You’ll absolutely love this Key Lime Cheesecake!

It’s a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of key limes with the richness of a classic cheesecake.

Key Lime Cheesecake typically features a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made from cream cheese and key lime juice, and is often topped with whipped cream or a tangy lime glaze.

The result is a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Plus, this recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to create a bakery-worthy cheesecake right in your own kitchen.

So whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Key Lime Cheesecake

Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Key Lime Cheesecake:

Fresh Berries: Serve slices of Key Lime Cheesecake with a selection of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The tartness of the berries pairs well with the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake.

Whipped Cream: Top each slice of cheesecake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or whipped topping for an extra creamy and indulgent touch.

Key Lime Slices: Garnish the cheesecake with thin slices of key lime for a decorative and citrusy accent. It adds a pop of color and enhances the key lime flavor.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle a few graham cracker crumbs over the top of each slice for added texture and a nod to the classic graham cracker crust.

Lime Zest: Grate fresh lime zest over the cheesecake just before serving to add a vibrant burst of citrus flavor and aroma.

Mint Leaves: Garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint leaves for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Lime Curd: Serve alongside a dollop of tangy lime curd for an extra burst of citrus flavor. The tartness of the curd contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.

Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a tropical twist to your Key Lime Cheesecake. Sprinkle them over the top or serve them alongside for added texture and flavor.

Choose one or a combination of these serving suggestions to create a delightful presentation and enhance the flavors of your Key Lime Cheesecake. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Key Lime Cheesecake turns out perfectly:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and any other dairy ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter without any lumps.
Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, use fresh key lime juice and zest. Key limes have a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to regular limes, giving your cheesecake that authentic key lime taste.
Avoid Overmixing: When mixing the cheesecake batter, avoid overmixing once the eggs are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
Water Bath: Consider using a water bath while baking your cheesecake. This involves placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. The steam created helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking and ensures a smooth texture.
Cooling Gradually: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Start by cooling it in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Rapid temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack.
Refrigerate Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake to set properly.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: When ready to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to slice the cheesecake cleanly. This helps prevent the slices from sticking and ensures clean, professional-looking slices.
Store Properly: Store any leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive Key Lime Cheesecake that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your baking!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

While key limes offer a unique flavor, you can substitute regular limes if necessary. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly different.

How long will key lime cheesecake keep in the refrigerator?

Properly stored, key lime cheesecake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I use a different type of crust for key lime cheesecake?

Of course! Feel free to get creative with your crust options, using anything from Oreo cookies to shortbread biscuits for a unique twist.

Key Lime Cheesecake

This Key Lime Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness.

Whether you're indulging in a classic slice or experimenting with creative variations, this timeless treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Chilling Time 4

Total Time 5 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 384 kcal

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the Filling:

3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup key lime juice freshly squeezed if possible
1 tablespoon key lime zest from about 4-5 key limes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping (optional):

1 cup whipped cream
Key lime slices for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Chill and Serve:
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and key lime slices if desired.

Notes

Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor.
Be sure to fully chill the cheesecake before serving for optimal texture.
To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and baking at too high a temperature.
Experiment with different crust variations, such as using crushed cookies or nuts.

Keyword Key Lime Cheesecake