Creamy homemade key lime cheesecake topped with a layer of lime gelatin, whipped topping, and fresh lime wedges.

A single slice of key lime jello cheesecake served on a small dessert plate.

Hey cousins! If you’re a cheesecake fan, you’re in luck. In this post, I’m going to share a cheesecake recipe that will simply blow your mind. I’m sharing one of my all-time favorites, which is a Key Lime Jello Cheesecake! This delicious cheesecake is completely homemade, so it does require a little time and patience. However, the outcome is irresistibly insane. This cheesecake will have you and your loved ones wanting more and more! It’s extremely addictive, and it will make the perfect dessert for your next get-together. So let’s get to the get-down!

Ingredients List for Key Lime Jello Cheesecake

2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp sugar
½ cups unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp lime zest
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 oz lime gelatin mix
Whipped Topping
Lime edges
Baking spray

A whole key lime Jello cheesecake that's topped with a layer of lime green Jello, whipped cream, and lime zest. A single slice is cut from the cake, revealing the layers of cheesecake and crust at the bottom.

Jello or Generic Gelatin for Key Lime Jello Cheesecake?

If you are wondering if you can use generic lime gelatin instead of lime Jello, the answer is yes. Jello is a brand name. If you’d like to save a little money by using a generic gelatin mix, I say go for it! Truth be told, I usually use generic gelatin. I get the same great taste for a fraction of the cost, so it’s a win for me. If you’re married to the Jello brand, I say stick with it. Just be sure to follow the back of the box of whichever gelatin you decide to use. Brands sometimes have different instructions.

Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post to get step-by-step instructions on how to make this Key Lime Jello Cheesecake!

Key Limes or Regular Limes? What’s the Difference?

For this recipe, I actually use both! I use lime zest and key lime juice. If you’d like to replace the key lime juice with regular lime juice, you can. However, be advised that it may be just a tad bit more tart than it would be if you used key limes. Regular limes are easier to find and are sometimes cheaper to buy, so I get why some people would rather just use regular limes!

An overhead image of a metal bowl filled with ingredients to make the graham cracker crust of a key lime Jello cheesecake - crushed graham crackers, white sugar, butter, and lime zest.

Equipment Needed to Make Key Lime Jello Cheesecake

Handheld mixer: you will need a handheld mixer to mix the ingredients.
9-in round springform pan: this is the pan that I used to bake this cheesecake
Foil: used to line the outer part of the 9-inch springform pan. The foil helps keep the water (from the water bath) from seeping into the pan.
Parchment paper: used to line the inside of the springform pan. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the pan.
Roaster pan: use for the water bath
Mixing bowls: absolutely needed to mix the ingredients. You will need several mixing bowls for this recipe.
Spatulas: Needed to fold ingredients, as well as for scraping down the bowls.

Recipe Tips & FAQs for Making Key Lime Jello Cheesecake

How do I do a water bath for cheesecake?

For this key lime Jello cheesecake recipe, you will need to do a water bath. Doing a water bath for a cheesecake is actually a lot simpler than it seems. All you have to do is place the cheesecake (while it’s in the springform pan, of course!) in a large roaster pan. Your next step will be to pour enough boiling water into the roaster (surrounding the cheesecake) until it reaches about halfway up to the springform pan.

An overhead image of a metal bowl and a whisk mixing up a graham cracker crust for the key lime Jello cheesecake recipe.

Do I have to do a water bath for this cheesecake?

Yes! For this particular recipe, you must do a water bath. Some of my other cheesecake recipes, such as my Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, don’t require a water bath. However, you must do one for this recipe. It’s a texture thing! You want to make sure that the cheesecake cooks evenly, and a water bath will do just that. The water bath will also prevent the cheesecake from cracking while baking.

Why did my cheesecake crack, even with a water bath?

If your cheesecake cracks even with using a water bath, chances are that you overcooked it! Please be sure to watch your cheesecake while it cooks so that you don’t overcook it. You want to remove the cheesecake from the oven when it’s still jiggly in the center. Do not cut into the cheesecake for several hours after baking. You need to let the cheesecake chill for several hours before cutting it and serving.

A single slice of key lime Jello cheesecake on a small white plate. The slice of cake has a graham cracker crust, thick layer of key lime cheesecake, a thin layer of lime green Jello, and is topped with whipped cream, a lime wedge, and lime zest.

Alright cousins. I gave you all of the ins and outs for this homemade Key Lime Jello Cheesecake. Let’s talk about leftovers! If you have any leftover cheesecake, you need to store it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.

More Cheesecake Recipes to Try

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