Quick & Zesty No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Cool summers call for a delightful no-bake key lime cheesecake jars treat that promises pure refreshment.

Creamy layers of zesty citrus and smooth cream cheese create an irresistible dessert perfect for lazy afternoons.

Sweet graham cracker crusts provide a crunchy foundation beneath silky filling.

Minimal kitchen effort means maximum flavor enjoyment with this simple recipe.

Each jar becomes a personal paradise of tangy and sweet sensations.

Chilled and light, these mini desserts will make you the star of any gathering.

Whip up these jars and watch smiles bloom around the table.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Benefits

• Customize with Flair: Portable jar format allows fun personalization with different toppings like fresh berries, toasted coconut, or extra lime zest.
• No-Oven Convenience: Skip the heating and baking process, making this recipe ideal for warm days or when you want a quick, cool treat without kitchen hassle.
• Party-Perfect Presentation: Individual jars create an elegant, Instagram-worthy dessert that's great for gatherings, potlucks, and summer celebrations.

Ingredients for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic, crispy foundation that adds a delightful texture to the cheesecake base.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy core ingredient that gives the cheesecake its classic smooth texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a silky, rich filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Adds a bright, zesty citrus flavor that defines this tropical dessert.
• Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and brings a fresh, aromatic note to the cheesecake.

• Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy finishing touch that adds extra richness and visual appeal to the dessert.

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Base

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

Melt some butter and mix thoroughly with the cracker crumbs.

Carefully distribute the buttery mixture evenly into each jar.

Use the back of a spoon to press down and create a firm, compact base that will hold your cheesecake layers.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

Take your cream cheese and beat it until super smooth and free of any lumps.

Slowly incorporate the sweetened condensed milk, stirring gently.

Add fresh key lime juice and zest to create a tangy, vibrant flavor.

Mix all ingredients until they become a silky, consistent mixture that looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Layer Cheesecake Goodness

Gently spoon the creamy key lime mixture over the graham cracker crust in each jar.

Make sure to distribute the filling evenly, creating a beautiful, even layer that reaches almost to the top of the jar.

Use a small spatula to smooth the surface and create a clean, professional look.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the filled jars in the refrigerator and let them cool and set for at least 2 hours.

This will help the cheesecake firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.

For an extra touch of indulgence, top each jar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream just before serving.

Pro Tips for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Prepare the graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Use fresh key limes for the most vibrant flavor, grating only the green outer layer to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a super smooth, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly.
• Use clear glass jars to showcase beautiful layers, creating an Instagram-worthy dessert that's both delicious and visually stunning.
• Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk for a delightful vegan alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.

Variations to Try for Lime Cheesecake Jars

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

Serving Suggestions for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Tropical Beach Picnic: Pack these cute jars in a cooler for a refreshing dessert during your seaside adventure. Grab some spoons and enjoy the zesty treat while listening to ocean waves.
• Backyard BBQ Finale: Serve these individual desserts as a cool, creamy ending to your summer grilling party. Line them up on a rustic wooden tray for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Brunch Conversation Starter: Offer these key lime cheesecake jars as a delightful dessert during weekend brunch. They'll spark conversations and impress your friends with their cute, portable design.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Present these jars alongside your favorite tea for a delectable afternoon snack. The tangy lime flavor perfectly complements light, refreshing tea blends.

Storage Advice for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual jars tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place a small piece of paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation and maintain the crust's crispness.
• Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

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

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more aromatic than Persian limes. They have a more tart and intense flavor, which gives this cheesecake its distinctive tangy taste.

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

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well if fresh key limes are unavailable. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice for the most authentic flavor.

• Do I need a special type of jar for this recipe?

Mason jars or any clear glass jars work perfectly. The transparent jars showcase the beautiful layers of crust and creamy filling.

No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake Jars bring tropical Florida flavors into a delightful dessert experience. Smooth graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling create a perfect summer treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheesecake Base:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) key lime juice
• 2 tablespoons lime zest

Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pulverize graham crackers and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform crumbly mixture.
2. Carefully distribute the buttery cracker base evenly across individual serving jars, firmly pressing down to form a compact foundation.
3. Whip cream cheese in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, and finely grated lime zest into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
5. Gently cascade the creamy lime filling over the prepared graham cracker base in each jar, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Refrigerate the assembled desserts for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
7. Optional: Crown each chilled jar with a delicate swirl of whipped cream just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

• Swap regular graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, lower-calorie dessert option.
• Enhance the tangy flavor by adding extra lime zest or a splash of lime extract for more intense citrus notes.
• Prepare jars in advance and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days before serving for convenient entertaining.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg