Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1

For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with a sheet of 18 by 18 heavy duty aluminum foil*.

Step 2

Add graham crackers and sugar to a mixing bowl and stir to combine, then pour in butter and mix with a fork until evenly moistened.

Step 3

Pour into prepared springform pan and press evenly into bottom and up the sides coming about 1-inch from the top. Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.

Step 4

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Have a large roasting pan ready and boil about 4 quarts of water (you may not need all of it).

Step 5

For the cheesecake filling: In a small mixing bowl whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch until well combined. Add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl, pour sugar mixture over top and using an electric hand mixer blend cream cheese until smooth.

Step 6

Mix in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl. Add sour cream and heavy cream and mix until combined.

Step 7

Mix in lime juice and vanilla. Tap bowl forcefully against countertop about 30 times to release any large air bubbles.

Step 8

Pour over cooled graham cracker crust. Place cheesecake in roasting pan then place roasting pan in oven and carefully pour in enough boiling water around cheesecake pan to reach halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan.

Step 9

Bake in preheated oven until cheesecake is nearly set but still jiggly in the center, about 60 - 65 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and chill in refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.

Step 10

For the topping: In a medium mixing bowl whip heavy cream using an electric hand mixer set on high speed until soft peaks form. Add granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 11

Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe over cheesecake just before serving. Garnish with berries, lime wedges, lime zest and mint if desired. Store cheesecake in refrigerator.