Dreamy Key Lime Cheesecake Jars: A Tangy Sweet Treat Recipe

Creamy and tangy, these key lime cheesecake jars will transport you to a tropical paradise with every spoonful.

Layers of zesty lime-infused filling dance atop a buttery graham cracker base, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible.

Mason jars add a charming rustic touch to this delightful treat.

The smooth cream cheese blend perfectly complements the sharp citrus notes, making each bite a refreshing experience.

Portable and impressive, these individual desserts work magic at summer gatherings or quiet evening indulgences.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to devour, they promise a delectable escape from ordinary desserts.

Get ready to become the star of any occasion with these mouthwatering little delights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 9

Key Lime Cheesecake Jars Ingredient Essentials

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Delivers a classic, crispy foundation with rich buttery undertones that complement the creamy filling perfectly.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a golden, melt-in-your-mouth texture that enhances the overall dessert experience.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the crust caramelize slightly during preparation.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides rich, velvety smoothness and natural sweetness that balances the tangy lime flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, dense texture and delivers a smooth, tangy backdrop for the key lime essence.
• Key Lime Juice: Introduces bright, zesty citrus notes that give the cheesecake its signature refreshing and vibrant character.

• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and stability to the whipped cream, creating a more substantial and decadent topping.
• Sugar: Balances the cream's tanginess and provides a gentle sweetness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Produces a light, airy texture that crowns the dessert with a cloud-like finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with its warm, aromatic undertones.

Equipment Setup for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Mixer or Electric Beater: Essential for creating smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and whipped cream.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining crust ingredients and preparing filling.
• Cookie Scoop or Large Spoon: Perfect for evenly distributing cheesecake filling into jars.
• 20 Small Glass Jars: Key for individual serving and layering components.
• Spatula: Helps scrape sides of bowl and ensure ingredients are well mixed.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

Making Your Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with sweet sugar and melted butter until perfectly combined. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of cute glass jars, creating a golden base that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Creamy Filling Magic

Whip cream cheese until supremely smooth, gently folding in sweet condensed milk and tangy key lime juice. Mix until the texture becomes silky and luxurious, creating a velvety landscape of tropical flavor.

• Dreamy Topping

Craft a cloud-like whipped cream by blending cream cheese, sugar, and whipping cream until peaks form beautifully. Dollop or swirl this fluffy topping over the key lime layer with artistic flair.

• Chill and Delight

Tuck the jars into the refrigerator, allowing them to cool and set for about an hour. Just before serving, add a playful garnish of fresh lime slices to brighten the dessert and wow your guests with a burst of citrusy charm.

Baking Tips for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Tangy Twist Technique: Amp up the key lime flavor by zesting fresh limes directly into the cheesecake filling for an intense citrusy punch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These portable desserts can be prepared up to three days in advance, making them perfect for party planning or quick weeknight treats.
• Crust Creativity: Swap graham crackers with vanilla wafers, gingersnap cookies, or shortbread for a unique base that complements the creamy filling.
• Topping Transformation: Experiment with garnishes like toasted coconut flakes, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of white chocolate to add extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Storage Savvy: Keep these individual cheesecake jars sealed in the refrigerator for up to five days, ensuring a delightful make-ahead dessert option that stays fresh and delicious.

Creative Serving for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Sunset Picnic Delight: Pack these adorable key lime cheesecake jars in a cute picnic basket for a refreshing outdoor dessert experience.
• Tropical Party Treat: Serve these mini desserts at summer gatherings, adding colorful cocktail umbrellas or fresh mint leaves for a playful presentation.
• Brunch Showstopper: Arrange the jars on a rustic wooden board with additional lime wedges and edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy brunch display.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these jars up to 2 days in advance, keeping them chilled and covered, making party planning a breeze.

Storage Notes for Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Chilled Sanctuary: Tuck these delightful jars into the refrigerator, where they'll happily stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when sealed with airtight lids. Always store them in the main compartment, away from strong-smelling foods.
• Freezing Magic: Want longer-term enjoyment? Wrap each jar individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These treats will maintain their delicious quality for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Create these charming desserts 1-2 days before your event. The graham cracker base and creamy filling actually develop richer flavors when allowed to mingle and chill together.
• Serving Smart: Remove jars from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight warming lets the texture soften beautifully, enhancing the smooth, velvety cheesecake experience while maintaining perfect consistency.

Creamy Key Lime Cheesecake Jars

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime cheesecake jars blend tangy citrus with sweet graham cracker base. Small mason jars make this dessert portable and perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 28 oz (794 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) key lime juice
• 1¼ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsps (56 g) butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar, integrating thoroughly. Drizzle melted butter and fold until mixture achieves uniform consistency. Gently press crumb foundation into individual serving jars, creating a compact base layer.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk cream cheese until velvety smooth, eliminating potential lumps. Gradually incorporate sweetened condensed milk while maintaining continuous mixing. Stream key lime juice into mixture, blending vigorously and scraping container edges to ensure homogeneous texture.
3. Whipped Cream Assembly: In pristine mixing vessel, combine cream cheese and sugar. Introduce cold whipping cream, whisking energetically until robust peaks form. Carefully transfer cheesecake mixture into prepared jars, ensuring balanced distribution.
4. Chilling and Garnishing: Nestle jars in refrigerator, allowing minimum sixty minutes for complete stabilization. Just before serving, crown with delicately piped whipped cream topping. Embellish with vibrant lime medallions to enhance visual appeal and citrusy flavor profile.

Notes

• Crumb Consistency Matters: Finely pulverize graham crackers to create a smooth, compact base that binds perfectly with melted butter.
• Cream Cheese Technique: Whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Whipping Cream Perfection: Achieve stiff peaks by starting with cold cream and whisking vigorously for a light, airy topping.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, creating the ultimate creamy dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg