Light, Creamy, Citrusy, and Ready Without Baking
Why You’ll Love It
- No oven required — ideal for warm weather
- Portion-controlled and portable in jars
- Zesty key lime flavor balanced by a sweet graham cracker crust
- Can be made ahead of time — perfect for entertaining or meal prep
Ingredients
(Makes 6–8 jars, depending on size)
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (whipped until soft peaks form)
For the topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Extra lime zest or lime wedges
- Crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Crust Layer
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined. The texture should resemble wet sand.
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each jar. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon or the base of a small glass to form a firm base. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the texture.
3. Assemble the Jars
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each jar, leaving about ½ inch at the top. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
4. Chill
Cover each jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.
5. Add Toppings & Serve
Before serving, top each cheesecake jar with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, or a mini wedge of lime. Add extra graham cracker crumbs if desired for crunch.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
- These jars are great for meal prep or prepping ahead for parties.
- Not recommended for freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Key Tips for Success
- Use key lime juice (not regular limes) for the most authentic flavor. Bottled key lime juice works well when fresh is unavailable.
- For ultra-smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing.
- If you don’t have jars, small cups or ramekins work well too.
Flavor Variations
- Coconut Key Lime: Add shredded coconut to the crust or topping.
- Berry Swirl: Add a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry sauce between layers.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache over the crust before adding the cheesecake.
When to Serve These
- Spring and summer parties
- Baby showers or bridal showers
- Weeknight dessert
- Holiday potlucks or picnics