Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe with Tart Creaminess

Key lime cheesecake tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant, zesty essence and creamy, luxurious texture.

Tropical citrus notes dance across a velvety smooth landscape, creating a dessert that revolutionizes ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Rich cream cheese provides a luscious foundation for the bright, tangy lime flavor that awakens the palate.

This dessert masterpiece balances sweet and tart elements in a harmonious culinary symphony.

Smooth and decadent, the cheesecake promises a refreshing escape from traditional dessert offerings.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe invites you to craft a show-stopping treat that sparks conversation and delights the senses.

Key Lime Cheesecake with Tangy and Creamy Notes

• Whip Up a Zesty Tropical Delight: This key lime cheesecake brings sunshine to your dessert table with its bright, tangy flavor that instantly transports you to a beachy paradise.
• Creamy No-Bake Magic: Enjoy a foolproof dessert that requires zero oven time, making it perfect for hot summer days or when you want a stress-free dessert that looks impressively professional.
• Texture Perfection in Every Bite: The silky smooth cream cheese base blends beautifully with whipped cream, creating a cloud-like texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue with a crisp graham cracker crust foundation.
• Quick and Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this showstopper in just 20 minutes of active cooking time, then let the refrigerator do the rest, giving you a stunning dessert with minimal effort that will wow family and friends.

What’s in a Key Lime Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers, Butter: Crisp, buttery base that provides a delightful crunch and complements the creamy cheesecake filling.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich foundation that creates the classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness to the dessert.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence that defines the key lime cheesecake.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the cheesecake.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy whipped cream that adds a delicate and luxurious finishing touch to the dessert.

Directions for Making Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Crust

Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of an 8″ or 9″ springform pan.

Step 2: Whip Cream Cheese Base

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create Flavor Profile

• 1 sugar
• Lime juice
• Lime zest
• Vanilla extract

Beat the mixture until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Sample the cheesecake mixture and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Spread the cheesecake mixture into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for 5-6 hours or until the cheesecake is firm.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cheesecake and top with additional sweetened whipped cream if desired. Serve chilled and savor the tangy, creamy delight.

Helpful Tips for Key Lime Cheesecake Fans

• Master the Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, uniform base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
• Zest Like a Pro: Use fresh lime zest for maximum flavor intensity, carefully scraping only the green outer layer to avoid bitter white pith.
• Prevent Lumpy Filling: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix slowly to ensure a silky, smooth texture without unwanted cheese chunks.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Fold whipped cream gently into the mixture using a bottom-up motion to maintain its light, airy structure and prevent deflation.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate cheesecake for the full 5-6 hours to allow complete setting and develop rich, creamy consistency that slices beautifully.

How to Store and Serve It Chilled

• Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake maintains its quality for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Serve Chilled: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Top with fresh whipped cream or lime zest for a delightful presentation. Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

What to Serve with Key Lime Cheesecake

• Zesty Tropical Beverage Pairing: Serve this key lime cheesecake with a crisp, cold mojito or a refreshing passion fruit margarita to complement the tangy lime flavors and enhance the tropical essence.
• Contrast with Rich Coffee: Pair the creamy cheesecake with a bold espresso or a smooth cold brew coffee, which will balance the sweetness and cut through the rich, velvety texture.
• Fresh Fruit Accompaniment: Add a side of fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit to brighten the dessert and provide a light, juicy contrast to the dense cheesecake.
• Sparkling Wine Celebration: Match the dessert with a chilled prosecco or champagne, whose bubbly acidity will cleanse the palate and bring out the zesty lime notes in the cheesecake.

Fun Key Lime Cheesecake Variations

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap key lime juice with passion fruit or mango puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach.
• No-Bake Berry Bliss: Replace lime zest with fresh raspberries or strawberries, folding crushed berries into the cream cheese mixture for a fruity, refreshing summer dessert.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add melted dark chocolate to the cream cheese base and sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs on top instead of graham crackers for a rich, decadent version.
• Coconut Cream Escape: Mix shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical, nutty texture and flavor enhancement.

Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Key Lime Cheesecake delivers creamy tartness with a graham cracker crust that whispers Florida’s sunshine. Cool lime zest and smooth cream cheese create a refreshing dessert travelers crave after a long summer day.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 packages full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (24 ounces/750 grams)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (200 grams)
• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (350 grams)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold, 30-35% fat
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup key lime or lime juice (2 limes)

Flavoring and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons key lime or lime zest (2 regular limes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Sweetened whipped cream for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs and melt butter, then firmly compress the mixture into the base and lower walls of an 8-inch (20.32 centimeters) or 9-inch (22.86 centimeters) springform pan, creating a uniform crust approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) high.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to thoroughly cream the cream cheese until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
3. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lime juice, finely grated lime zest, and pure vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, blending until completely smooth and uniform.
4. In a separate chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream using an electric mixer, continuing until stiff, peaked texture is achieved.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, maintaining the cream’s delicate volume and ensuring thorough integration without deflating the mixture.
6. Sample the cheesecake filling and adjust sweetness if needed by adding small increments of sugar.
7. Transfer the velvety mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 to 6 hours, or until the dessert is completely set and firm.
9. When ready to serve, carefully slice the cheesecake and optionally garnish with additional sweetened whipped cream.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and creamier texture.
• Use fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant and authentic citrusy flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Gently fold whipped cream to maintain its airy structure, preventing a dense and heavy cheesecake.
• Chill the cheesecake for the full recommended time to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect set consistency.
• Line the springform pan’s bottom with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
• Optional garnish of lime zest or candied lime peel adds a delightful visual and flavor punch to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 567 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 309 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg