Key Lime Cheesecake

Combining the refreshing flavor of key lime pie and the irresistible creaminess of classic cheesecake this key lime cheesecake is two mouthwatering desserts in one. Made from only 8 ingredients total this smooth tangy homemade cheesecake is so much easier than youd ever guess! For recipe success follow my indepth instructions.
This key lime cheesecake recipe is sponsored by PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese whose products Ive always trusted in my baking.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
1 and 12 cups 180g graham cracker crumbs about 12 full sheet graham crackers
5 Tablespoons 71g unsalted butter melted
14 cup 50g granulated sugar
Cheesecake
32 ounces 904g fullfat brick PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese softened to room temperature
1 cup 2 Tablespoons 225g granulated sugar
12 cup 120ml key lime juice
13 cup 80g sour cream or plain yogurt at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons key lime zest
3 large eggs at room temperature
Optional Toppings
homemade whipped cream
fresh berries
key lime or regular lime slices
Instructions
Adjust the oven rack to the center position with a lower oven rack in place for the water bath described in step 5 and preheat oven to 350F 177C.
Make the crust If your graham crackers arent crumbs yet use a food processor to pulse them into fine crumbs. Pour crumbs into a medium bowl and stir in sugar and melted butter until combined. Mixture will be sandy. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9inch springform pan. No need to grease the pan first. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crust down tightly. Prebake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow crust to slightly cool as you prepare the filling.
Make the filling Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on mediumhigh speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy about 2 minutes. Add the lime juice sour cream vanilla extract and lime zest then beat on mediumhigh speed until fully combined. On medium speed add the eggs one at a time beating after each addition until just blended. After the final egg is incorporated into the batter stop mixing. To help prevent