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Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

This Key Lime Cheesecake combines a tangy, creamy lime-flavored filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and zesty lime garnish. Baked in a water bath for a silky texture, it’s a refreshing dessert perfect for summer or any time you crave a citrusy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 3 cups (420g) ground graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Zest of 1/2 lime

Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

  • 32 ounces full fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup (250g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 cup (240g) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120g) lime or key lime juice
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

Whipped Topping

  • 2 cups (480g) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Zest of 1/2 lime
  • Reserved graham cracker mixture for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9” springform pan. Remove the pan’s ring, place parchment paper on the bottom plate, then reattach the ring to secure it.
  2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground graham crackers, sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until evenly mixed.
  3. Set Aside Crust for Decoration: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the crust mixture in the refrigerator for later garnish.
  4. Press Crust Into Pan: Press two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan, then bake for 8 minutes.
  5. Add Lime Zest to Remaining Crust: Mix the lime zest into the remaining crust mixture set aside and keep it aside.
  6. Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce oven to 325°F after crust is baked.
  7. Make Cheesecake Filling – Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed, blend cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until just combined.
  8. Add Flavorings: Scrape the bowl and mix in vanilla extract, lime zest, and sour cream until just combined on low speed.
  9. Prepare Water Bath: Place a large roasting pan on the bottom oven rack and heat a medium pot of water to boiling on the stovetop.
  10. Add Lime Juice: While mixer runs on low speed, slowly pour in lime or key lime juice until fully incorporated.
  11. Incorporate Eggs: Lightly beat eggs with a fork and slowly pour into the mixer on low speed, mixing just until combined.
  12. Final Batter Mix: Scrape down the bowl and mix batter once more by hand with a spatula to ensure even texture.
  13. Layer Cheesecake Batter and Crust: Pour half the batter into the baked crust, then add a layer of the remaining lime-zested graham cracker crust and gently spread it evenly.
  14. Add Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the rest of the cheesecake batter over the crust layers, spreading evenly without pouring all in one spot.
  15. Add Water Bath and Bake: Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan in the oven, then quickly place the cheesecake in the middle rack above the pan.
  16. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until edges are golden and center jiggles slightly when nudged.
  17. Cool in Oven: Turn off oven and crack open the door, leaving the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
  18. Chill Overnight: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator uncovered and chill overnight for best texture.
  19. Prepare Whipped Topping: Just before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar on high speed until fluffy but smooth using a whisk attachment.
  20. Assemble and Serve: Spread or scoop the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake, sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs and lime zest. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure all dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
  • Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracks and create a creamy texture in the cheesecake.
  • Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked to avoid sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.
  • The reserved graham cracker crumbs add a nice decorative crunch on top; don’t skip this step.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight; it will set perfectly and flavors will meld for the best taste.
  • If preferred, regular lime juice can be substituted for key lime juice with a slight flavor difference.

Keywords: Key Lime Cheesecake, Lime Cheesecake, Grahams Crust, Cream Cheese Dessert, Citrus Cheesecake, Water Bath Bake

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/key-lime-cheesecake-recipe/