Key Lime Cheesecake

Key lime cheesecake made with deliciously tart key limes and silky sweetened cream cheese is decadent, simple, and always a hit!

This easy key lime cheesecake recipe is the way to go if you have someone in your life who loves cheesecake! Serve it after a yummy meal of pan seared chicken breast and roasted broccoli. 

Key Lime Cheesecake

Key Lime Cheesecake Ingredients

Cheesecake crust

• Graham crackers – Try to get these smashed as fine as you can.  It’s best to use a food processor.  You can even buy them pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs these days!
• Sugar – Regular white sugar works great.
• Butter – I prefer salted butter. It makes a great sweet, with a touch of salty, combo.

Cheesecake filling

• Sugar – White granulated. 
• Butter – Melted. We prefer salted butter.
• Cream cheese – Full fat, softened.
• Vanilla – Real vanilla extract. 
• Key lime juice – Regular lime juice can be substituted in a pinch, but know that if you use Persian limes (the limes typically found at your market) it will be more sour/tangy. 
• Eggs – Large eggs. 

Cheesecake topping

• Heavy cream – Also called whipping cream. 
• Powdered sugar – Sometimes called confectioners sugar or icing sugar. 
• Vanilla – Real vanilla extract. 

How do you make key lime cheesecake? (step-by-step)

⭐ First, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press onto the bottom of a cheesecake pan.

⭐ Next, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with until combined. Blend in eggs individually on low speed, followed by lime juice. Pour over crust.

⭐ Then, bake until center is nearly set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake and allow to cool completely before removing rim.

⭐ Finally, while cheesecake is chilling, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread on the chilled cheesecake. 

Preparation

Can I use regular limes in place of key limes?

Yes, but understand the flavor will be slightly different.  Persian limes are what most folks consider “regular limes” and they are slightly more tart and have a stronger flavor than key limes. 

Can you make key lime cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely, in fact you not only can but you should. The cheesecake is really best if chilled overnight, but for at least 4 hours. 

You can make it as long as a couple days ahead. For best results, add the whipped topping right before serving. 

Is a water bath necessary for a cheesecake?

A water bath is not necessary for cheesecake. Typically I do not use a water bath and have never run into issues. 

If you prefer to use a water bath when cooking, you absolutely can. 

Leftovers and storage

Do you have to refrigerate cheesecake?

Yes, this recipe is made with cream cheese, eggs, and butter, and will not keep if left at room temperature. If kept out at room temperature longer than 2 hours, the leftovers should be pitched. 

How long does key lime cheesecake last?

Key lime cheesecake will keep in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days, or longer in the freezer.  Cover tightly or store in a sealed container. 

Can you freeze key lime cheesecake?

Yes!  Allow it to chill completely in the refrigerator, then wrap it in plastic wrap twice, or plastic wrap then aluminum foil. To make it easier to remove from the pan, you can press the graham cracker crust into a prepared pan that is lined with parchment paper. 

If you’re not going to use the bottom of your springform in the meantime, you can freeze it on that, or you can cut a cardboard circle to use. It can be frozen as a whole or in individual slices. 

For best results, freeze without topping and then add topping immediately before serving. 

Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions

✅ Allow ingredients for filling to come to room temperature before beginning.

✅ Tap the side of your pan with a wooden spoon to release any air pockets that may have been created when mixing.

✅ When the cheesecake is finished cooking, the center should still be a little bit wobbly.  It will firm up as it cools.

✅ Add the eggs one at a time and beat slowly to avoid creating large air bubbles in your filling.

✅ To cut the perfect slice of cheesecake use a sharp smooth blade knife (not serrated) and swipe it with a small amount of vegetable oil or water before cutting. Slice in a single downward motion (not back and forth).

What to eat with key lime pie cheesecake (serving suggestions)

Doesn’t matter what time of year you enjoy this cheesecake, it is a slice of warm weather and sunshine! I like to serve it after a dinner of equally cheerful food like garlic parmesan wings and air fryer asparagus!

More amazing cheesecake recipes

• Classic baked cheesecake
• No bake cheesecake
• Pumpkin cheesecake
• Caramel cheesecake
• Raspberry cheesecake cookies
• Cheesecake mousse
• See all our amazing cheesecake recipes

More delicious recipes with cream cheese

• Hot pizza dip
• Cheese danish recipe
• Ranch chicken dip
• Cranberry jello salad
• See all our recipes with cream cheese

Tools we love

• Springform pan – My favorite pan for cheesecakes! Makes baking a beautifully finished dessert so easy. 
• Electric hand mixer – I like to use a hand mixer when making this recipe for increased control.  

How to Make Key Lime Cheesecake