flavor.
- Optional garnishes add visual appeal and complement the tartness.
Keywords: Key Lime Cheesecake, cheesecake dessert, key lime dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, baked cheesecake
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/key-lime-cheesecake-recipe/
