Description
Key lime cheesecake jars offer a refreshing Florida-inspired dessert with creamy texture and tangy zest. Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, and lime juice combine for a cool summer treat you’ll savor to the last delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) melted butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup key lime juice
Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly combined and slightly compacted.
- Carefully press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the base of individual serving jars, creating an even, compact layer.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until velvety and completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Gradually incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
- Fold in freshly squeezed key lime juice, fragrant lime zest, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until the filling achieves a consistent, creamy consistency.
- Gently spoon the lime-infused cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker base, ensuring an even distribution in each jar.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top of each cheesecake, creating a polished, professional appearance.
- Refrigerate the assembled jars for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the filling to set and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Just before serving, crown each cheesecake jar with a delicate swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a thin lime slice or a sprinkle of fresh lime zest.
- Serve chilled for maximum flavor and optimal texture.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour cookies for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or blood orange for unique flavor variations that keep the dessert exciting.
- Prepare jars ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for advance party planning or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg