EASY No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

This no-bake key lime cheesecake recipe combines the perfect balance of tangy citrus and smooth, creamy texture – all without turning on your oven. This refreshing dessert is dessert for those warm springtime and summer days when you’re craving something cool, creamy, and refreshingly tart.

Key Limes vs Persian Limes

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s talk about what makes key limes unique. These tiny citrus fruits, native to the Florida Keys, pack more punch than their larger Persian lime cousins. They’re more aromatic, with a more complex flavor profile that balances sweetness with tartness. Key limes are also smaller, and usually more yellow than green. While traditional key limes can be hard to find outside of Florida, you can substitute regular limes or bottle key lime juice in this recipe.

Why No-Bake is the Way to Go

No-bake cheesecakes aren’t just a summer convenience – they’re a different style of dessert entirely. While baked cheesecakes are dense and rich, no-bake versions are lighter and creamier, with an almost mousse-like texture that pairs perfectly with the brightness of key lime. Plus, the absence of eggs in the filling means this dessert is safer to make and store. (And less expensive with the price of eggs right now, amiright?)

Single-Serve vs. Full Pan

Let me tell you why I love making these cheesecakes in individual jars! There’s something so delightful about having your very own personal dessert – it feels special, like it was made just for you. And small 8-ounce jars are the perfect size for a satisfying dessert that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. Plus, they look absolutely adorable on the dessert table if you’re serving them at a party!

You can prepare them days ahead for a dinner party, pop them in your picnic basket without worrying about messy slicing, or (my personal favorite) keep a few in the fridge for those moments when you need a little midweek pick-me-up.

Want to make this as a full cheesecake instead? No problem! Simply transfer all the ingredients to a 9-inch springform pan, keeping the same layering technique. You’ll want to press the crust mixture evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides, then smooth the filling over top. Just make sure to chill it thoroughly before slicing.

How To Make No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

First, gather your ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need!

For the Crust:

• graham cracker crumbs
• granulated sugar
• unsalted butter, melted
• cream cheese, softened
• powdered sugar
• key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
• key lime or Persian lime zest (plus extra for garnish)
• whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Prepare The Cheesecake Crust

Start by preparing the jars or glass cups. Wash and dry them thoroughly.Next, work on making the crust. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Spoon about 5 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each jar and press down firmly to form a crust layer.

TIP: Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass that fits inside the jar to help press the crust into the jars.

Make The Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. TIP: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Cold cream cheese will lead to lumps in your filling.

You can use fresh key limes or key lime juice. (The bottled key lime juice is sometimes easier to find in stores) But if you use bottled key lime juice, you’ll want to pick up a few regular limes for zest. When zesting your limes, be careful to only get the green part – the white pith is bitter. Fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble The Key Lime Cheesecakes

Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the jars, spooning it over the crust. Smooth the tops with a small spatula or the back of a spoon. Cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.

Before serving, top with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, lime zest, or a lime slice for garnish.