Description
You are making the Ultimate Creamy & Tangy Key Lime Cheesecake. This recipe delivers that thick, velvety texture and bright citrus pop you crave. We offer both a classic baked version and a simple no-bake option. Prepare for a dessert that feels gourmet but is much simpler than you think.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Cheesecake Filling: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened, 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest, 2 large egg yolks (for baked version only)
- For No-Bake Variation: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill while you make the filling.
- Make the Filling (Baked): Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add condensed milk, mixing until just combined. Stir in lime juice and zest. Beat in egg yolks one at a time.
- Make the Filling (No-Bake): Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add condensed milk, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in lime juice, zest, and the prepared whipped cream until incorporated.
- Bake or Chill: Pour filling over the crust. If baking, bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 6 hours. For no-bake, cover and chill for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Release the springform side. Top with extra zest or whipped cream before slicing.
Notes
- Use only fresh key lime juice for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled juice changes the taste profile.
- If you prefer individual servings, press the crust mixture into the bottom of lined muffin tins for mini cheesecakes.
- To achieve that restaurant-style tangy sweetness, do not reduce the amount of lime juice specified.
- For the baked version, place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides (water bath) for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (for baked version)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked or No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg