Creamy Key Lime Dreams Cheesecake
Indulge in the zesty goodness of our Creamy Key Lime Dreams Cheesecake, a delectable homage to the beloved Cheesecake Factory version. This cheesecake boasts a luscious, creamy texture that's perfectly balanced with the vibrant tartness of key lime juice. Each slice offers a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, enveloped in a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its refreshing taste and rich creaminess, leaving your guests craving more. Whether it's a summer gathering or a special celebration, this dessert will be the highlight of the meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
2 cups (crushed (approximately 2 sleeves))
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (for crust)
Cream cheese
24 ounces (room temperature (3 packages of 8 ounces each))
Granulated sugar
1 cup (for filling)
Sour cream
1 cup (room temperature)
Flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Eggs
4 (large)
Key lime juice
3/4 cup (preferably Trader Joe's)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 9 or 10-inch springform pan, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and halfway up the sides to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to mix until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
5
Add in the sour cream, eggs (one at a time), flour, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth. Take care not to overmix.
6
Gradually stir in the Key Lime juice, tasting as you go. If you prefer a less tart cheesecake, begin with 1/3 cup and add more if desired.
7
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C) and continue baking for 50 minutes for a 10-inch pan or 55 minutes for a 9-inch pan, or until the center is set but slightly jiggles.
9
Once done, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack in the pan for 20 minutes.
10
Run a sharp knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it, but do not remove it from the pan. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely.
11
Before serving, garnish with sweetened whipped cream and lime zest for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Key Lime Dreams Cheesecake?
It is a delectable homage to the beloved Cheesecake Factory version, featuring a luscious, creamy texture balanced with vibrant key lime tartness.
What are the primary flavors of this cheesecake?
Each slice offers a delightful mix of sweet and tart flavors, complemented by a buttery graham cracker crust.
How many packages of cream cheese are required?
You will need 24 ounces of cream cheese, which is equivalent to 3 packages of 8 ounces each.
What temperature should the cream cheese be before mixing?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it beats into a smooth and creamy consistency.
How do I prepare the graham cracker crust?
Combine 2 cups of crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1/4 cup sugar, then press firmly into the pan and bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes.
How many sleeves of graham crackers make 2 cups of crumbs?
Approximately 2 sleeves of graham crackers are needed to yield 2 cups of crushed crumbs.
What kind of lime juice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3/4 cup of Key Lime juice, preferably from Trader Joe's.
Can I adjust the tartness of the cheesecake?
Yes, if you prefer a less tart flavor, begin with 1/3 cup of lime juice and add more gradually to taste.
What is the role of sour cream in the filling?
One cup of room temperature sour cream is added to the filling to enhance the rich creaminess and texture.
How many eggs are needed for the cheesecake filling?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs, added to the mixture one at a time.
Does this cheesecake recipe contain flour?
Yes, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is included in the filling to help stabilize the structure.
What size springform pan should I use?
You can use either a 9-inch or a 10-inch springform pan for this recipe.
What are the two baking temperatures used for the filling?
The cheesecake is first baked at 375°F for 15 minutes, and then the temperature is reduced to 250°F for the remainder of the time.
How long should a 10-inch cheesecake bake at 250°F?
For a 10-inch pan, bake the cheesecake at 250°F for 50 minutes.
How long should a 9-inch cheesecake bake at 250°F?
For a 9-inch pan, bake the cheesecake at 250°F for 55 minutes.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
What should I do immediately after removing the cheesecake from the oven?
Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack in the pan for 20 minutes.
Why should I run a knife around the edge of the pan?
Running a sharp knife around the edge loosens the cheesecake from the sides to prevent cracking as it cools and sets.
How long must the cheesecake be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow it to set completely.
What are the recommended garnishes for this dessert?
Before serving, garnish with sweetened whipped cream and fresh lime zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
What is the oven temperature for preheating?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) at the start of the process.
Is it important to avoid overmixing the batter?
Yes, you should mix on low speed once the eggs and flour are added and take care not to overmix to maintain the proper texture.
How much sugar is used in the cheesecake filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of granulated sugar, added gradually to the cream cheese.
What type of vanilla extract is used?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Should the sour cream be cold?
No, the sour cream should be at room temperature for better integration into the batter.
How far up the sides should the crust go?
The graham cracker mixture should be pressed firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Is this a good recipe for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, its refreshing taste and zesty citrus profile make it a highlight for summer meals and celebrations.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Does the recipe use melted or softened butter for the crust?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter to coat the graham cracker crumbs.
Can I remove the cheesecake from the pan before refrigerating?
No, you should loosen it with a knife but keep it in the pan while it refrigerates for at least 6 hours.