Zesty No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe for Summer Bliss

Creamy, smooth no-bake key lime cheesecake jars sparkle with bright citrus magic.

Cool summer desserts always bring unexpected joy to our table.

Sweet graham cracker crusts nestle beneath silky lime-infused cream cheese layers.

Tangy flavors dance across each spoonful, creating delightful sensations.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction in these charming individual treats.

Chilled and zesty, these little jars promise pure indulgence.

You might want to grab a spoon and savor every delectable moment.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars with Fresh Flavor

• Whip Up Easily: No oven needed, making this dessert a stress-free treat that anyone can master, even without baking skills.
• Portable Party Pleaser: Cute individual jars create perfect single-serve portions for picnics, potlucks, or summer gatherings with minimal cleanup.
• Fresh Flavor Burst: Tangy key lime and creamy cheesecake combine for a refreshing dessert that offers a zesty twist on classic cheesecake, exciting taste buds with every spoonful.
• Quick Crowd-Charmer: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can prepare this delightful dessert in just a few minutes, leaving more time to enjoy with friends and family.

Ingredients for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy foundation that provides texture and classic dessert flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the graham cracker crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a rich base.

• Cream Cheese: The primary creamy and tangy component that gives the cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a silky, rich filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers the signature tart and bright citrus flavor that defines this dessert.
• Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor with intense citrus oils and aromatic notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Whipped Cream, Lime Zest, Lime Slices: Decorative and flavorful garnishes that add visual appeal and extra citrus brightness to the dessert.

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Gently press this delightful mixture into the bottom of 6 charming jars, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Make sure to distribute the crumbs evenly and pack them down firmly to form a perfect crust.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Take softened cream cheese and beat it until silky smooth in a medium bowl.

Slowly incorporate sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, bright lime zest, and a splash of vanilla extract.

Continue mixing until the filling becomes wonderfully creamy and all ingredients are beautifully blended.

Step 3: Fold in Airy Lightness

Gently fold whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture.

Use a delicate touch to maintain the airiness, creating a light and fluffy texture that will make your dessert irresistibly smooth and decadent.

Step 4: Layer the Delicious Goodness

Carefully spoon or pipe the luxurious cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crusts in each jar.

Use a small spatula to smooth the tops, ensuring a perfectly elegant finish.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the jars for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the cheesecake to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Just before serving, crown your no-bake key lime cheesecake jars with a dollop of whipped cream.

Sprinkle some extra lime zest on top or garnish with a small lime slice for a pop of color and extra zing.

Tips to Perfect No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a uniform, compact crust layer.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing without over-beating.
• Use a microplane or fine grater to extract only the green part of the lime zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Refrigerate jars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set completely.
• Add fresh mint leaves or toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Variations for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Gluten-Free Zinger: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut condensed milk, and whip coconut cream instead of dairy whipped cream.
• Tropical Fusion: Substitute key lime juice with passion fruit or mango puree for a unique, exotic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pecans or keto-friendly cookie crumbs for the base, and replace sugar with stevia or erythritol to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

Tropical Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or passion fruit for a vibrant, refreshing breakfast or brunch experience.

Summer Picnic Star: Pack these portable jars in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard parties – they’re easy to transport and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish with mint leaves, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut to elevate the visual appeal and add subtle complementary flavors.

Cocktail Hour Pairing: Match these tangy cheesecake jars with light, citrusy cocktails like margaritas or mojitos for a delightful dessert and drink combination.

Storage Advice for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Store covered with plastic wrap or lid in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep jars sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual jars tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to preserve texture.
• Do not leave cheesecake jars out for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly in dairy-based desserts, risking food safety.
• These no-bake cheesecake jars are best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving or heating, as it will change the creamy texture and potentially separate ingredients.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more tart than standard Persian limes. They have a more intense, complex citrus flavor that adds a distinctive tanginess to desserts like this cheesecake.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works perfectly. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice for the most authentic flavor. Fresh juice is great if available, but bottled is a convenient alternative.

• Is this dessert suitable for people with gluten sensitivities?

Not in its current form. The graham cracker crust contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.

No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy no-bake key lime cheesecake jars blend tangy Florida citrus with graham cracker sweetness. Cool summer desserts deliver pure refreshment for gatherings and personal indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• Lime zest for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with sugar and melted butter to create a compact base.
2. Carefully distribute the cracker mixture evenly across 6 individual jars, pressing firmly to form a solid foundation.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and completely smooth at room temperature.
4. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and velvety.
5. Add key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract, stirring consistently to ensure even flavor distribution.
6. Gently fold whipped cream into the lime-infused cheesecake mixture, creating a light and airy texture.
7. Transfer the creamy filling into prepared jars, using a spatula to spread evenly and create clean, smooth surfaces.
8. Chill the assembled desserts in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to allow proper setting and flavor melding.
9. Before serving, garnish with dollops of whipped cream, sprinkle additional lime zest, or adorn with delicate lime slice accents.

Notes

• Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a compact, even crust that holds together perfectly in the jar.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or orange for a unique twist on the classic key lime flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg