The Perfect No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe for Summer

Cool summer days call for a zesty no-bake key lime cheesecake jars that burst with tangy brightness and creamy indulgence.

These delightful desserts pack a punch of citrusy flavor in every spoonful.

Silky smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with fresh lime juice, creating a refreshing treat that melts in your mouth.

Each layer promises a delectable journey of taste and texture.

The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.

Chilled and ready in minutes, these individual jars make entertaining a breeze.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dessert comes together, making it a perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Fresh Twists For Key Lime Cheesecake

• Tropical Coconut Lime Jars: Replace graham crackers with toasted coconut flakes and add coconut extract to the filling for a tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Version: Swap graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds and gluten-free almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Jars: Use soaked cashews blended with coconut cream, maple syrup, and lime juice instead of cream cheese and condensed milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Stevia Cheesecake Cups: Substitute sugar with stevia and use sugar-free condensed milk for a diabetic-friendly dessert with reduced caloric content.

Cheesecake Jar Serving Fun

• Tropical Picnic Paradise: Pack these cute jars in a cooler for a beachside dessert that screams summer vacation vibes.
• Dinner Party Delights: Serve these individual cheesecake jars as an elegant, portable dessert that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Brunch Bliss: Pair these tangy treats with fresh mint tea or a light mimosa for a delightful weekend morning indulgence.
• Creative Customization: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or add a drizzle of raspberry sauce to personalize each jar's flavor profile.

Stash Your Jars – Keeping Them Fresh

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use airtight containers or plastic wrap to prevent moisture and absorb other food odors.
• Wrap jars tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always return to the refrigerator after serving.
• Do not microwave or heat these no-bake cheesecake jars. Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this cheesecake its signature tangy flavor?

Key lime juice and lime zest provide the distinctive citrusy taste, creating a bright and refreshing profile that sets this cheesecake apart from traditional recipes.

• Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice and zest, though the flavor will be slightly less intense. Key limes have a more distinct, aromatic taste compared to standard Persian limes.

• Is this dessert difficult to make?

Not at all! This no-bake cheesecake is incredibly simple, requiring no baking and just a few basic steps of mixing and layering ingredients in jars. Even novice bakers can easily prepare this dessert.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars: Tart & Sweet

• Whip Up Dessert Quickly: This no-bake recipe eliminates the need for oven time, making it super simple to prepare with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Perfect for Summer Gatherings: Refreshing key lime flavor creates a light, zesty dessert ideal for potlucks, picnics, and outdoor parties where cool treats are welcome.
• Customize with Ease: Individual jars allow personal touches like different toppings, making it a versatile dessert that appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just a few bowls and creating single-serve portions means less washing up and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Jarred Key Lime: What You Need

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients.
• Butter (Melted): Helps the crust hold together and creates a rich, golden texture.

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

• Whipped Cream, Lime Zest: Adds a light, fresh topping and extra visual appeal to the dessert.

No-Bake Cheesecake Jars – Layered Perfection

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Base

Mix together graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter.

Distribute the mixture evenly into small jars or cups, pressing down firmly to create a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs and ensure a smooth, even layer.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until it becomes smooth and silky.

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Key lime juice
• Lime zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients until the mixture is perfectly creamy and well combined.

The filling should have a light, velvety texture that promises a delightful dessert experience.

Step 3: Layer the Cheesecake

Carefully spoon the prepared filling over the graham cracker crust in each jar.

Use a small spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top, creating an elegant and even surface.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the jars for a minimum of 2 hours.

This resting time allows the cheesecake to firm up and develop a rich, luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

Just before serving, crown each cheesecake jar with a dollop of whipped cream.

Sprinkle additional lime zest on top for a burst of citrusy aroma and a pop of color.

No-Bake Tips For Tangy Cheesecake

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, even crust base.
• Refrigerate the jars for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect firm yet creamy texture.
• Grate lime zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, adding bright, fresh citrus flavor without unwanted bitterness.
• Whip heavy cream just until soft peaks form to create a light, airy topping that complements the tangy cheesecake.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or use dairy-free cream cheese for alternative dietary needs.

No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy no-bake key lime cheesecake jars bring tropical Florida sunshine right to your dessert table. Cool graham cracker crusts and silky lime-infused filling create a refreshing summer treat perfect for poolside gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Sweeteners and Stabilizers:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon key lime zest

Binding and Preparation Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Additional key lime zest (for garnish)
• Lime slices or wedges (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of each glass jar, creating a compact, even base layer.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky and free of lumps, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into cream cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, uniform texture.
5. Add key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, blending until ingredients are fully integrated.
6. Carefully spoon the lime-infused cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in each jar, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Smooth the top of each cheesecake layer using the back of a spoon for a polished appearance.
8. Chill the jars in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
9. Prior to serving, garnish each jar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for added visual appeal and zesty flavor.

Notes

• Customize the crust by swapping graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk or replacing some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a healthier version.
• Enhance lime flavor by adding fresh lime juice instead of bottled key lime juice for a more vibrant and authentic citrus taste.
• Prepare jars in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute effort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 312 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg