Key Lime Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for key lime enthusiasts! It’s a creamy cheesecake bursting with authentic key lime taste, thanks to fresh lime juice.
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Key Lime Pie Cheesecake is an ideal choice for summer gatherings or any special event craving a vibrant citrus treat. What’s wonderful about the Stabilized Whip Cream topping is that it stays firm, making it a convenient cheesecake to prepare in advance for your occasion.
This Key Lime Cheesecake is a delight for those who love the tangy-sweet essence of key limes. The vibrant flavor is achieved with real citrus juice and key lime zest in the cheesecake mix, along with additional zest and lime slices for garnish. While key lime pies are known for their tartness, they also offer a creamy sweetness from condensed milk, which we’ve incorporated into the cheesecake batter. The result is a delicious fusion that truly captures the essence of both Key Lime Pie and Cheesecake.
Ingredients Notes
Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients
1. Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the foundation of the crust, lending a crunchy texture and sweet taste. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers instead.
2. Sugar: Provides sweetness to both the crust and the filling. Granulated or caster sugar are both suitable options for this recipe.
3. Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is used to bind the graham cracker crumbs, creating a cohesive crust. If you only have salted butter, it can be substituted.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
1. Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened beforehand for easy whipping with the eggs and milk, resulting in a lighter, creamier filling. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and indulgent dessert experience.
2. Sugar: Sweetens the filling while contributing to its smooth consistency.
3. Eggs: Provide richness and structure to the cheesecake filling. Allowing the cheesecake to chill slowly helps the eggs set properly, minimizing the risk of cracks.
4. Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and enhances the filling’s rich, creamy flavor, distinguishing it as a key component of a classic key lime pie.
5. Vanilla Extract: Elevates the cheesecake’s flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.
6. Key Lime Juice: Imparts the distinctive tanginess characteristic of key limes, essential for achieving the signature taste of the cheesecake. Regular lime juice can be used as a substitute if key limes are unavailable.
7. Lime Zest: Introduces a vibrant citrus flavor and aroma to the filling. Remember to zest the limes before juicing them to capture their full essence.
8. Flour: Plays a crucial role in stabilizing the cheesecake filling, preventing cracks during baking without the need for a water bath. Additionally, it contributes to the overall structure along with the eggs.
Whipped Cream Ingredients
1. Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy foundation for the stabilized whipped cream, imparting richness to the topping.
2. Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream, ensuring it maintains its shape when piped onto the cheesecake.
3. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream and harmonizes with the other ingredients.
4. Heavy Cream: Whips up into a light, fluffy topping. For optimal results, ensure the heavy cream is well chilled before whipping.
Storing:
1. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to chill thoroughly. This process takes about 4 hours, in addition to the time needed for cooling after baking.
2. Once chilled, serve with whipped cream and lime slices if desired. When not serving, keep the cheesecake in the refrigerator.
3. To preserve freshness, tent the cake plate with aluminum foil or transfer the cheesecake to an airtight container. It can be stored this way for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
1. For longer storage, freeze the Key Lime Cheesecake without the whipped cream topping. Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use an airtight container.
2. Label the package with the date and freeze for 2-3 months.
3. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cheesecake in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, garnish and serve as usual.
Frequent Questions
1. Do you need to use a water bath for this cheesecake?
– No, you don’t have to use a hot water bath because this cheesecake recipe includes a small amount of flour, which helps prevent cracks. However, if you prefer or want to skip the flour, instructions for a water bath are provided in this post.
2. Is this cheesecake freezer-friendly?
– Yes, Key Lime Cheesecake freezes very well! It’s recommended to freeze it without the topping and add them just before serving. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. What can I substitute for key lime juice?
– Regular lime juice or a combination of lemon and lime juice can be used as substitutes, though the flavor may vary slightly.
4. Can I use regular whipped cream?
– While regular whipped cream can be used, stabilized whipped cream holds its shape better and maintains its texture over time. Additionally, the whipped cream cheese in this recipe adds a delightful tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
5. Can This Be Made Ahead?
-Key Lime Cheesecake is perfect for making ahead, making it a stress-free dessert option for special occasions. Keep in mind that it requires about 4 hours of chilling time to set completely. Here’s how you can prepare it in advance:
1. Follow the recipe instructions to prepare the cheesecake, including the graham cracker crust and filling.
2. After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Refrigerate the cheesecake for up to 2-3 days before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the Key Lime Pie Cheesecake for up to 3 months.
4. When you’re ready to serve, prepare the stabilized whipped cream and garnish the cheesecake just before serving for the freshest presentation.
6. What are Key limes?
– Key limes are small citrus fruits recognized for their tart, floral flavor. They are smaller than Persian limes, with thin, yellow-green rinds and fewer seeds. Key limes are commonly used in desserts like Key Lime Cheesecake for their unique taste, and they are primarily cultivated in Mexico and the Florida Keys.
Love cheesecakes? Be sure to check out these other delicious cheesecake recipes!
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