Quick & Zesty No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

My creamy key lime cheesecake jars promise a delightful dessert adventure without turning on the oven.

Cool summer vibes burst from these tiny glass containers filled with tangy, sweet goodness.

Layers of velvety smooth filling create a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Graham cracker crumbs add a perfect crunch to complement the silky cheesecake base.

Fresh lime zest brings a bright, zingy note that makes each spoonful pop with flavor.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, letting you whip up these elegant treats in minutes.

You’ll absolutely fall in love with how easy and delicious these miniature desserts can be.

Why No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Shine

• Celebrate Every Bite: Packed with Birthday Cake Oreo crunch and sweet fudge swirls, this dessert transforms an ordinary brownie into a party-ready treat that screams celebration.
• Bake with Ease: Using a boxed brownie mix as the base, this recipe simplifies the baking process for novice and experienced bakers, making delicious homemade desserts accessible to everyone.
• Customize Your Creation: Optional sprinkles and flexible fudge sauce swirling techniques allow bakers to add personal flair, turning each batch into a unique dessert masterpiece.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for birthday parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these brownies guarantee smiles and satisfy sweet cravings with their indulgent combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid base for the dessert.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, silky consistency.
• Lime Juice: Provides a tangy, bright flavor that defines the key lime profile.
• Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor with its intense citrusy essence.

• Whipped Cream, Lime Zest: Optional garnishes that add a decorative and fresh finish to the dessert.

How to Prepare No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers for Crust

Break graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin. The goal is to create a uniform, sandy texture that will form a perfect base for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Create Crust Foundation

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will help the crust hold together and create a delightful buttery base in your dessert jars.

Step 3: Prepare Jar Bases

Gently press the graham cracker and butter mixture into the bottom of clean glass jars, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crust firmly and create a smooth surface.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes completely smooth and free of any lumps. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to achieve a creamy, silky texture that will be the foundation of your cheesecake filling.

Step 5: Create Filling Mixture

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest

Blend until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and fully incorporated. The combination will create a tangy and sweet filling with bright citrus notes.

Step 6: Fill Dessert Jars

Carefully spoon the lime cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust in each jar. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly and create a smooth top surface.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours, allowing the cheesecake to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture. The cooling time helps the dessert set and enhances the flavor.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top each jar with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest for a fresh, decorative touch. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect no-bake dessert that’s both visually appealing and deliciously tangy.

Pro Tips for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Crush graham crackers finely for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly in the jars.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Adjust lime juice and zest according to taste preferences, balancing tartness with the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake.
• Chill jars for at least 2 hours to set the filling and enhance the flavors, allowing the dessert to firm up beautifully.
• Garnish with fresh whipped cream and extra lime zest just before serving to add a vibrant, refreshing touch to the dessert.

Variations for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Tropical Paradise Jars: Replace lime juice with passion fruit puree and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant island-inspired dessert.
• Berry Blast Cheesecake: Swap lime zest for mixed berry compote, adding fresh raspberries and blueberries on top for a fruity version.
• Chocolate Lovers Edition: Mix cocoa powder into the crust and drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the cheesecake for an indulgent chocolate experience.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle sea salt over the cheesecake and add caramel sauce with crushed praline for a rich, complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack these adorable key lime cheesecake jars in a cooler for a refreshing outdoor dessert that travels beautifully.
• Bridal Shower Delight: Create individual dessert portions that look elegant and taste amazing, perfect for party favors or dessert table displays.
• Poolside Treat: Serve chilled jars alongside cold beverages for a cool, tangy dessert that beats the summer heat with creamy, zesty flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these jars up to 3 days in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining with minimal last-minute prep.

How to Store No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Store the no-bake key lime cheesecake jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Seal the jars in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy texture and prevent separation.
• Prepare the cheesecake jars 1-2 days in advance, which allows flavors to meld and develop a richer taste. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator away from strong-smelling foods.

FAQs

• Why use graham crackers for the crust?

Graham crackers provide a sweet, buttery base that complements the tangy lime flavor and adds a nice crunch to the cheesecake texture.

• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% lime juice without added preservatives.

• How do I get a smooth cheesecake filling?

Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients, and mix on low speed to prevent air bubbles from forming.

• What if my cream cheese is too cold?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.

No-bake Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Key lime cheesecake jars deliver a zesty tropical dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Graham cracker crumbs and creamy lime filling create a refreshing treat you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup graham crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, melted
• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh key lime juice
• 2 tbsps lime zest
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter to create a uniform base mixture.
2. Gently compact the crumbly graham mixture into the bottom of individual serving jars, ensuring an even, firm layer.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and completely free of lumps.
4. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and integrated.
5. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and finely grated lime zest, blending until the filling achieves a consistent, creamy texture.
6. Carefully transfer the vibrant lime-infused filling over the graham cracker foundation in each jar, distributing evenly.
7. Refrigerate the assembled dessert jars for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld.
8. Prior to serving, crown each jar with a delicate swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest for a bright, decorative finish.

Notes

• Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
• Adjust lime juice and zest to balance tanginess – start with less and taste, adding more for a bolder citrus punch.
• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg