Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe: A Perfectly Creamy, Tangy Dessert
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that delivers a delightful balance of cool, creamy, and tangy flavors, look no further than this Key Lime Cheesecake. Itβs the kind of dessert that refreshes your palate after a spicy meal or serves as a wonderful finale for any special occasion. With a rich, velvety filling and a crisp, buttery crust, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The key lime juice adds just the right amount of tartness, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Ingredients for Key Lime Cheesecake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 3/4 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 5 oz |
| Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Key Lime Juice | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Sour Cream | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 723.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 48.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 184.1 mg |
| Sodium | 518.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 28.1 g |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) to get it ready for baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter, stirring well to coat the crumbs evenly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8-inch springform pan, making sure to press it halfway up the sides of the pan to form a sturdy crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. The texture should be light and free from lumps.
- Add vanilla extract and key lime juice, then beat the mixture again until everything is well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as you want to keep the batter light and airy.
- Mix in the sour cream gently until it is fully incorporated. The sour cream will add a nice tang and smooth texture to the cheesecake.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing it out to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The cheesecake should appear set around the edges but still have a soft, wobbly center.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the cheesecake to cool slowly, which helps to prevent cracking.
Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate
- After the 30 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
- Once it has cooled completely, refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- After chilling, your cheesecake is ready to serve. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
- For an added touch, you can garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream, lime zest, or thin lime slices.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Cheesecake:
- Key Lime Juice: While fresh key limes are ideal, you can also use bottled key lime juice for convenience. The bottled variety works perfectly for this recipe.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamiest filling, ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother texture.
- Prevent Cracks: To minimize the risk of cracking, be sure not to overmix the batter, and remember to let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar.
This Key Lime Cheesecake will undoubtedly become one of your go-to desserts. Its creamy texture combined with the tartness of key lime juice makes it both refreshing and indulgent. Whether itβs a warm summer evening or a special holiday dinner, this cheesecake is sure to make any meal feel even more extraordinary.
Conclusion
With its refreshing key lime flavor and creamy, rich filling, this cheesecake is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it an excellent choice for dessert at any time of year. Whether youβre celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this Key Lime Cheesecake will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delicious way possible. So, why wait? Preheat your oven and get started on this delightful dessert today!
