So I guess you could say I’m on a bit of a citrus kick. What can I say? The bright, tart flavors remind me of warmer weather and right now that’s all I can think about. I for one am over these dreary days and looking forward to crisp spring mornings that are just around the corner. Also- my grocery store happened to have a bag of adorable key limes for sale (which never happens) so I just had to buy them.
I wanted to make a beautiful cheesecake that was a bit tart, but not sour, and creamy and smooth instead of overly dense and rich. This was the perfect recipe and the end result was to die for good: thick graham cracker crust, creamy lime-y cheesecake, and a layer of fresh whipped cream on top. Even though I wouldn’t consider it a “healthy” dessert, my family/friends who tasted it all agreed that the texture/flavor made it taste light. (No key limes in sight? Regular lime juice would work and make this just as delicious!)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 eggs
- zest from 1 lime
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat over to 300F.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with butter or margarine. Press into bottom and partially up sides of 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes while prepping the filling.
- In a large bowl, with an electric mixer beat the cream cheese, sugar, lime zest, and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending just until combined. Add key lime juice with mixer on low. Finish mixing by hand. (Don't over-mix.)
- Place a shallow pan full of boiling water onto the bottom shelf of the oven. Place the cheesecake on a higher shelf and bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until set.
- Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes with the door open at least 4 inches.
- Remove from oven- let cool completely and then refrigerate cake overnight, and up to three days.
- When ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, and spread over cheesecake.
Notes
Adapted from: AllRecipes
I made this cheesecake for my husband’s birthday. He was very impressed!
I had always been pretty intimidated by anythingin a springform pan…don’t ask me why, I think my Mom must have passed down some sort of fear because hers only collected dust in our basement! (:
Followed everything step by step and had the BEST results. So delicious!
Confession: I got a little distracted when I was whipping the cream, and made butter instead. (; It was nothing a second trip to the market couldn’t fix…I just tried again, and did not go so crazy with the mixer!
Awesome recipe!
I’m so glad you liked this one Rebecca! I thought it was so light and refreshing for cheesecake!
This sounds amazing especially with spring time coming up quick. I’m a sucker for those fresh, citrus flavors too. I’ve had my springform pan for a while and it’s still a virgin.. I think I’ll have to change that soon.
I am a big cheesecake lover. Key lime cheesecake sounds so light and refreshing. Beautiful photos too.
This is SO lovely! I’m addicted to Steve’s Key Lime Pies (have you tried these?!), but I totally need to try making my own.
You have combined two of my most favorite things ever – cheesecake and key lime pie – AMAZING! Now I have to head to the store and find some key limes!
Did you make mini cheesecakes for the pictures? Because the cheesecake looks mini and it’s cute. But maybe its an optical illusion. Anyways, this looks great. Although I’ve never heard of key lime cheesecake, pie, yes, but not cheesecake. It sounds delicious! :)
No it’s not mini- just a huge cake stand :) The recipe is for a 9 inch cheesecake- but my pan is 7 inches. I poured the extra batter into a ramekin!
Key Lime desserts are a favorite around here, I think I’ll have to make these for my next dessert day!
Wow this is gorgeous! I love how wonderful this look and I just love the tart taste of key lime, must try this out.
key lime is one of my ultimate favorite flavors! i love this cheesecake and it would not stand a chance in my household!
That looks beautiful and delicious! I love key lime pie! And cheesecake. Together? Mmmmm
I am loving your citrus kick – keep ‘em coming! :) I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for key limes, they are definitely hard to come by. This cheesecake would be the perfect way to use them!
Yum! I just found out I am expecting again and with each pregnancy I always crave citrus. It just so happens I bought key limes last week! Cannot wait to try this recipe! Thanks!
Aw congratulations!! :)
Thank you!
Wow, this is one good lookin’ cheesecake. I love that you flavored it with key lime. Reminds me of sunny days and warm weather.
Your cheesecake looks absolutely perfect!
My dad goes nuts over key lime anything and with his birthday coming up, I’ll have to make this for him.
Cheesecake is my weakness…AND especially with some citrus kick! The crust is also making my mouth water! I wish my grocery store had some key limes in…But until then, I’ll simply do what you suggested and be able to use the lime juice I happen to have for emergencies like this one! (=
Love the pillowy whipped top!
Love me some key lime pie and cheesecake is my favorite so this is a match made in heaven for me!
How prefect. My mom LOVES key lime pie and I know she would love this too. Her 60th birthday is this month so I may have found just the thing to make her!
Cheesecake is a favorite around here. This looks wonderful, Audra!