Description
This Key Lime Cheesecake combines tangy key lime juice and zest with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and chilled to enhance flavors, it offers a luscious, refreshing dessert ideal for summer or any time you crave a zesty twist on classic cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare the crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Form the crust: Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer for the cheesecake base.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix in key lime components: Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined with the batter.
- Pour batter onto crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle to it.
- Cool the cheesecake in oven: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Refrigerate before serving: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to prevent cracking.
- Key lime juice can be substituted with fresh lime juice if key limes are unavailable, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- A springform pan is recommended for easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill properly to achieve the best texture and flavor.
