Description
Silky key lime cheesecake beckons with tangy Florida citrus and creamy richness. Rich graham cracker crust cradles this tropical dessert, promising refreshing bites that transport you to sunshine-filled shores.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (preferably Key lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional for swirl effect)
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime and lemon slices (for garnish)
- Lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles damp soil. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
- Preheat oven to 325F (160C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a golden hue. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and flour. Integrate vanilla extract, vibrant lime zest, and fresh lime juice, blending until harmonious.
- Gently fold eggs into the mixture, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. For an optional visual flair, introduce a hint of green food coloring to create a marbled effect.
- Transfer the luxurious filling onto the cooled crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for slightly jiggly center and set edges.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside for one hour, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
- Prepare a cloud-like topping by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating an ethereal crown for the dessert.
- Just before serving, adorn the cheesecake with delicate lime and lemon slices, sprinkle with additional lime zest for a burst of citrusy brightness. Serve thoroughly chilled.
Notes
- Protect the crust from burning by wrapping the springform pan’s bottom with aluminum foil, preventing any butter leakage and ensuring even baking.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by using room temperature ingredients, avoiding overmixing, and allowing the cake to cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly open.
- Enhance flavor complexity by toasting graham cracker crumbs before creating the crust, which adds a deeper, nuttier undertone to the dessert’s base.
- Adapt for dietary restrictions by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, and using dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg