No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Looking for a cool, refreshing dessert that’s simple to make and packed with zesty flavor? These No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars are the perfect individual desserts that combine a tangy, creamy cheesecake filling with the vibrant, citrusy taste of key limes. Served in adorable jars or glasses, these no-bake cheesecakes are perfect for summer parties, gatherings, or whenever you need a light, sweet treat. Read on to learn how to make this delightful dessert with just a few easy steps!

this Recipe

---

What are No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars?

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars are individual-sized desserts made by layering a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy key lime cheesecake filling, and whipped cream in small jars or glasses. The tartness from the key lime juice perfectly balances the sweetness of the cheesecake, while the graham cracker crust adds a crunchy texture. These no-bake desserts are easy to prepare and require no oven time, making them an ideal treat during warm weather.

---

Ingredients List for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

To make these refreshing, zesty cheesecake jars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
• Sugar (2 tablespoons)

For the Key Lime Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz)
• Key lime juice (¼ cup, freshly squeezed or bottled)
• Key lime zest (1 tablespoon, finely grated)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Key lime slices (for garnish)
• Graham cracker crumbs (optional, for sprinkling on top)

These ingredients create a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base, while the whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of indulgence.

---

Ingredients List for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars (Continued)

Here are some optional ingredients and variations to elevate your key lime cheesecake jars:

• Crushed cookies (such as vanilla wafers or gingersnaps, to use instead of graham crackers for a unique flavor)
• Coconut flakes (to add a tropical twist)
• Lime zest (for an extra pop of color and flavor)
• Greek yogurt (¼ cup, to make the filling lighter and tangier)
• Mascarpone cheese (to replace cream cheese for a richer texture)

These variations allow you to customize the flavor and texture of your dessert while keeping the refreshing key lime essence.

---

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways to tailor the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to make the crust gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream.
• Crust Variations: Swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits, gingersnap cookies, or vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile.
• Key Lime Substitute: If you can’t find key limes, you can use regular Persian lime juice or even lemon juice for a slightly different but still tangy flavor.

These substitutions allow you to adapt the recipe for various dietary needs or available ingredients without sacrificing the deliciousness of the dessert.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Make the Crust Mixture
   In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
2. Assemble the Crust Layer
   Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly among your jars or glasses, pressing it down with the back of a spoon to create a firm crust layer. Set aside.

For the Key Lime Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
   Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Key Lime Juice and Zest
   Mix in the key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until the filling is smooth and no lumps remain. Taste and adjust the tartness by adding more lime juice if desired.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake Jars
   Spoon the cheesecake filling into each jar over the graham cracker crust, filling them about ¾ of the way. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula.

For the Topping:

1. Top with Whipped Cream
   Spoon or pipe whipped cream onto the top of each cheesecake jar, creating a fluffy layer.
2. Garnish and Serve
   Garnish each jar with a slice of key lime, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or a little lime zest for extra flair. Chill the jars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

---

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the graham cracker crust by combining crumbs, butter, and sugar, and press into the bottom of each jar.
2. Beat the cream cheese and condensed milk together for a smooth, creamy filling.
3. Add the key lime juice and zest to the cheesecake mixture for that zesty, citrusy flavor.
4. Layer the jars with the graham cracker crust, then spoon in the key lime cheesecake filling.
5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with key lime slices or zest for a beautiful, refreshing dessert.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not softening the cream cheese: If your cream cheese is too cold, it can lead to a lumpy filling. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the filling: Beating the cream cheese mixture too much can incorporate too much air, resulting in a grainy texture. Mix just until smooth and creamy.
• Too much lime juice: Adding too much lime juice can make the filling too runny. Stick to the recipe’s measurements or adjust slightly to suit your taste without overdoing it.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t skip chilling the cheesecakes. The chilling process helps the cheesecake set and allows the flavors to meld together.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars:

1. Use Small Mason Jars: Serve the cheesecakes in small mason jars or clear glass containers to showcase the beautiful layers.
2. Top with Lime Zest and Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle some lime zest and extra graham cracker crumbs on top for color and texture.
3. Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add a few fresh raspberries or blueberries on top of the whipped cream for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Chill Before Serving: Make sure to chill the cheesecake jars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors fully develop.

---

How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• At Parties or BBQs: These mini cheesecakes are perfect for serving at summer parties, picnics, or BBQs since they’re easy to transport and serve in individual portions.
• For Holidays: These jars can be a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings like Easter, Fourth of July, or even Thanksgiving for a citrusy contrast to traditional pies.
• For a Light Dessert: Serve these cheesecakes as a light, refreshing dessert after a heavy meal or barbecue.

---

Presentation Ideas for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Layered Dessert Display: Arrange the jars on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation at parties or gatherings.
• Add a Tropical Touch: Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Serve in Shot Glasses: For bite-sized portions, serve the cheesecake in mini shot glasses or small parfait cups.

---

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These cheesecake jars are perfect for making ahead. Assemble the jars up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Adjust the Tartness: If you prefer a more tart cheesecake, feel free to add a little more lime juice or zest to suit your taste.
• Add More Layers: For a more indulgent treat, create extra layers of graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling in each jar.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
A: Yes, you can substitute key lime juice with regular Persian lime juice or even lemon juice for a slightly different flavor, but the dessert will still be deliciously tart.

Q: How long do these cheesecake jars last in the fridge?
A: These no-bake cheesecake jars will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze the no-bake cheesecake jars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake jars without the whipped cream topping. Just cover the jars tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then top with whipped cream.

Q: Can I use bottled key lime juice?
A: Absolutely! Bottled key lime juice works well in this recipe and can save time if you don’t have fresh key limes on hand.

---

Conclusion

These No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars are the perfect refreshing and easy-to-make dessert. With a tangy key lime cheesecake filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and fluffy whipped cream topping, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. The individual servings make them convenient to eat and beautiful to present, and the no-bake method makes them hassle-free. Try them out today for a delicious, cool treat that’s bursting with flavor!

Print