Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Dreamy Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe: No-Fuss Treat

Creamy key lime cheesecake jars represent a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Tangy citrus notes dance brilliantly against rich, smooth cream cheese foundations.

Small glass containers reinvent ordinary sweets into elegant, portable delicacies that spark immediate conversation.

Layers of zesty flavor promise a refreshing escape from standard sugary treats.

Compact portions guarantee perfect individual servings without overwhelming delicate palates.

These miniature desserts combine tropical brightness with luxurious textures that delight every sense.

You’ll adore how simple ingredients create such sophisticated results.

How to Layer Key Lime Cheesecake in Jars

Step 1: Crush the Graham Crackers

Grab a mixing bowl

Crumble graham crackers into fine pieces

Add sugar and mix thoroughly

Pour melted butter into the cracker mixture

Stir until ingredients are completely combined

Step 2: Create Crust Foundation

Take small mason jars

Carefully spoon graham cracker mixture into each jar

Press down gently to create a compact base layer

Ensure an even surface across all jars

Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

Select a large mixing bowl

Add cream cheese

Beat cream cheese until incredibly smooth

Slowly incorporate sweetened condensed milk

Pour key lime juice gradually

Continue mixing until texture becomes silky

Scrape bowl sides consistently during mixing

Step 4: Fill the Jars

Use a large cookie scoop

Distribute cheesecake filling evenly across jars

Tap jars gently to remove air bubbles

Create a level surface for topping

Step 5: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

Choose a clean mixing bowl

Combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar

Beat until completely smooth

Optional: Add vanilla extract

Pour cold whipping cream

Mix until stiff peaks form

Step 6: Complete the Dessert

Carefully spoon whipped cream over cheesecake layer

Use piping bag for elegant presentation

Refrigerate jars for minimum one hour

Garnish with fresh lime slices before serving

Serving Tips:

Best enjoyed chilled

Can be prepared one day in advance

Store in refrigerator up to three days

Perfect for summer gatherings

Cheesecake Jar Tips for Creamy and Bright Flavor

  • Crush Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a perfect crust texture.
  • Smooth Out Lumps: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to prevent unwanted lumpy spots in your filling.
  • Zest Up Flavor: Add fresh key lime zest to intensify the citrusy punch and enhance the overall taste of the cheesecake.
  • Chill Completely: Allow cheesecake jars to set in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours for optimal firmness and flavor melding.
  • Pipe with Precision: Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional-looking whipped cream topping that adds visual appeal.

Store and Rechill Key Lime Jars for Later

  • Refrigerate: Store sealed cheesecake jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual jars securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 weeks; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: These no-bake cheesecake jars are best enjoyed chilled, so avoid microwaving or warming them, which could compromise their creamy texture and delicate structure.

What to Pair with Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

  • Zesty Beverage Companion: Pair this key lime cheesecake with a crisp, chilled margarita. The tangy lime notes in both the dessert and drink create a harmonious flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Creamy Contrast Pairing: Serve alongside a light, refreshing mojito to complement the rich cheesecake. The mint and rum undertones will cut through the dessert's sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
  • Tropical Flavor Enhancer: Match the jars with a cold glass of coconut water or a tropical white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. These drinks will highlight the key lime's bright, citrusy character and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheesecake.
  • Unexpected Citrus Twist: Consider a sparkling blood orange spritzer for a unique pairing. Its vibrant, slightly tart profile will echo the key lime's zestiness while adding a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.

Fun Flavor Spins for Cheesecake in a Jar

  • Tropical Paradise: Replace key lime juice with passion fruit puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports you to a sunny beach getaway.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add cocoa powder to the graham cracker crust and mix dark chocolate shavings into the cheesecake filling for a rich, decadent experience.
  • Berry Bliss: Swirl fresh raspberry or strawberry compote through the cheesecake filling and top with a layer of mixed berry coulis for a fruity, tangy version.
  • Coconut Rum Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the crust and add a splash of coconut rum to the filling for a Caribbean-inspired dessert that sings with tropical notes.

Key Lime Cheesecake Jars That Hit the Sweet Spot

  • Burst of Tropical Tanginess: Key lime juice transforms this cheesecake into a vibrant, zesty dessert that dances with bright citrus flavors, offering a refreshing twist on traditional cheesecake.
  • Perfectly Portable Party Treat: Individual jars make these mini desserts super convenient for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks, allowing easy serving and minimal cleanup with maximum deliciousness.
  • Silky Smooth Layered Delight: Creamy cheesecake filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker base creates a luxurious texture combination that melts beautifully in your mouth, delivering a delightful sensory experience.
  • Quick and Stress-Free Preparation: With no baking required and simple mixing steps, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create an impressive dessert in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Tangy Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with a sweet, sandy texture that provides a delightful crunch and traditional cheesecake foundation.
  • Butter, Sugar: Rich binding agents that help create a solid, golden-brown crust with sweet undertones.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ultra-creamy, rich dairy product that adds sweetness and smooth consistency to the cheesecake.
  • Cream Cheese: Tangy, soft cheese that creates the classic cheesecake texture and provides a rich, dense base.
  • Key Lime Juice: Bright, zesty citrus juice that gives the cheesecake its signature tart and refreshing flavor profile.
Cream Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Additional creamy element that helps stabilize and enrich the whipped cream topping.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet component that balances the tanginess and adds subtle sweetness to the topping.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Light, airy dairy product that creates a fluffy and luxurious cream topping.
  • Vanilla Extract: Optional flavor enhancer that adds subtle depth and warmth to the whipped cream.
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Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe

Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Key lime cheesecake jars deliver a zesty tropical escape in portable, creamy perfection. Graham cracker layers and silky lime-infused cream cheese create an irresistible dessert you cannot wait to savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 28 ounces (794 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups (150 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar

Topping Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with sugar until thoroughly integrated.
  2. Drizzle melted butter over crumb mixture, gently folding until uniform consistency develops.
  3. Distribute crumb foundation evenly across individual serving jars, compressing gently to create a solid base layer.
  4. Whisk cream cheese until velvety and completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
  5. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk gradually, maintaining continuous mixing to ensure silky texture.
  6. Stream key lime juice into cream cheese mixture, vigorously blending while periodically scraping container edges to maintain homogeneous consistency.
  7. Carefully transfer cheesecake mixture into prepared jars, ensuring balanced distribution.
  8. Combine whipped cream ingredients in pristine mixing vessel, commencing with cream cheese and sugar incorporation.
  9. Introduce cold whipping cream, vigorously whisking until robust peaks materialize.
  10. Crown cheesecake layers with delicately piped or spooned whipped cream topping.
  11. Nestle jars within refrigerator, allowing minimum sixty minutes for complete chilling and structural stabilization.
  12. Embellish with vibrant lime medallions moments before presenting, enhancing visual appeal and citrusy flavor profile.

Notes

  • Whip up this tangy dessert in adorable personal-sized jars for a crowd-pleasing summer treat.
  • Crumbly graham base provides delightful texture that contrasts perfectly with creamy filling.
  • Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring stress-free entertaining with minimal last-minute preparation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 466
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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