Easy Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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Creating the perfect strawberry key lime cheesecake recipe involves a simple yet delightful mix of a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and a sour cream topping, all brought together with the vibrant tastes of fresh strawberries and zesty lime juice.

This delicious cheesecake recipe is the ideal combination of sweet and tangy, promising an unforgettable experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

It’s a creamy dessert that offers a fruity flavor, making it a favorite even among picky eaters.

Today, I’ll guide through every step of crafting this mouthwatering treat—you only require my tried & true recipe that’s easy to whip up for any occasion.

Table of Contents

Ingredients For Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

For an unforgettable strawberry key lime cheesecake, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs are the go-to choice, offering the ideal base. However, for a playful twist, feel free to experiment with different cookie crumbs, like those from Golden Oreos.
Butter: Opt for salted butter to give the crust that extra flavor. If you find yourself reaching for unsalted butter, just remember to mix in about 1/4 teaspoon of salt with your crumbs.
Sugar: Stick with white granulated sugar or caster sugar for that perfect sweetness. For those watching their sugar intake, monkfruit sweetener is a fantastic alternative.
Cornstarch: A sprinkle of cornstarch in your batter will work wonders in preventing cracks in your cheesecake, ensuring a smooth top every time.
Cream Cheese: For that creamy, rich texture, full fat cream cheese is key. It’s essential to bring it to room temperature before mixing for the best integration into your batter.
Eggs: Similarly, room temperature eggs blend more seamlessly into the mixture, contributing to the cheesecake’s creamy consistency.
Sour Cream: This ingredient is a game-changer, offering a smoother texture and deepening the overall cheesecake flavor.
Heavy Cream: It’s important not to compromise here; only 36% milk fat heavy whipping cream will do, providing the richness that milk or half-and-half simply can’t.
Strawberries: Though fresh strawberries are preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture, frozen strawberries, once thawed and pureed, can also work in a pinch.
Key Limes: While key limes give this cheesecake its unique twist, regular fresh limes are a suitable substitute if needed.
Gel Food Coloring: To achieve that visually stunning pink color in your cheesecake filling, a touch of gel food coloring can be your secret weapon.

Easy Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

For The Crust

2 cups of crushed graham crackers
3 tablespoons of white sugar
½ cup of melted unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of grated lime peel

For The Cheesecake Mixture

1 cup of white sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
24 ounces (or three 8 oz packages) of soft cream cheese
4 room-temperature large eggs
2/3 cup of sour cream
1/3 cup of thick cream
1/2 cup of blended strawberries
2 tablespoons of juice from key limes
3 drops of pink gel coloring

For The Key Lime Sour Cream Layer

1 ½ cups of sour cream
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of juice from key limes
1 tablespoon of grated lime peel
Freshly made whipped cream

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and spraying with baking spray. Protect the pan from water by wrapping the outside with foil.
In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and lime zest. Stir in melted butter to form a wet mixture, then press this mixture evenly into the pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place a large roasting pan filled a quarter way with warm water into the oven.
To make the cheesecake filling, whisk sugar and cornstarch in a stand mixer until well mixed. Add cream cheese and blend until smooth.
Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is just combined before adding the next. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Add sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until everything is combined well.
Stir in strawberry puree, lime juice, and a bit of pink food coloring to achieve that perfect hue.
Tap the bowl against the counter to release any air bubbles, then pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
Place the cheesecake in the roasting pan, then add boiling water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.
Bake for about 60 – 65 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
For the topping, whisk together sour cream, sugar, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth, then pour over the cheesecake to smooth evenly.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
Top the cheesecake with whipped cream, strawberry slices, and lime wedges before serving.
Finally, enjoy your masterpiece, a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and tangy flavors that come together in every bite.

Tips For Making The Best Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

Creating the best strawberry key lime cheesecake recipe that’s both delicious and visually appealing involves a few key steps:

Use room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake filling to avoid a lumpy texture. Cold ingredients can make it hard to cream the ingredients properly.
Be careful not to over whip the filling; too much air can lead to air pockets and a weird appearance.
Follow the instructions for a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracking. It’s worth the extra steps for a perfectly baked cheesecake.
If your cheesecake does crack, don’t panic. A sour cream topping can easily hide any imperfections.
For clean slices of cheesecake, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it off with a towel, and then cut.

How To Store Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake?

Storing leftover strawberry key lime cheesecake properly ensures you can enjoy it just as much the next day.

Once cooled and chilled, whether whole or in portions, it’s best if not eating immediately to store for a few days.

The right storage method involves the fridge, with the cheesecake wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an air-tight container to maintain its freshness.

How To Freeze Strawberry Cheesecake?

Freezing a strawberry key lime cheesecake is a great way to enjoy your dessert later. Here’s how to do it right:

After your cheesecake is chilled, place it in the freezer and freeze it uncovered for about an hour.
Then, remove it from the bottom of the pan and place it on a round of cardboard cut to size.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then slide it into a large freezer bag or wrap again in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Your cheesecake can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.