Luscious Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe: A Breezy Dessert Delight

Tangy and creamy, this easy key lime cheesecake recipe delivers a slice of tropical paradise right to your dessert plate.

Rich cream cheese swirls with zesty lime juice, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect crisp foundation for the silky smooth filling.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment stand between you and this spectacular treat.

Each bite promises a burst of bright citrus flavor balanced by smooth, velvety texture.

Whip up this dessert in under an hour and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first heavenly forkful.

Get ready to become the star baker with this foolproof, show-stopping cheesecake.

Tools That Help Get That Tangy Texture

• Springform Pan (8: Essential for easy cheesecake removal and perfect shape.
• Electric Mixer: Key for beating cream cheese and whipping cream smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining cream cheese mixture and whipping cream.
• Zester or Grater: Perfect for extracting fresh lime zest.
• Spatula: Great for folding whipped cream and spreading mixture evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps to Make This Bright & Zesty Dessert

• Crust Preparation

Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into bottom and sides of springform pan, creating a solid foundation for the creamy dessert.

• Cream Cheese Mixture

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate citrusy lime juice, zesty lime zest, and sweet vanilla extract, blending until perfectly combined.

• Whipped Cream Incorporation

Gently fold fluffy whipped cream into the lime-infused cream cheese base, maintaining its airy texture and creating a light, decadent filling.

• Chilling and Setting

Cover the pan and place in refrigerator, allowing the cheesecake to firm up and develop rich flavors for several hours until perfectly set.

• Serving Presentation

Carefully slice the chilled cheesecake and garnish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, showcasing the vibrant lime-kissed dessert perfect for any occasion.

Substitutes and Toppings to Mix It Up

• Maximize lime flavor by using fresh, organic key limes and zesting them directly into the mixture for an intense, bright citrus punch.
• Swap traditional graham crackers with gingersnap or shortbread cookies to create a unique, complementary base that adds depth and unexpected texture.
• Prepare this cheesecake up to 3 days in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to develop richer flavors and simplify party planning.
• Garnish with torched meringue, fresh berries, candied lime slices, or a drizzle of passion fruit sauce to elevate the classic dessert and impress guests with visual and taste complexity.
• Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap carefully in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to preserve for up to 2 months – perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or last-minute dessert emergencies.

How to Present This Cheesecake on a Plate

• Garnish with Zesty Lime Wedges: Top each slice with a fresh lime wedge for a vibrant, tangy presentation that hints at the cheesecake's bright flavor.
• Create a Tropical Cream Topping: Dollop extra sweetened whipped cream on each slice and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a dreamy, island-inspired finish.
• Drizzle with Lime Syrup: Prepare a simple lime syrup by reducing lime juice and sugar, then delicately drizzle over individual slices to enhance the citrusy notes and add a glossy, elegant touch.
• Pair with Refreshing Beverage: Serve alongside a cold glass of sweet iced tea or a crisp white wine that complements the cheesecake's zesty, creamy profile.

Storage Tips After the First Slice

• Store Smartly: Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its fresh, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for maximum 1 month without losing its delightful taste.
• Slice Before Freezing: Cut individual portions before freezing to make thawing easier and more convenient for quick dessert enjoyments.
• Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, ensuring the texture remains smooth and creamy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Ingredient Notes

• Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, crispy base with sweet, slightly honey-like undertones that complement the tangy filling.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs and creates a rich, golden foundation that adds depth to the overall texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, luxurious base of the cheesecake with its rich and creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of lime and adds essential sweetness to the dessert.
• Lime Juice: Delivers a bright, zesty flavor that defines the key lime character of the cheesecake.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and provides concentrated lime flavor with its aromatic oils.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, subtle sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and creates a silky, mousse-like texture when whipped into the filling.

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Offers a cloud-like, delicate finish that complements the tangy cheesecake and provides an extra touch of indulgence.

Silky Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Key lime cheesecake emerges as a delightful dessert showcasing Florida’s citrus charm. Graham cracker crust and creamy filling promise tangy satisfaction for passionate bakers seeking summer-inspired sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 packages cream cheese, full-fat, room temperature (24 oz/750 g)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (200 g)
• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (350 g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold, 30-35% fat
• ¼ cup key lime or lime juice (2 limes)
• 1–2 tbsps key lime or lime zest (2 regular limes)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Sweetened whipped cream for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crust Formation: Crush graham crackers into fine powder and meld with melted butter, pressing firmly into the bottom and lower edges of a springform pan to create a sturdy, even base.
2. Cream Cheese Preparation: Blend cream cheese using an electric mixer until achieving a satiny, lump-free texture, ensuring complete smoothness.
3. Flavor Integration: Introduce granulated sugar, freshly extracted lime juice, zesty lime zest, and pure vanilla extract into the cream cheese, whisking until perfectly homogeneous.
4. Cream Transformation: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff, cloud-like peaks using an electric mixer, creating a light, airy consistency.
5. Mixture Harmonization: Delicately fold whipped cream into the cream cheese base, maintaining its voluminous structure and ensuring complete incorporation without deflating the mixture.
6. Filling Refinement: Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary, adding minute quantities of sugar to balance the flavor profile.
7. Assembly and Chilling: Pour the silky filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface, then refrigerate for 5-6 hours until the cheesecake sets completely and firms up.
8. Serving Presentation: When ready to serve, slice the chilled cheesecake and optionally embellish with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture without overbeating.
• Zest with Precision: Grate lime zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly using the bottom of a measuring cup for a compact, stable base.
• Chilling is Crucial: Patience matters – allow full 5-6 hours of refrigeration to achieve the perfect cheesecake texture and flavor development.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg