Description
Creamy, tangy key lime cheesecake delivers classic Florida flavors with graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling. Chilled dessert promises sweet-tart refreshment perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime zest
- 1 ⅔ cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs, finely crushed
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (22 g) powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, creating a consistent base texture for the cheesecake jars.
- Cream Cheese Blending: Whip cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until silky smooth, eliminating any potential lumps for a perfectly creamy consistency.
- Sweetening and Mixing: Gradually blend powdered sugar into the cream cheese, creating a velvety, uniform mixture that forms the foundation of the dessert.
- Moisture and Flavor Integration: Gently fold in condensed milk and freshly squeezed key lime juice, incorporating the citrusy tang and rich sweetness throughout the mixture.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Sprinkle lime zest into the cheesecake mixture, gently folding to distribute the vibrant citrus essence evenly.
- Chilling and Stabilizing: Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours to firm up and develop a stable texture, making it easier to layer in the serving jars.
- Layering Construction: In clean canning jars, create alternating layers of graham cracker crumbs and key lime cheesecake mousse, carefully piping the mixture to ensure smooth, even distribution.
- Final Setting: Seal jars with lids and refrigerate for approximately 3 hours, allowing the dessert to set completely and flavors to meld.
- Presentation Finale: Just before serving, adorn with delicate whipped cream swirls and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest, presenting a chilled, visually appealing and refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Crumb Consistency Matters: Ensure graham cracker crumbs are uniformly fine to create a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese until absolutely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a silky, luxurious cheesecake texture.
- Lime Zest Secret: Gently fold lime zest to distribute citrus essence evenly, preventing clumping and maximizing flavor throughout the dessert.
- Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for recommended time to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, ensuring the perfect creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg