You can make this thick, creamy Key Lime Cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe balances sweet and tangy flavors for a refreshing dessert.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:65 min
Total Time:7 hours 30 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
4 large eggs
Lime zest for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform 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 1 1/2 cups sugar and flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and key lime juice until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing only until each egg is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath).
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Top with fresh lime zest. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning when you want a showstopper dessert.
Notes
For a tangier flavor, increase the key lime juice by 1 tablespoon.
If you are planning a party, consider making mini cheesecakes in a muffin tin using cupcake liners for easy serving.
If you want to avoid the water bath, reduce the baking time by 10 minutes and cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.