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Ultimate Key Lime Cheesecake

Category: Sweet Endings

This key lime cheesecake offers a lush balance of tangy key lime and creamy filling nestled on a classic graham cracker crust. The process involves gently mixing softened cream cheese with sugar, eggs, fresh lime juice, zest, and vanilla before pouring over a buttery base. Baking produces a subtly dense texture while preserving a soft center. Once cooled, a layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest add a bright, fresh accent. Carefully chilling is vital for both clean slicing and the smoothest results. Enjoy each slice topped with extra lime or whipped cream for a delightful finish.

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Last updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 20:11:59 GMT
Une tartine de cheesecake avec des limes. Pin
Une tartine de cheesecake avec des limes. | savorieswithtyla.com

Key lime cheesecake turns any gathering into a special occasion with its vibrant citrus flavor tucked inside a silky smooth filling on a buttery crumb crust. This dessert shines at summer parties and is my go-to when I want to offer something that tastes both fresh and indulgent.

When I made this for my book club they could not believe it was homemade and not from a bakery. Now I make it every year for my birthday because it has become everyone’s favorite treat.

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: provide a nutty toasty foundation for the crust look for the kind with no added flavors
  • Unsalted butter: binds the crust together and adds richness if possible use a high quality butter for the best flavor
  • Granulated sugar: sweetens the crust and filling a fine grain version mixes in smoothly
  • Cream cheese: forms the creamy base let it come to room temperature for smooth blending
  • Sour cream: adds a slight tang making the cake lighter and less dense use full fat for the best results
  • Key lime juice: delivers signature tartness fresh squeezed is best but bottled key lime works in a pinch
  • Key lime zest: intensifies the citrus aroma choose limes that feel heavy for their size
  • Eggs: provide structure allowing the cheesecake to set and slice cleanly select large pasture-raised eggs for rich flavor
  • Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor use real vanilla for purity
  • Heavy whipping cream (optional for topping): creates a luscious finish choose one with high butterfat for stable whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar: gently sweetens the topping sift it if clumpy
  • Key lime zest and lime slices: act as garnish and add a visual pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter with sugar in a medium bowl until everything looks like damp sand. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan using the bottom of a glass for a really flat finish.
Make the Filling:
Beat the room temperature cream cheese with granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time then blend in sour cream key lime juice zest and vanilla extract until silky. Scrape down your bowl often so everything incorporates without lumps.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the filling onto your prepared crust and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake at 325 degrees in the center of the oven for forty five to fifty minutes. You want the edges to look set and the center to have just the slightest jiggle when you nudge the pan.
Make the Whipped Topping:
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for ten minutes then pour in the heavy cream and start whipping. When it thickens sprinkle in the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread generously over the cooled cheesecake.
Chill and Serve:
Let the cheesecake cool on a rack until it’s room temperature then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Run a knife around the edge before loosening the springform. Garnish with extra key lime zest and lime slices right before serving for a fresh look.
Une tartine de cheesecake avec une garniture de citron vert. Pin
Une tartine de cheesecake avec une garniture de citron vert. | savorieswithtyla.com

My favorite part is zesting fresh key limes because their fragrance takes me right back to family vacations in Florida. The first time my little niece tried it she licked the plate clean and asked for seconds which is still a favorite memory for everyone.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. I recommend storing the whipped topping separately and adding it right before serving to keep things looking and tasting fresh. For longer storage wrap slices well and freeze for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find key limes you can use regular Persian limes though the flavor is slightly different. For the crust gluten free graham crackers work well and coconut cookies offer a fun twist. Light cream cheese can be used but the texture becomes less decadent.

Une tartine de cheesecake avec des limes. Pin
Une tartine de cheesecake avec des limes. | savorieswithtyla.com

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is perfect with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of key lime zest. For a colorful dessert platter serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. It is also delicious with a cup of espresso after a festive meal.

Cultural Context

Key lime cheesecake takes its creamy inspiration from classic American cheesecakes with a tropical twist borrowed from Florida’s beloved key lime pie. True key limes are prized for their floral aroma and tart punch making this dessert a celebration of warm weather and sunny afternoons.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of limes work best for this dessert?

Authentic key limes deliver a unique tartness, but regular Persian limes can be substituted if needed.

→ How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?

Chill it for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator for the ideal texture and flavor development.

→ Can I prepare the crust in advance?

Yes, the graham cracker crust can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to fill.

→ Why should ingredients be at room temperature?

Bringing dairy to room temperature ensures smooth blending and helps prevent a lumpy filling.

→ How do I avoid cracks while baking?

Bake just until the center is slightly jiggly and avoid overbaking. Let it cool slowly before chilling.

Ultimate Key Lime Cheesecake

A creamy key lime cheesecake with vibrant citrus, graham cracker crust, and whipped topping for a refreshing finish.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
50 min
Total Time
70 min
By: Tyla

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Origin: American

Output: 12 Servings (One 23-centimeter cheesecake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 180 grams graham cracker crumbs
02 50 grams granulated sugar
03 115 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 450 grams cream cheese, softened
05 200 grams granulated sugar
06 3 large eggs
07 120 grams sour cream
08 80 millilitres key lime juice, freshly squeezed
09 1 tablespoon key lime zest
10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Topping (optional)

11 240 millilitres heavy whipping cream
12 15 grams powdered sugar, plus more to taste
13 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 Key lime zest, for garnish
15 Lime slices, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a springform pan to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture has the texture of wet sand.

Step 03

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, forming an even layer. Set aside.

Step 04

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 05

Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Blend until the filling is homogenous, being careful not to overmix.

Step 06

Pour the prepared filling over the crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center yields slightly to a gentle shake.

Step 07

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours for optimal texture.

Step 08

Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks are reached.

Step 09

Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish generously with additional key lime zest and lime slices prior to serving.

Notes

  1. Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
  2. Freshly squeezed key lime juice imparts superior flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
  3. For a clean slice, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.

Required Tools

  • Springform pan
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Zester or microplane
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

Double-check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter, sour cream, heavy cream)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (graham cracker crumbs)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~