Cheesecake Factory Key Lime

 

Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’ve ever dined at The Cheesecake Factory, you already know their legendary dessert menu can be hard to resist—and among the many decadent options, the Key Lime Cheesecake stands out as a refreshing, zesty favorite. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy cheesecake richness and the tangy brightness of key lime pie, all wrapped in a buttery graham cracker crust.

Now imagine being able to make that same dreamy dessert at home.

This homemade version of the Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake brings you all the tropical flavor and velvety texture you crave, without the restaurant price tag. It's surprisingly simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress whether you're baking for a summer get-together, a birthday, or simply treating yourself to a slice of something special.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• 🍋 Bright, zesty flavor from real key lime juice

• 🧁 Creamy, smooth texture that rivals any bakery cheesecake

• 🏖️ Perfectly balanced between sweet, tart, and rich

• 🍰 Restaurant-style presentation—right from your kitchen

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled if fresh isn’t available)

• Zest of 1 lime (optional, for extra punch)

For the Topping (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Lime zest or thin slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

3. Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, lime juice, and zest. Beat just until combined—do not overmix.

4. Pour filling into crust and smooth the top.

5. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

6. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

7. Top with optional sour cream topping and decorate with lime zest or slices before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.

• Water bath optional: For an ultra-smooth, crack-free finish, bake the cheesecake in a water bath (wrap the pan in foil to prevent leaks).

• Chill thoroughly: Don’t rush the chill time—it makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake recipe captures everything you love about the original—refreshing lime flavor, creamy filling, and a perfect graham cracker crust. It’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious, yet surprisingly easy to master in your own kitchen.

So grab some limes, cream cheese, and a springform pan—and bring a little slice of the tropics right to your table.