Description
A tangy, creamy, and refreshing no-bake cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and bright key lime flavor, perfect for summer and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham crackers (about 150g), crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese (450g), softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (one can)
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (120ml)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml), cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: fresh berries, graham cracker crumbs, mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly coated and press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate crust while preparing filling.
- Step 2: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Slowly add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in fresh key lime juice, zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Step 4: Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula to keep it light and airy.
- Step 5: Pour filling over chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
- Step 6: Before serving, loosen edges with a knife, remove springform sides, and transfer to a serving plate.
- Top with fresh berries, extra graham cracker crumbs, or mint leaves if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
Notes
Use fresh key limes for authentic flavor; chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream; press crust firmly to prevent crumbling; chill cheesecake overnight for best texture; store leftovers covered in fridge up to 3 days; do not freeze to avoid texture changes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of chee
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, key lime cheesecake, easy dessert, summer dessert, tangy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake