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Creamy No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Cups

no-bake key lime cheesecake cups - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a creamy, tangy key lime cheesecake filling atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 56 key limes or substitute with regular lime juice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream, cold (whipped slightly)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
  • Thin lime slices or zest (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl until mixture resembles wet sand (2-3 minutes). Press about 2 tablespoons of crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each serving cup. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  2. Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed until fully combined.
  3. Add flavor: Pour in fresh key lime juice and vanilla extract. Mix gently until blended and mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form (1-2 minutes). Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Assemble the cups: Spoon filling evenly over chilled crusts in each cup and smooth the tops. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
  6. Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream, thin lime slices, and fresh mint leaves just before serving.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for smooth texture. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbly bottoms. Fresh key lime juice is preferred for best flavor. Chill at least 3 hours or overnight for best results. Freezing for 30 minutes can speed chilling but watch to avoid freezing solid. For gluten-free crust, substitute almond flour and gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese with appropriate sweetener and thickener.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime cheesecake, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, creamy cheesecake cups, easy cheesecake recipe