Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Pie – Copycat Version

514 1 minute read

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Cheesecake

This cheesecake perfectly balances the bright, tangy flavor of key lime with the creamy richness of a classic New York-style cheesecake. Baking it in a water bath and cooling it slowly ensures a smooth, crack-free finish every time.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
Butter, melted – 6 tbsp

For the Filling:

Cream cheese, softened – 3 (8 oz) bars
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
Lime zest – 1 tbsp
Lime juice – ½ cup
Eggs – 3 large

For the Topping:

Heavy whipping cream – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – ¼ cup
Lime zest or slices – for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan.
In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press firmly into the bottom and ½ inch up the sides of the pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, and lime zest until smooth.
Add lime juice and mix, then gently fold in the eggs until just combined.

Tip: Avoid over-mixing the eggs to prevent cracks.

Step 3: Set Up the Water Bath

Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Place a pan with 3 cups of boiling water on the bottom oven rack and set the cheesecake on the rack above it.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Gradually

Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar (~4 inches). Let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors and texture to fully develop.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until thick.
Spread or pipe over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with lime zest or thin slices of lime.

✨ Smooth, creamy, and perfectly tangy, this key lime cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that tastes just like Cheesecake Factory’s signature treat.

514 1 minute read