The Kiwi and Lime Cheesecake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the zesty flavors of limes with the sweetness of kiwis. It has a creamy and smooth texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
For the Kiwi Topping:
- 4-5 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup kiwi jelly or apricot preserves (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to form the crust. You can use the back of a spoon to press it down evenly.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice until the mixture is well combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill:
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about 1 hour.
- Then, remove it from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Prepare the Kiwi Topping:
- After the cheesecake has chilled, arrange the kiwi slices on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern.
Glaze the Kiwi:
- Heat the kiwi jelly or apricot preserves in a small saucepan until it's melted. Let it cool slightly.
- Brush the glaze over the kiwi slices to give them a shiny finish.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve your delicious kiwi and lime cheesecake. Enjoy!
This cheesecake is perfect for warm days and is sure to impress with its combination of creamy cheesecake and the zesty, tangy flavors of kiwi and lime.