This Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a smooth, rich filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering, and the best part is that it’s easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe, along with a few secret tips, will make your key lime cheesecake the star of the show!

Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is everything you want in a dessert: creamy, smooth, and bursting with bright, citrusy flavor. The tangy key lime juice and zest pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cream cheese filling, all balanced by the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a show-stopping dessert every time. Plus, the 3 secret tips will ensure your cheesecake comes out perfectly every single time—no cracks, just smooth perfection!

Ingredients

For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
6 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
½ cup key lime juice
1 tbsp key lime zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Press it firmly and evenly to form a crust. Set aside.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the key lime flavor: Stir in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined.
Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Cool and refrigerate: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
Serve: Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)

Secret Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake

Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: Fresh key lime juice gives your cheesecake a much brighter, tangier flavor than bottled juice. If you can find fresh key limes, zest them too! The zest adds extra fragrance and flavor to the filling.
Let It Cool Slowly: To prevent cracks on the surface of your cheesecake, let it cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour before removing it. This gradual temperature change helps the cheesecake set evenly.
Chill for Maximum Creaminess: After baking, let your cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating it. The texture will become more creamy and smooth the longer it chills, so if you can wait, let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight.

Variations

Coconut Crust: For a tropical twist, try adding ¼ cup of shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust.
Whipped Cream Topping: Top the cheesecake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for a decorative finish.
Berry Compote: Serve your cheesecake with a mixed berry compote or fresh raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the crust gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 5 days. Since it’s best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. If you have leftovers, slice and store them individually for an easy grab-and-go treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes for key limes, but the flavor will be slightly less intense. Key limes have a more distinctive tangy and aromatic taste.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar helps prevent cracking. Additionally, chilling the cheesecake for several hours will allow it to set without any cracks.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s recommended to make the cheesecake ahead of time to allow it to fully chill and set in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use other types of crust, such as an almond crust or a chocolate cookie crust, for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the cheesecake less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, reduce the sugar in the filling by ¼ cup. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the crust.

How can I tell when my cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake should have slightly puffed edges and a center that is just a bit jiggly when you tap the side of the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy consistency.

Can I add other fruits to the cheesecake?

Yes, you can top the cheesecake with your favorite fruits, such as fresh berries, kiwi, or mango, for added color and flavor.

How long does this cheesecake take to set in the fridge?

After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating it. It needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to fully set, though overnight is best for the creamiest texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake is the perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and sweet, with a buttery crust and the ideal balance of flavors. With these simple steps and secret tips, you’ll be able to create a cheesecake that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!