Jalapeno Lime Cheesecake

Recipe View Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create a compact crust. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it is lightly golden brown and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until light and fluffy. This may take several minutes to ensure a smooth consistency. (8 minutes)

Recipe View Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Beat in the flour, vanilla extract, and fresh lime juice until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Gently fold in the minced jalapeno pepper, distributing it evenly throughout the cheesecake batter. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Pour the prepared cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and continue baking for 50-55 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is just set. It should still have a slight wobble. (65 minutes)

Recipe View Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking. (60 minutes)

Recipe View Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a thin knife or offset spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Place the cheesecake on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature for another hour. (60 minutes)

Recipe View After cooling at room temperature, cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and flavors to meld. (240 minutes)