Blueberry Lime Swirl Cheesecake
A vibrant, creamy dessert that pairs the richness of classic cheesecake with the brightness of lime and the fruity burst of blueberries. With its luscious swirl and elegant decoration, this cheesecake is a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Refreshing twist: Lime zest and juice add citrusy brightness to balance the creamy filling.
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Beautiful swirl: A homemade blueberry compote creates a stunning visual and flavor contrast.
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Perfect for summer: Light yet indulgent, ideal for warm-weather entertaining.
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Customizable: Decorate as simply or extravagantly as you like with fresh berries and whipped cream.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
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24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 large eggs
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Zest of 1 lime
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¼ cup lime juice
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1 cup fresh blueberries
For the swirl:
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½ cup fresh blueberries
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tbsp lime juice
For decoration:
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Whipped cream
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Fresh blueberries
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Lime slices
directions
1. Preheat the oven
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Set oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Make the crust
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Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
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Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the cheesecake batter
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Beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar and mix thoroughly.
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Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in lime zest and juice.
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Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
4. Make the blueberry swirl
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In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup blueberries, sugar, and lime juice.
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Cook over medium heat, mashing berries as they soften, until mixture thickens.
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Let it cool slightly.
5. Assemble the cheesecake
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Pour cheesecake batter into the cooled crust.
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Dollop the blueberry swirl mixture over the surface.
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Use a skewer or knife to swirl gently into the batter.
6. Bake
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Bake for 60–70 minutes or until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
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Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
7. Chill
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before removing from pan.
8. Decorate
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Top with whipped cream, fresh blueberries, and lime slices just before serving.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 12
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Prep time: 30 minutes
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Bake time: 60–70 minutes
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Cooling/chill time: 3–4 hours minimum
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Total time: ~5 hours
storage/reheating
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
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Reheating: Not recommended; cheesecake is best served chilled.
variations
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Berry swap: Use raspberries or blackberries for the swirl.
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No-sugar added: Replace sugar with a suitable sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
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Crust alternative: Try a shortbread or almond flour crust for a gluten-free version.
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Tropical twist: Add shredded coconut to the crust and swirl for a tropical flair.
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Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin and liners for individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes—thaw and drain well before using in the swirl and batter to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
It should jiggle slightly in the center when gently shaken. The edges will be set and slightly puffed.
Can I skip the blueberry swirl?
Yes—it will still be a delicious lime cheesecake. You can also add a lime glaze or jam layer instead.
How far in advance can I make this?
Make up to 2 days ahead and store tightly covered in the fridge.
What’s the best way to swirl the sauce?
Use a toothpick or skewer in figure-eight motions, staying near the surface for best visual effect.
Can I make this crustless?
Yes—simply skip the crust step. Bake time remains the same, but cooling is more delicate.
Why do I need to cool the cheesecake in the oven?
Gradual cooling reduces the chance of surface cracks.
Do I need a water bath?
Not required, but placing a tray of water on a lower rack helps with even baking and minimizes cracking.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes—reduce both the batter and swirl sugar slightly to taste. The tang of lime balances well even with less sweetness.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Lime Swirl Cheesecake brings together the tang of lime, the natural sweetness of blueberries, and the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake in every slice. With its stunning swirl design and refreshing flavor profile, it’s the ideal dessert for spring, summer, or any time you want to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
PrintBlueberry Lime Swirl Cheesecake
This blueberry lime swirl cheesecake is a vibrant and creamy dessert with zesty lime, juicy blueberries, and a buttery graham crust. It’s the perfect tangy-sweet showstopper for summer gatherings or special celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
- Total Time: ~5 hours
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
For the Cheesecake Batter:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3 large eggs
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Zest of 1 lime
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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1 cup fresh blueberries
24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
For the Blueberry Swirl:
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tbsp lime juice
½ cup fresh blueberries
For Decoration:
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Fresh blueberries
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Lime slices
Whipped cream
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. -
Prepare the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Press into bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly. -
Make Cheesecake Batter:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well.
Blend in sour cream and vanilla.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.
Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and gently fold in the 1 cup blueberries. -
Create Swirl:
In a small saucepan, cook ½ cup blueberries, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice over medium heat until thickened. Mash the berries and let cool. Swirl this into the cheesecake batter using a spoon or knife. -
Bake Cheesecake:
Pour batter over crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 60–70 minutes until center is set and edges are golden.
Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour. -
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving. -
Decorate and Serve:
Remove from pan and top with whipped cream, blueberries, and lime slices.
Notes
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Use a water bath for a smoother top and minimal cracks.
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Swirl blueberry compote gently for a marble effect.
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Lime juice adds tang—adjust for preferred tartness.