The Zesty Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Key lime cheesecake tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant, zesty essence and creamy texture that dances between sweet and tart.

Tropical citrus notes revolutionize an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Rich, silky smooth layers promise a decadent journey for anyone craving intense flavor combinations.

Subtle hints of bright, tangy lime weave through dense cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced treat.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert brings sophistication to any gathering or intimate evening at home.

Luxurious ingredients and carefully crafted techniques elevate this classic recipe beyond simple expectations.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping finale to their meal will find pure magic in every delectable slice.

Tangy Temptation That Is Key Lime Cheesecake

• Creamy Tropical Delight: This key lime cheesecake transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert that bursts with tangy, sweet flavors reminiscent of sunny beach vacations.
• Quick No-Bake Magic: Whip up this dessert in minutes without turning on the oven, making it perfect for busy cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Portable Party Treat: Serving individual portions in canning jars creates a cute, grab-and-go dessert that's ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings where presentation matters.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between the smooth, silky cheesecake mousse and the crunchy graham cracker base that provides a satisfying textural experience in every single bite.

Everything You’ll Need for Key Lime Cheesecake Bliss

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic sweet base that provides a crunchy texture and traditional cheesecake foundation, preferably fine and evenly ground.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a solid, compact crust with rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy texture, best when softened at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth consistency without graininess.
• Condensed Milk: Provides additional sweetness and contributes to the dense, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Key Lime Juice: Gives signature tangy, bright citrus flavor and authentic key lime profile, freshly squeezed is ideal.
• Lime Zest: Enhances lime flavor with intense citrus oils and adds small flecks of green color.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness and adds additional sweetness.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds a cool, creamy contrast to the dense cheesecake filling, can be homemade or store-bought.
• Additional Lime Zest: Provides fresh garnish and extra citrus aroma for visual and flavor appeal.

Simple Directions to Make Key Lime Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until well combined and press into the bottom of canning jars.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Condensed milk
• Key lime juice
• Granulated sugar
• Lime zest

Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Chill The Mixture

Refrigerate the cheesecake filling for 1-2 hours to help it firm up and become easier to handle.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

• Start with graham cracker crust
• Add cheesecake filling
• Repeat layers
• Finish with cheesecake filling on top

Step 5: Set And Firm

Cover jars with lids and refrigerate for approximately 3 hours until completely set.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

• Remove lids
• Pipe whipped cream on top
• Sprinkle additional lime zest
• Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing dessert

Key Lime Cheesecake Tips for That Perfect Tang

• Chill Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free texture.
• Zest with Care: Use a microplane grater to get fine, fragrant lime zest without bitter white pith.
• Pipe Like a Pro: Gently tap piping bag on counter to remove air bubbles and create clean, smooth layers in jars.
• Stabilize Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of powdered sugar while whipping to help cream maintain its fluffy structure longer.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Allow cheesecake jars to rest in refrigerator overnight for enhanced lime and creamy taste integration.

How to Store Key Lime Cheesecake Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Store cheesecake mousse jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping lids tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing: Wrap individual jars in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Best enjoyed chilled. If you prefer slightly softened texture, let jars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve delicate mousse consistency.

Light Pairings to Serve with Key Lime Cheesecake

• Tropical Cocktail Companion: Pair this zesty key lime cheesecake with a refreshing mojito or a crisp coconut margarita to enhance the citrusy lime notes and create a tropical flavor explosion.
• Complementary Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or a light, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy sweetness and cut through the rich texture.
• Fruit-Forward Sidekick: Accompany the dessert with fresh berries or a small scoop of tropical sorbet to add a bright, tangy contrast that elevates the key lime's vibrant profile.
• Creamy Coffee Finale: Finish the dessert experience with a smooth espresso or a vanilla latte, which will complement the cheesecake's creamy texture and provide a luxurious ending to the meal.

Creative Variants for Key Lime Cheesecake Fans

• Tropical Coconut Lime Jar: Replace graham cracker crumbs with toasted coconut flakes and add shredded coconut to the cheesecake mixture for a tropical flavor profile.
• No-Bake Strawberry Lime Blend: Incorporate fresh strawberry puree into the cheesecake mixture and top with sliced strawberries for a fruity summer version.
• Zesty Lemon Alternative: Swap key lime juice with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to create a bright, citrusy cheesecake jar with a tangy Mediterranean feel.
• Chocolate-Dipped Lime Sensation: Layer crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers and drizzle dark chocolate over the whipped cream topping for a decadent chocolate-lime combination.

Key Lime Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy key lime cheesecake brings zesty Florida sunshine to dessert lovers’ tables. Rich graham cracker crust and silky lime-infused filling create a perfect balance of tangy sweetness you will savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime zest

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ⅔ cups (200 grams) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Toppings:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (22 grams) powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring a consistent texture for the base layer.
2. Cream the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until silky and completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese, blending thoroughly to create a uniform, velvety mixture.
4. Introduce condensed milk, stirring gently to maintain the mixture’s delicate consistency while ensuring even distribution.
5. Carefully fold in freshly squeezed key lime juice, adding vibrant citrus notes and creating a tangy flavor profile.
6. Sprinkle lime zest into the mixture, gently folding to distribute the aromatic citrus essence throughout the cheesecake mousse.
7. Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours, allowing it to firm and develop a more stable texture for easier handling.
8. Select clean canning jars and begin layering by creating a foundational graham cracker crumb base in each container.
9. Carefully pipe the chilled key lime cheesecake mousse over the cracker layer, creating smooth and even layers.
10. Repeat the layering process, alternating between graham cracker crumbs and cheesecake mousse until jars are filled.
11. Seal jars with lids and refrigerate for approximately 3 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
12. Before serving, garnish with delicate swirls of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for visual appeal.
13. Present the individual desserts chilled, ready to delight guests with their vibrant, refreshing flavor.

Notes

• Chill the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Key lime juice provides a tangy, authentic flavor that differs from regular lime juice, so try to use fresh if possible.
• Graham cracker layers add delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy cheesecake mousse.
• Refrigeration is crucial for setting the dessert and developing its rich, velvety consistency.
• Whipped cream topping and lime zest garnish elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh, zesty finish.
• Canning jars create perfect individual servings, making this dessert ideal for parties or personal treats.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg