Description
Make this incredibly creamy and tangy Key Lime Cheesecake. You will achieve a velvety texture that pops with bright citrus flavor. This recipe is simpler than you think and makes a stunning dessert.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Cheesecake Filling: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (softened), 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 8-10 limes), 1 tablespoon lime zest, 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- Topping (Optional): Whipped cream, extra lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup sugar until fully combined.
- Mix in the key lime juice and lime zest until the batter is smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition. Do not overmix.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and extra lime zest if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled juice changes the taste.
- Room temperature ingredients mix much smoother, giving you that desired velvety texture.
- If you want a no-bake version, omit the eggs and bake time. Chill the filling mixture for at least 8 hours.
- For a Cheesecake Factory style copycat, increase the lime juice slightly for added tang.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (with No-Bake option noted)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg