No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

The Dreamiest No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe Ever

Creamy dessert dreams come alive with a no-bake key lime cheesecake that promises pure summer bliss.

Sweet layers of tangy citrus and silky cream perfectly balance each delightful spoonful.

Cool mason jars make serving these treats incredibly simple and elegant.

Zesty lime whispers tropical vibes through every delectable bite.

Minimal kitchen effort translates into maximum flavor enjoyment for anyone seeking a refreshing dessert.

Smooth cream cheese melts into graham cracker crust, creating irresistible textures that dance across your palate.

Indulge in this effortless dessert that brings sunshine right to your table.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Add Tart Creaminess To Your Day

  • Conquer Effortless Dessert: This no-bake key lime cheesecake jars recipe delivers delightful simplicity that anyone can master.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: Whip up these dreamy desserts in just 15 minutes without turning on the oven, making them perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Portable Party Pleasers: Individual serving jars create cute, portable desserts ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings where easy transportation matters.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: The recipe works wonderfully for intimate family dinners, casual weekend get-togethers, and even elegant dinner parties with minimal effort required.

What Goes In Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Crispy base with a sweet, nutty flavor that adds texture and crunch to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and creates a rich, smooth foundation for the cheesecake.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, tangy base that provides rich, smooth consistency and sweetness to the cheesecake.
  • Key Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty citrus flavor and helps create the signature key lime taste.
  • Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor with intense, aromatic citrus notes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds a cool, smooth contrast to the dense cheesecake filling.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars How-To

Step 1: Crumble Graham Crackers

Break graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they become a uniform, sandy texture.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust Foundation

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of clean glass jars, creating an even, compact base layer.

Step 3: Whip Cream Cheese Smooth

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it becomes completely smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a silky texture for the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Filling Ingredients

Combine the whipped cream cheese with:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Fresh key lime juice
  • Grated lime zest

Mix these ingredients until they form a uniform, creamy mixture with a bright, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Layer Cheesecake Mixture

Carefully spoon the key lime cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust in each jar, creating an even, generous layer that reaches almost to the top of the jar.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the filled jars for at least 2 hours, allowing the cheesecake to firm up and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top each cheesecake jar with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest on top for a fresh, decorative finish.

Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant, zesty dessert.

Lime Cheesecake Jars – No-Bake Tips That Matter

  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.
  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, compact crust.
  • Grate only the green part of the lime zest to avoid bitter white pith, maximizing fresh citrus flavor.
  • Taste the filling before chilling and add more condensed milk or lime juice to balance the tanginess and sweetness.
  • Keep jars refrigerated until serving and garnish with fresh whipped cream and lime zest for a stunning presentation.

Store Key Lime Cheesecake Jars and Reheat as Needed

  • Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap individual jars securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • These no-bake cheesecake jars are best enjoyed cold. Do not microwave or heat, as this will destroy the creamy texture and compromise the dessert's structure.
  • Before consuming stored cheesecake jars, inspect for any signs of spoilage like unusual smell, mold, or texture changes. Discard if any suspicious indicators are present.

Side Snacks for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

  • Pair Zesty Lime Crunch with Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc that complements the tangy key lime flavors and cuts through the creamy cheesecake richness.
  • Sip Refreshing Mojito Cocktail: Create a mojito with rum, mint, lime, and sugar that mirrors the dessert's citrusy notes and provides a complementary tropical drinking experience.
  • Boost with Coconut Rum Splash: Add a small shot of coconut rum alongside the dessert to enhance the tropical undertones and provide a smooth, sweet counterpoint to the tart cheesecake.
  • Garnish with Fresh Mint Leaves: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top of the whipped cream to introduce an aromatic herbaceous element that brightens the dessert's overall flavor profile.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Topping Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Jar Delight: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Citrus Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut condensed milk, and top with coconut whipped cream.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk and use a stevia-based sweetener for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
  • Tropical Fruit Infusion: Add crushed pineapple or mango puree to the cheesecake mixture for a vibrant, fruity Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What makes key lime juice different from regular lime juice?

Key lime juice comes from smaller, rounder key limes native to Florida, offering a more intense, tart, and slightly floral flavor compared to standard Persian limes.

  • 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 authentic flavor and avoid sweetened versions that might alter the cheesecake’s taste.

  • How do I know if my cream cheese is at the right temperature for mixing?

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before mixing. It should be soft and spreadable but not melted, which helps create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or use gluten-free cookie crumbs to create the same delicious crust without wheat ingredients.

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No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

Description

Creamy key lime cheesecake jars bring tropical zest to dessert lovers, celebrating Florida’s signature citrus flavor. Cool, tangy layers nestled in charming glass jars offer sweet refreshment you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) key lime juice

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

Topping:

  • 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then thoroughly incorporate with melted butter, creating a cohesive sandy texture.
  2. Distribute the cracker mixture evenly across the bottom of individual serving jars, firmly pressing down to form a compact, uniform crust layer.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and free of lumps, ensuring a smooth foundational consistency.
  4. Gently fold sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, stirring until completely integrated and maintaining a velvety texture.
  5. Incorporate freshly squeezed key lime juice and delicate lime zest into the cream cheese mixture, blending until the ingredients harmonize into a vibrant, citrusy filling.
  6. Carefully ladle the luminous lime cheesecake mixture atop the prepared graham cracker base in each jar, leaving a small margin at the top for garnish.
  7. Transfer jars to the refrigerator and allow them to chill and set for a minimum of two hours, enabling the filling to firm and flavors to meld.
  8. Just before serving, crown each jar with a billowy cloud of whipped cream and sprinkle with additional lime zest for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by using gluten-free graham crackers or alternative cookies like gingersnaps for different dietary needs.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
  • Adjust the tartness by gradually adding key lime juice and tasting to find your ideal balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Store these individual dessert jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for gatherings or quick desserts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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