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    Home » Dessert » Cheesecake

    Key Lime Cheesecake

    Updated: Mar 20, 2024 · by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE

    This key lime cheesecake is so easy to make, yet it looks impressive. This no bake recipe features a macadamia nut crust with an ombre cheesecake filling. I am sharing this recipe for Key Lime Cheesecake as part of a sponsored post for the Melbourne Beach Villa Retreat in Florida.

    Easy Key Lime Cheesecake Slice

    I’ve been sharing key lime recipes all week and I left the best for last. This Key Lime Cheesecake is the best because not only was it creamy and delicious, but also because I made it while staying at an oceanfront villa in Melbourne Beach, Florida. I am super excited to show you the house, so I will start with there and finish with the recipe.

    9355_S_Highway_A1A_Melbourne_Beach_FL_32951

    When my sisters, my mom and I started planning our once-in-a-lifetime vacation, we decided to look into renting a beach house since there would be so many of us on the trip. We found this wonderful oceanfront villa and after looking at the pictures, we knew this was the one we wanted to rent.

    Main Floor

    When we arrived at the townhouse we took a quick tour, squealing in delight at how gorgeous it all was and how we couldn’t believe we were going to be spending the next several nights there.

    Family Room

    We knew from the pictures that it was going to be fabulous, but it was even more beautiful than we thought it would be.

    Master Bedroom

    The two-story spacious beach house has three bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms spread over 2,900+ square feet.

    Master Bath

    The master bathroom featured a dual shower and whirlpool overlooking the beach. Each bedroom has a balcony and there is a screened in porch off of the family room. Plus, there is a guest house complete with another bed, kitchen, and bathroom.

    Pool

    As if that isn’t all fantastic enough, the townhouse has a private pool and hot tub with a walkway to the beach and a deck overlooking the ocean.

    Melbourne Beach House

    You can find more pictures here and rental information here.

    Melbourne Beach Sunrise

    The private beach was beyond gorgeous with white sand, clear blue-green water and tropical foliage along the beach’s edge. We started our mornings watching the sunrise while drinking cups of coffee, followed by a walk along the beach. We found shells as big as our fists, star fish and pieces of coral.

    After breakfast, we spent a couple of hours sitting on the beach and swimming in the ocean. We saw crabs, fish, and dolphins in the water. After eating lunch, we went out to our private pool for a few hours of pure bliss. One evening we watched a breathtaking sunset over the Indian River at the Sebastian Inlet while dolphins splashed in the water in front of us. Another day we were delighted by a large group of manatee in the shallow cove at the Sebastian Inlet State Park (which is less than one mile from the beach house)!

    Kitchen

    As a food blogger, one of the things I was most excited about was the kitchen! I loved this kitchen as soon as I saw the pictures and I couldn’t wait to use it. We ate most of our meals at the large dining room table of the beach house and prepared our food in this kitchen. From the stainless steel appliances to the granite countertops, this kitchen was wonderful. It was stocked with all of the equipment and dishes we needed for our meals, desserts, and snacks. We ate everything from southwestern burritos to egg sandwiches for breakfast and chicken quesadillasto stir fry for dinner. Our desserts consisted of iced coffees, smoothies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies with ice cream and of course…key lime cheesecake.

    I planned ahead for this dessert and made a test cheesecake at home. I knew that I wanted to make a special treat for us to share, but it had to be super easy because I was on vacation. I picked up the ingredients and the springform pan from one of the local grocery stores and made the cheesecake while everyone was getting ready to go out for the evening. I put in the fridge overnight and we enjoyed it the next day.

    How To Make Key Lime Cheesecake

    Macadamia Nuts

    First, grind the macadamia nuts and mix them with the graham cracker crumbs.

    Macadamia Nut Crust

    Stir in the melted butter.

    Macadamia Graham Cracker Crust

    Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the crust in the freezer to harden and set.

    No Bake Cheesecake

    Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Beat in the sugar and the key lime juice. Stir in the whipped topping or whipped cream until smooth.

    Ombre Key Lime Cheesecake Layers

    Divide the cheesecake batter between the bowls and dye the cheesecake three shades of green. Remove the springform pan from the freezer and spread the darkest shade of green cheesecake into the bottom of the pan.

    Layered Cheesecake

    Top with the middle shade and then the lightest shade of green cheesecake mixture. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

    Key Lime Cheesecake

    Before serving, remove the springform pan and pipe swirls of whipped topping or whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake.

    Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

    Sprinkle the no bake cheesecake with key lime zest.

    No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

    Cut into slices and enjoy! This key lime cheesecake is so easy to make, yet it looks impressive. The flavors and colors of this no bake recipe are perfect for summer or for amazing beach vacations.

    Key lime cheesecake.

    Key Lime Cheesecake

    This key lime cheesecake is so easy to make, yet it looks impressive. This no bake recipe features a macadamia nut crust with an ombre cheesecake filling.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 6 hours hours
    Total Time: 6 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
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    Ingredients

    • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 2 sleeves of graham crackers
    • 1 cup macadamia nuts or use additional graham cracker crumbs
    • ½ cup butter melted
    • (3) 8 oz packages cream cheese softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup key lime juice
    • 6 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
    • green food coloring
    • 1 cup Cool Whip or whipped cream
    • ½ teaspoon grated key lime zest

    Instructions

    • Grind the macadamia nuts and mix them with the graham cracker crumbs.
    • Stir in the melted butter.
    • Press the mixture on the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
    • Place the crust in the freezer to harden and set.
    • Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
    • Beat in the granulated sugar and key lime juice.
    • Stir in the whipped topping or whipped cream.
    • Divide the cheesecake batter between the bowls and dye the cheesecake three shades of green.
    • Remove the springform pan from the freezer and spread the darkest shade of green cheesecake into the bottom of the pan. Top with the middle shade and then the lightest shade of green cheesecake mixture.
    • Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
    • Before serving, remove the springform pan and pipe swirls of whipped topping or whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake.
    • Sprinkle with grated key lime zest.
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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 236mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g
    Course: Cheesecake
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    Beach Chairs

    You can find more information about how you can visit this little piece of paradise at the Oceanfront Beach Villa in Melbourne Beach, Florida here: http://bit.ly/melbournebeachvilla or via email at [email protected] Let them know you saw the house on The Gunny Sack, but HURRY because the calendar fills up quickly.

    For more pictures of the house, check out this mobile album: http://moblalbum.com/ntskcvcm9g3m

    More Cheesecake

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      Peach Cheesecake
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      Pecan Pie Cheesecake
    • pumpkin cheesecake slice close up
      Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • banana cheesecake in a pan.
      Banana Cheesecake Dessert

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Janet says

      August 23, 2021 at 11:26 pm

      Is Cool Whip the same as “whipped topping”? I have a container in the fridge to use, & this pie looks delicious!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        August 23, 2021 at 11:46 pm

        Yes Cool Whip is one brand name of whipped topping. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Kay says

      June 6, 2016 at 9:45 am

      It sounds delicious but I’m puzzled that there is no gelatin. What would allow it to set firm, as in pics, without a setting agent. Hope you can advise as I really like the sound & look of this cheesecake.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        June 6, 2016 at 1:31 pm

        Hi Kay,

        The cream cheese and refrigeration allow it to be firm.

        You can add gelatin to the whipped cream if you prefer. I found this via Joy of Baking: If you want to stabilize the cream so it will not separate when stored, take about 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin and sprinkle it over 1 tablespoon cold water. Let it stand about 5-10 minutes or until it has softened and swelled (bloom). Then heat it gently (I do this in the microwave in 5 second intervals) to dissolve the gelatin. Then whisk it into the softly whipped cream. (http://www.joyofbaking.com/WhippedCreamFrosting.html)

        Best of luck,
        Tonia

        Reply
    3. Old Fat Guy says

      May 8, 2015 at 6:07 pm

      I love key lime pie and making a cheesecake version is brilliant. I will be trying this.

      The Old Fat Guy

      Reply
    4. Bobette Larsen says

      May 6, 2015 at 5:29 am

      Cheesecake looks so pretty and good!! LOVED you pic of FL and the beach. I used to live about 20 min. from there–although not on the beach. Loved the video of the ocean and the sound of the roar as the waves land on the beach. Makes me want to go back for a visit.!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 6, 2015 at 8:16 am

        Really? You did? Wow! It’s such a beautiful area. I really want to bring my kids with next time. Thanks Bobette!

        Reply
    5. Cate | Chez CateyLou says

      May 5, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      This house looks absolutely gorgeous – what a great vacation. And this cheesecake just screams vacation – I can’t be in Florida without having keylime something!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 5, 2015 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks Cate! I totally agree!

        Reply
    6. Laura @PetiteAllergyTreats says

      May 4, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Such a great getaway on the ocean! This reminds me of Kiawah Island a little bit when we rented a house. Love all the amenities and super close beach location. I could enjoy a slice of this cheese cake on the beach watching the tide come in.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 5, 2015 at 8:04 pm

        I’ve never been to Kiawah Island but would love to visit there someday. Thanks Laura!

        Reply
    7. Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says

      May 4, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Your vacation looks amazing! That townhouse is gorgeous!!! SO fun!
      And I can’t say enough good things about this key lime cheesecake. It looks heavenly! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 5, 2015 at 8:05 pm

        Thanks Mariah! It sure was. From the day we arrived, we started thinking about when we can return again.

        Reply
    8. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

      May 4, 2015 at 10:58 am

      I love key lime desserts! This cheesecake is one I definitely want to make soon. What a beautiful home you stayed in, I’m sure it was such a relaxing vacation.

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 5, 2015 at 8:06 pm

        It was so gorgeous! I totally agree with you on the key lime! Thanks Joanie!

        Reply
    9. Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says

      May 4, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Oh… love melbourne so gorgeous and looks incredibly relaxing! So making this cheesecake, key lime pie is my husbands favorite so he will love this!

      Reply
      • Tonia says

        May 5, 2015 at 8:08 pm

        It is my husband’s favorite pie too! Thanks Krista!

        Reply
    10. Tricia says

      May 1, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      *sigh* i’ll never be able to eat key lime again without thinking about this fab trip! Great job, it all looks dreamy!

      Reply
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 15+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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