Copycat Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

A Tangy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Refreshing Dessert

If you've ever tasted the Key Lime Cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory, you know it’s a dessert that stops you in your tracks. The creamy, tangy filling. The buttery graham cracker crust. The perfect kiss of citrus. It’s no wonder this is one of their most beloved cheesecakes—and now, you can make a spot-on copycat version at home.

This homemade key lime cheesecake is a masterclass in balance: rich yet light, sweet with just the right amount of tartness. It’s the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or when you’re simply craving something extraordinary. Made with real lime juice, zest, and a luscious cream cheese base, this recipe recreates that unmistakable Cheesecake Factory flavor and texture.

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🧾 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Graham Cracker Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Provides the classic, crunchy base with a warm, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with citrus.

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tart filling.

6 tablespoons butter, melted

Binds the crumbs together and gives the crust its rich, buttery texture.

Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

3 bars (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

The foundation of the cheesecake—smooth, creamy, and rich.

1 cup granulated sugar

Sweetens the cheesecake while allowing the lime to shine.

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Stabilizes the filling for a perfect, sliceable texture.

Zest of 1 lime

Boosts the citrus flavor with aromatic oils from the peel.

½ cup lime juice (fresh is best!)

Delivers that tangy, signature zing. Key lime juice is preferred, but Persian limes work in a pinch.

3 large eggs

Help set the cheesecake and add richness.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Light and airy contrast to the dense cheesecake.

¼ cup powdered sugar

Adds sweetness while helping the cream hold its shape.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesecake Factory's Key Lime Cheesecake at Home

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Position the racks so one is just above the middle and one just below.

Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter.

🍪 Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

2. Mix until evenly moistened.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and ½ inch up the sides of the pan.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.

🍋 Step 3: Make the Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add sugar and cornstarch; mix well.

3. Beat in lime zest and lime juice until fully combined.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated—do not overmix.

🧁 Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

2. Place the cheesecake on the upper oven rack.

3. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.

4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open about 4 inches, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

❄️ Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor and texture.

🍦 Step 6: Make the Sweetened Whipped Cream

Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.

Spread or pipe onto the cheesecake before serving.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Key Lime Cheesecake

Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling.

Fresh lime juice and zest make all the difference—don’t skip them!

Don’t overmix the batter—it introduces air bubbles, leading to cracks.

Let it cool gradually in the oven to prevent sinking or cracking.

Overnight chilling enhances both flavor and texture.

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🥂 Serving Suggestions

This Copycat Key Lime Cheesecake shines all on its own, but you can take it up a notch by:

Garnishing with lime slices, twisted zest, or mint leaves.

Pairing with a glass of sparkling water, white wine, or iced green tea.

Serving alongside fresh berries for added color and brightness.

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✅ Why This Recipe is Loved

Tastes just like The Cheesecake Factory—creamy, tangy, and decadent.

Uses easy-to-find ingredients and no water bath.

Make-ahead friendly—ideal for holidays, celebrations, or Sunday dinners.

Always gets rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

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✨ Conclusion: Your Go-To Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

This Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake copycat is more than a dessert—it’s a showstopper. It’s proof that you don’t need a restaurant to indulge in world-class cheesecake. With just a little effort and the right ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s creamy, zesty, and unforgettable.

Whether you're a die-hard cheesecake lover or a lime dessert aficionado, this recipe is a must-try. It's the perfect balance of tart and sweet, crisp and creamy, and homemade and high-end. Bookmark this one—you’ll come back to it again and again.

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Craving more Cheesecake Factory-inspired recipes? Be sure to check out our full dessert archive for indulgent, restaurant-quality treats you 

can make right in your own kitchen.

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Let me know if you'd like a printable recipe card, shareable Pinterest image, or to adapt this for gluten-free, keto, or mini cheesecake versions!