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