Key Lime Pie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every single bite! Imagine the tangy, vibrant zest of key limes dancing on your tongue, perfectly balanced by the rich, creamy decadence of a classic cheesecake. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Key lime pie itself has a fascinating history, originating in the Florida Keys in the late 19th century. It’s said that resourceful cooks, making the most of readily available ingredients like key limes, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs, created this iconic pie. We’ve taken that beloved classic and elevated it to new heights by merging it with the universally adored cheesecake.

What makes this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, the crisp graham cracker crust, and the bright, citrusy key lime curd swirled throughout. People adore this dessert because it’s both refreshingly tart and indulgently sweet. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a little slice of sunshine. Get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will have everyone begging for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• 2 teaspoons key lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Key Lime Topping:
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon key lime juice
• Key lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of graham cracker crumbs. A smooth, even mixture is key for a consistent crust.
3. Add melted butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This is what will hold the crust together.
4. Press into the pan: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer. Make sure to press it firmly against the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan to create a nice edge. This helps prevent the filling from seeping out.
5. Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Cool completely: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial! A cool crust will prevent the cheesecake filling from melting the butter and creating a soggy bottom.

Making the Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This is a very important step. If the cream cheese isn’t completely smooth, your cheesecake will have lumps. I recommend using room temperature cream cheese for the best results.
2. Add sugar gradually: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Mix in sour cream: Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage, as it can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
4. Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Again, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cheesecake.
5. Add key lime juice, zest, and vanilla: Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. The key lime juice and zest are what give this cheesecake its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on them!

Baking the Key Lime Cheesecake

1. Pour filling into crust: Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly to ensure a consistent bake.
2. Water bath (recommended): For the best results and to prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil (at least two layers) to prevent water from seeping in. Place the wrapped pan in a larger roasting pan.
3. Add hot water: Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, filling it halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water bath creates a humid environment that helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents it from cracking.
4. Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 65-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The jiggle is important! The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
5. Turn off oven and let cool: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking.
6. Remove from water bath: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavors.

Preparing the Key Lime Topping and Assembling

1. Make the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, powdered sugar, and key lime juice until smooth.
2. Spread the topping: Once the cheesecake has chilled completely, spread the key lime topping evenly over the top.
3. Garnish (optional): Garnish with key lime slices or zest, if desired. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the key lime flavor.
4. Slice and serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake is truly a dessert experience you won’t want to miss. From the tangy, vibrant key lime filling to the creamy, decadent cheesecake base and the buttery graham cracker crust, every element works in perfect harmony. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and the rave reviews you’ll receive will be well worth the effort. Trust me, this isn’t just another cheesecake recipe; it’s a slice of sunshine on a plate! Why is this a must-try? Because it perfectly balances the tartness of key lime with the richness of cheesecake, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings. Plus, the vibrant green hue of the key lime filling makes it visually stunning, adding an extra touch of elegance to your dessert table. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. Looking for serving suggestions? A dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a welcome addition, adding a light and airy contrast to the richness of the cheesecake. You could also garnish it with a few lime wedges or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. For a more decadent touch, consider drizzling it with a white chocolate ganache or a homemade key lime curd. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try! For a tropical twist, add a layer of mango or pineapple puree between the crust and the cheesecake filling. Or, for a more intense key lime flavor, use key lime juice and zest in both the cheesecake filling and the graham cracker crust. You could even try making mini key lime pie cheesecakes in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation. Another idea is to swirl some raspberry jam into the cheesecake batter before baking for a beautiful and delicious marbled effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a Key Lime Pie Cheesecake masterpiece. I’m confident that this will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking! And remember, the most important ingredient is always love! Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your amazing creations! Let’s spread the joy of this incredible dessert far and wide. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes, so your feedback is invaluable. Let’s make the world a sweeter place, one Key Lime Pie Cheesecake at a time! Print