Indulge in the creamy, tangy delight of key lime cheesecake, a dessert that perfectly balances a sweet graham cracker crust with a rich and zesty cheesecake filling. This decadent treat is ideal for any occasion and promises to impress your guests with its fresh citrus flavor and velvety texture.
Photos of Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this key lime cheesecake are common, you may need to pay special attention to acquiring fresh lime juice. Additionally, ensure you have cream cheese and sour cream on hand, as these are crucial for achieving the desired creaminess. Heavy-duty aluminum foil and a 9-inch springform pan are also essential for creating the perfect crust and avoiding leaks during the baking process.
Ingredients for Key Lime Cheesecake
graham cracker crumbs: Processed crumbs from graham crackers, used for the crust.
granulated sugar: Basic white sugar for sweetness in both the crust and the filling.
butter: Melted butter to bind the crust together.
cornstarch: Thickening agent to stabilize the cheesecake.
cream cheese: The primary ingredient for the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
eggs: Adds structure and richness to the filling.
sour cream: Provides tanginess and smooth texture.
heavy cream: Used both in the filling and the topping for extra creaminess.
lime juice: Freshly squeezed from key limes, giving the cheesecake its signature tangy flavor.
vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
fresh raspberries: Optional garnish for added color and fruity taste.
One reader, Ariella Keeton says:
This key lime cheesecake recipe is a delightful treat! The creamy texture and tangy lime flavor are perfectly balanced. The graham cracker crust adds a wonderful crunch. It's a hit at every gathering and easy to make. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Key Lime Cheesecake
How to line a springform pan with foil: Use a sheet of 18x18 heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath. How to make graham cracker crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then mix with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. How to prepare a water bath for baking: Place the cheesecake in a roasting pan, then pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. How to whip cream to soft peaks: Use an electric hand mixer on high speed to whip heavy cream until it forms soft peaks, which means the cream will hold its shape but the peaks will curl over. How to whip cream to stiff peaks: Continue whipping the cream after adding sugar until it forms stiff peaks, meaning the peaks will stand straight up without curling over.
How To Make Key Lime Cheesecake
Everything you love in the key lime pie is in this easy key lime cheesecake. It’s easy to make and it’s light and refreshing, you’ll reach for seconds.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsgraham cracker crumbs
- 3tbspgranulated sugar
- ½cupbuttersalted, diced into 1 tbsp pieces and melted
- 1 cupgranulated sugar
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 3pkgscream cheesesoftened well
- 4largeeggs
- ⅔cupsour cream
- ⅓ cupheavy cream
- ½: 5px”>1 ½tspvanilla extract
- 1cupheavy cream
- 2 ½tbspgranulated sugar
- fresh raspberries
Instructions
For Crust:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with a sheet of 18×18 heavy duty aluminum foil.
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Add graham crackers and sugar to a mixing bowl and stir to combine, then pour in butter and mix with a fork until evenly moistened.
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Pour into prepared springform pan and press evenly into bottom and up the sides coming about 1-inch from the top. Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.
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Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Have a large roasting pan ready and boil about 4 quarts of water.
For Cheesecake Filling:
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In a small mixing bowl whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
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Add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl, pour sugar mixture over top, and using an electric hand mixer blend cream cheese until smooth.
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Mix in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Add sour cream and heavy cream and mix until combined.
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Mix in lime juice and vanilla. Tap bowl forcefully against countertop about 30 times to release any large air bubbles.
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Pour over cooled graham cracker crust. Place cheesecake in roasting pan then place the roasting pan in the oven and carefully pour in enough boiling water around cheesecake pan to reach halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
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Bake in the preheated oven until cheesecake is nearly set but still jiggly in the center, about 60 to 65 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and chill in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
For Topping:
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In a medium mixing bowl whip heavy cream using an electric hand mixer set on high speed until soft peaks form.
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Add granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe over cheesecake just before serving. Garnish with berries, lime wedges, lime zest, and mint if desired.
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Store cheesecake in refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Calories: 4000.13kcal
- Fat: 335.66g
- Saturated Fat: 207.37g
- Trans Fat: 7.53g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 89.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.00g
- Carbohydrates: 256.08g
- Fiber: 1.14g
- Sugar: 234.68g
- Protein: 16.67g
- Cholesterol: 1036.86mg
- Sodium: 400.25mg
- Calcium: 550.45mg
- Potassium: 925.70mg
- Iron: 1.49mg
- Vitamin A: 3122.11µg
- Vitamin C: 76.20mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Key Lime Cheesecake Success
When making the crust, ensure the graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a more cohesive base. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan. This helps create a solid foundation that won't crumble when sliced.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Key Lime Cheesecake
Prepare the crust ahead: Make the graham cracker crust a day before and store it in the refrigerator.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend cream cheese and other ingredients using a food processor instead of a hand mixer.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Boil water in advance: Boil the water for the water bath while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Chill overnight: Let the cheesecake chill overnight to save time on the day you plan to serve it.
Substitute Ingredients For Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor, making them a good alternative for the crust.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative with a similar fat content.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a similar thickening agent and works well in cheesecake.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a rich, creamy texture that works well in cheesecakes.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made from ground flaxseed and water, providing binding properties.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good substitute.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that adds richness and a slight coconut flavor.
fresh lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: Bottled lime juice can be used in place of fresh lime juice, though fresh is always preferred for better flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the cheesecake.
heavy cream - Substitute with whipping cream: Whipping cream has a similar fat content and can be used interchangeably with heavy cream.
granulated sugar - Substitute with powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and can be used for a smoother texture in whipped cream.
fresh raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative topping.
Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Cheesecake
Use a pristine white plate: Select a large, pristine white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the key lime cheesecake and garnishes to stand out.
Create a smooth cheesecake surface: Ensure the top of the cheesecake is smooth and even. Use a hot knife to gently smooth out any imperfections before chilling.
Add a lime glaze: Prepare a thin lime glaze by combining lime juice and powdered sugar. Brush a light layer over the top of the cheesecake for a glossy finish.
Pipe whipped cream elegantly: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the whipped cream in a decorative pattern around the edges of the cheesecake. Create small rosettes or swirls for a professional look.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Place a few fresh raspberries strategically on top of the cheesecake. Ensure they are evenly spaced and add a pop of color.
Add lime zest and wedges: Sprinkle lime zest lightly over the whipped cream and place a few thin lime wedges on top for a fresh, zesty touch.
Incorporate mint leaves: Add a few small mint leaves around the cheesecake for a touch of green and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle a raspberry coulis: Prepare a raspberry coulis by blending fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle it artistically around the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the cheesecake into smaller, elegant slices. This not only looks refined but also allows diners to enjoy the rich dessert without feeling overwhelmed.
Use edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Ensure they are placed delicately and do not overpower the dish.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Cheesecake
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients such as graham cracker crumbs and sugar, and for mixing the cheesecake filling.
Fork: Utilized to mix the graham cracker crumbs with butter until evenly moistened.
9-inch springform pan: Essential for baking the cheesecake, allowing for easy removal of the finished product.
Heavy duty aluminum foil: Used to line the outside of the springform pan to prevent water from the water bath from seeping into the cheesecake.
Wire rack: Necessary for cooling the crust and the baked cheesecake.
Large roasting pan: Holds the springform pan and boiling water to create a water bath for even baking.
Electric hand mixer: Used to blend the cream cheese until smooth and to whip the heavy cream for the topping.
Whisk: Employed to combine granulated sugar and cornstarch.
Piping bag with a star tip: Used to pipe the whipped cream topping onto the cheesecake.
Boiling water: Poured into the roasting pan to create a water bath for the cheesecake.
Oven: Preheated to bake the crust and then used to bake the cheesecake at a reduced temperature.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the cheesecake for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, butter, and lime juice.
Knife: Used for slicing lime wedges for garnish.
Zester: Employed to zest limes for garnish.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Storing and Freezing Key Lime Cheesecake
To store the key lime cheesecake in the refrigerator, let it cool completely to room temperature after baking. Wrap the entire springform pan tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Place the wrapped cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then wrap the entire springform pan securely with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the cheesecake with the date and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen key lime cheesecake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If you want to freeze individual slices, cut the cooled cheesecake into desired portions. Wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container or bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Always store the key lime cheesecake in the refrigerator or freezer, as it contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream. Avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Interesting Fact About Key Lime Cheesecake
A unique aspect of this key lime cheesecake recipe is the use of a water bath during baking. This technique helps to create a cheesecake with a smooth, crack-free surface by providing a moist baking environment and even heat distribution.
Is Making Key Lime Cheesecake at Home Cost-Effective?
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this key lime cheesecake, several factors come into play. The primary ingredients such as cream cheese, graham crackers, and fresh lime juice are relatively affordable. However, the addition of heavy cream and fresh raspberries can increase the overall cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $20-$25 USD. Considering the rich flavors and the delightful experience it offers, the overall verdict for this recipe would be a solid 8 out of 10.
Is Key Lime Cheesecake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This key lime cheesecake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its high calorie and fat content are:
- Graham cracker crumbs and butter in the crust
- Cream cheese, a high-fat dairy product
- Eggs, which add protein but also cholesterol
- Sour cream and heavy cream, both high in fat
- Sugar, which provides empty calories
The lime juice does offer some vitamin C, but the overall nutritional value of the cheesecake is quite low.
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Use a nut-based crust (such as almond flour) instead of graham crackers to reduce carbs and add healthy fats
- Replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content and increase protein
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping, or use a natural sweetener like stevia
- Serve smaller portions and pair with fresh fruit to boost fiber and nutrients
Keep in mind that even with these changes, cheesecake should still be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday dessert. Moderation is key when it comes to indulging in rich, creamy dishes like this one. If you're looking for a truly healthy dessert option, you might be better off with a fruit-based choice or a small square of dark chocolate.
Editor's Opinion on This Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe
This key lime cheesecake recipe is a delightful blend of tangy and creamy flavors, perfect for any dessert lover. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the smooth, lime-infused cheesecake filling offers a refreshing citrus twist. The water bath technique ensures a perfectly baked, crack-free cheesecake. Topping it with freshly whipped cream and raspberries adds a touch of elegance and a burst of color. Overall, this recipe is well-balanced and sure to impress at any gathering.
Enhance Your Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Dessert Recipes to Try
Ideal Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Key Lime Cheesecake
Why trust this Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe:
This key lime cheesecake recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of tangy lime and creamy cheesecake. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Using fresh lime juice and high-quality cream cheese guarantees a rich and authentic flavor. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, while the whipped cream topping provides a luxurious finish. Trust this recipe for a dessert that will impress every time.
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