Key Lime Cheesecake With Strawberry Butter Sauce

• graham cracker crumbs↗2 cup
• sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• butter, melted↗1⁄2 cup
• cream cheese↗24 ounce
• sugar↗1 1⁄4 cup
• eggs, separated↗6 6
• sour cream↗8 ounce
• grated lime rind↗1 1⁄2 teaspoon
• key lime juice↗1⁄2 cup
• strawberry↗1⁄8 cup
• butter, melted↗1⁄4 cup
• powdered sugar, sifted↗1⁄2 cup
• grated lime rind↗1 1⁄2 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well.

2. 2

   Firmly press mixture in bottom and 1 inch up the side of a buttered 9 inch springform pan.

3. 3

   Bake crust at 350°F for 8 minutes, let cool in pan on a wire rack.

4. 4

   Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar. Add Yolks one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in sour cream, lime rind, and lime juice.

5. 5

   Beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks from; fold into cream cheese mixture. Pour batter into prepared crust.

6. 6

   Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 5 minutes; turn off oven. Partially open door; let cheesecake cool in oven 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and immediately run a knife around edge of pan to release sides.

7. 7

   Cool completely in pan on a wire rack; cover and chill 8 hours.

8. 8

   Position knife blade in food processor bowl; add strawberries. Process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides. Stir in butter and remaining ingredients.