Zesty Lemon & Lime Cheesecake Recipe for Tangy Sweetness

When summer heat waves roll in, a refreshing lemon & lime cheesecake becomes the ultimate dessert companion.

This silky smooth treat blends zesty citrus notes with rich, creamy textures that dance across your palate.

Tangy lemons and bright limes weave their magic through each delectable bite.

The recipe balances sweetness with a vibrant citrus punch that refreshes and delights.

Each slice promises a cool, velvety experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Creamy and light, this cheesecake offers a perfect end to any warm evening.

Prepare to savor a dessert that turns ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Lemon & Lime Cheesecake Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that balances the creamy cheesecake filling with a delightful texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melts and creates a cohesive, golden-brown base that holds the crust perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the rich, velvety smooth texture of the cheesecake, choose full-fat for maximum creaminess.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a silky consistency.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure, ensuring a perfect set and creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create an ultra-smooth, soft cheesecake with a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Lemon Juice, Lime Juice: Brighten the flavor profile with zesty, refreshing citrus notes.
• Lemon Zest, Lime Zest: Intensify the citrus aroma and add vibrant flavor notes throughout the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds depth to the overall taste.

• Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake.
• Citrus Zest: Offers a fresh garnish and extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Citrus Slices: Adds a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.

Steps to Bake Lemon Lime Cheesecake

• Craft the Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine bits and blend with melted butter and sugar. Press mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a solid base. Quickly bake for a few minutes to set the foundation.

• Whip the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar for a luscious texture. Gently fold in eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully integrated. Splash in tangy lemon and lime juices, along with zesty citrus zest and a dash of vanilla for extra flavor complexity.

• Bake with Precision

Pour the velvety mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a gentle touch. Slide into a warm oven and bake until the center develops a delicate wobble – a sign of perfect cheesecake texture.

• Cool and Rest

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar. This gentle cooling prevents cracking and ensures a creamy consistency. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill thoroughly.

• Serve with Flair

When ready to indulge, release the springform pan and garnish with a sprinkle of citrus zest or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. Slice and savor the bright, tangy masterpiece you’ve created.

Flavor Tips for Lemon Lime Cheesecake

• Citrus Zest Secret: Add extra lemon and lime zest directly into the crust mixture for an intense, bright flavor that elevates the entire cheesecake.
• No-Crack Cheesecake Technique: Use a water bath during baking to create gentle, even heat and prevent surface cracking, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and party planning.
• Flavor Exploration: Experiment with different citrus combinations like blood orange, grapefruit, or tangerine to create unique variations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Serving Ideas for Cheesecake

• Zesty Citrus Garnish: Top the cheesecake with fresh lemon and lime slices arranged in a delicate circular pattern for a burst of color and extra citrusy flavor.
• Creamy Whipped Dream: Pipe elegant swirls of homemade whipped cream around the edges, then sprinkle with finely grated citrus zest for a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Summer Dessert Companion: Serve chilled alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet or paired with fresh berries to enhance the bright, tangy notes of the cheesecake and create a refreshing dessert experience.
• Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Display the cheesecake on a beautiful cake stand with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers to elevate the dessert for special gatherings or weekend brunches.

How to Store Lemon & Lime Cheesecake

• Refrigerator Rest Rhythm: Store the cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its creamy texture and zesty flavor intact.
• Slice and Freeze Strategy: Cut individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer-safe bags, and store frozen for 2-3 months for quick dessert emergencies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake 2-3 days before serving to allow flavors to deepen and texture to become more luxurious and smooth.
• Room Temperature Tip: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich, velvety taste profile.

Tools to Make Zesty Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: Essential 9-inch pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Roomy bowl for blending cream cheese and ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Powerful tool to beat cream cheese and create creamy, lump-free batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect ingredient proportions.
• Zester or Grater: Perfect for extracting fresh lemon and lime zest.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and smooth batter into pan and level the top.
• Baking Sheet: Optional, placed under springform pan to catch any potential drips.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.

Silky Lemon & Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic lemon & lime cheesecake brings zesty citrus notes to a creamy dessert delight. Refreshing flavors and silky texture promise a memorable ending that guests will eagerly savor.

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Ingredients

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• 3 packages (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Extra lemon/lime zest for garnish (optional)
• Thin lemon/lime slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan, then bake at 325F (160C) for 8 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp foundation.
2. Cheesecake Filling Preparation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually blending in sugar, then gently incorporate eggs one at a time, maintaining a light, airy texture.
3. Flavor Infusion: Enhance the mixture with sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, citrus zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until the filling becomes uniformly creamy and vibrant.
4. Baking Process: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, creating an even surface, and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center displays a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
5. Cooling and Setting: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open for one hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to solidify and develop deep flavors.
6. Elegant Presentation: Garnish with delicate whipped cream, a sprinkle of citrus zest, or artfully arranged citrus slices just before serving to create a visually stunning dessert.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and sugar, pressing firmly to create a compact, stable base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, ensuring a velvety texture by scraping down the sides of the bowl during mixing.
• Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create moisture, preventing surface cracks and maintaining a silky-smooth top.
• Temperature Control for Perfect Texture: Let ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream reach room temperature before mixing to achieve a uniform, creamy consistency without overbeating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg