1. Prepare the Crust:
1.1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1.2. Mix the Crust Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
1.3. Press Crust into Pan:
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to create a compact, even layer.
1.4. Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
2.1. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
2.2. Add Eggs One at a Time:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
2.3. Incorporate Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, and Vanilla:
- Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
2.4. Add Key Lime Juice and Zest:
- Slowly add the key lime juice, mixing on low speed until incorporated. If you’re using key lime zest, fold it in with a rubber spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
3.1. Pour Filling Over Crust:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3.2. Bake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
3.3. Cool:
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Afterward, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature on a cooling rack.
3.4. Chill:
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Prepare the Key Lime Topping (Optional):
4.1. Whip the Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4.2. Top the Cheesecake:
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
4.3. Garnish:
- Garnish with key lime slices or zest for a beautiful presentation.
5. Serve:
5.1. Slice and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice it into pieces. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Key Lime Cheesecake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Water Bath Alternative: If you’re concerned about cracks, place a pan of hot water on the lower rack of the oven while baking the cheesecake to add moisture.
- Chilling: Allowing the cheesecake to chill thoroughly ensures it sets properly and enhances the flavor.
This easy Key Lime Cheesecake is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this cheesecake is sure to delight. Enjoy every refreshing bite!