These Key Lime Cheesecake Pastries are bite-sized bursts of sunshine! Imagine flaky crescent dough cradling a rich and tangy key lime cheesecake filling. To top it all off, a sweet and citrusy key lime glaze with a burst of fresh lime zest finishes each pastry with a touch of elegance.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the refreshing flavors of key lime pie and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake.

Why you’ll love these Key Lime Cheesecake Pastries

Flavor Explosion: They combine the best of two worlds – the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, tart zing of key lime. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy Elegance: Crescent dough makes these pastries a breeze to prepare, but the combination of cheesecake filling, glaze, and lime zest elevates them to look impressive on a dessert plate.
Perfect Portion Size: These treats are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or a delightful after-dinner treat.
Versatility: Feel free to get creative! You can add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness, or top them with fresh berries for a pop of color and additional texture.

Tips and Tricks for Key Lime Cheesecake Pastries

Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your Key Lime Cheesecake Pastries from good to great:

Crust Perfection:

Crescent Dough Magic: Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the crescent dough triangles. This creates a thinner, flakier crust.
Pre-Bake the Crust (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the empty crescent dough shells for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Filling Finesse:

Zest it Up: Don’t skimp on the key lime zest! The zest adds a wonderful aromatic layer to the filling. Use a microplane grater for finely grated zest that distributes evenly.
Strain the Juice: Straining the key lime juice removes any seeds that might cause a bitter taste in your filling.
Creamy Dream: For an extra smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature before beating it with the other ingredients.

Baking Brilliance:

Water Bath for Success: Consider using a water bath while baking. This helps prevent the edges from overcooking while ensuring the center sets evenly. Wrap the bottom of your pan tightly with foil before placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
Don’t Overbake: These pastries are small and cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. The center should be slightly set but still have a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
Cool Completely: Let the pastries cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and becoming runny.

Glaze and Garnish:

Glaze Consistency: Aim for a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the pastries but still pourable. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency or a touch more lime juice to thin it out.
Flavor Boost: For an extra key lime punch, add a splash of key lime liqueur to your glaze (optional).
Garnishing Greatness: Fresh lime zest adds a beautiful pop of color and a fragrant touch. Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent finish.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Key Lime Cheesecake Pastry pro!

Extra Tips

Make-Ahead Option: The cheesecake filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Don’t Overbake: Take the pastries out of the oven when the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly wobbly. It will firm up as it cools.

Storing Key Lime Cheesecake Pastries

These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a few days with proper care:

Refrigeration: Once the pastries are completely cool, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing (Not Recommended): Freezing can affect the texture of the crust and filling. However, if necessary, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

More Key Lime Recipes

If you love key lime flavor, we have a few more fun recipes you might enjoy.

Try our Strawberry Key Lime Milkshakes for a creamy, refreshing, sweet and tart cool down treat!

Our Key Lime Margarita Cupcakes are a huge hit at any event and continue to be a reader favorite. We also have a strawberry margarita cupcake as well!

Don’t miss this citrusy Lemon Key Lime Layer Cake that can be cut into bars and is great for potlucks, school lunches and more!

We also have a delicious breakfast treat with these incredible gourmet Key Lime Pie Donuts.

Making the Recipe