These key lime cheesecake cups will steal the spotlight at your next celebration. With all the things you love about a classic cheesecake, these irresistible mini dessert cups are perfectly portioned, for a no-fuss single serve dessert that’s made for Summer entertaining.
With a zingy punch of fresh lime juice and zest swirled into creamy layers, this key lime dessert recipe hits that sweet-tart balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. With quick and easy prep, they’re one of those summer desserts you’ll find yourself making on repeat all season long.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a dinner party, or simply looking for easy Summer desserts, these key lime cheesecakes in a cup are guaranteed to be a hit!
If you love key lime desserts, you may also like these key lime dessert bars, some key lime cookies, or these fun key lime pie popsicles.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Perfect balance of sweet & tangy: The layers of creamy lime cheesecake, and crunchy graham cracker mixture creates an irresistible contrast of flavors and textures. Every bite is a refreshing mix of sweetness and citrusy zing!
Easy individual desserts: These mini dessert cups are simple to make and don’t require fancy techniques. They’re pre-portioned, making them ideal for serving at outdoor parties, picnics, cookouts, or dinner parties.
A refreshing Summer treat: Light, creamy, and chilled to perfection, these key lime cheesecake cups are the ultimate easy sweet treat for Summer celebrations.
Ingredient Notes
To make key lime cheesecake dessert cups, here is what you need to know about the ingredients. A complete list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
- Graham cracker crumbs: You can buy crumbs in bulk, or blend whole graham crackers in a food processor until they turn to fine crumbs.
- Shredded coconut: Adds flavor and texture to the graham cracker crumb mixture.
- Key limes: Smaller and sweeter than regular limes, key limes are the hero ingredient in this recipe. If you can’t find them in your grocery store, you can buy key lime juice online or see substitutions for alternatives.
- Cream cheese: Creates the structure for our lime cheesecake filling. I recommend you use full fat cream cheese. Chop and leave to soften to room temperature before using.
- Heavy cream: Used to make the lime cream filling. Should be whipping cream, and full fat!
Substitutions
Key Limes: If you can’t find fresh key limes or key lime juice, you can also use regular limes. Note the flavor will be different. To best match the flavor of key limes, try a blend of 50/50 lime juice and lemon juice.
Shredded Coconut: Desiccated coconut also works well. If you don’t like coconut you can omit. Consider adding coarsely ground nuts (almonds or macadamias would work well) instead.
How To Make Key Lime Cheesecake Dessert Cups
Here’s a quick overview of how to make key lime cheesecake dessert cups. For the full step by step recipe and ingredient list, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
You’ll need a baking tray, large bowl, whisk (or hand held mixer), piping bag (optional) and 4 dessert cups to get started.
Step 1: Prepare The Crumb Mixture. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut on a lined baking tray and spread out in a thin layer. Bake until lightly golden then remove and set aside.
Tip: Keep an eye on the crumbs as they will toast quickly, depending on the size of your tray and the depth of the crumbs on the tray.
Step 2: Prepare The Cheesecake Filling. In a large bowl add the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Beat with a hand mixer until ingredients are combined and the mixture is thick and creamy.
Add the key lime juice and zest and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix.
Transfer to a piping bag (if using) for easy assembly. You can also use a spoon for the next step if you prefer.
Step 3: Assemble The Dessert Cups. Add a spoonful of the crunchy cracker mixture to the bottom of each cup. Pipe or spoon a layer of lime cream on top.
Repeat the cracker and cream layers, finishing with a cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
Garnish with some extra lime zest, and if desired a sprinkle of leftover crumb mixture and a slice of lime. Serve cold.
Recipe Tips For Success
Room temperature cream cheese: For ease when whipping, ensure the cream cheese is room temperature before using.
Serve chilled: These cheesecake desserts in a cup are best served cold. The filling will start to soften after an hour or so out of the fridge, particularly in hot weather.
Lime alternatives: Can’t find key limes? No worries! Simply substitute 50/50 the juice of regular limes and lemons to achieve a similar key lime flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This lime cheesecake recipe is delicious served as part of a casual Summer dinner party.
To take to a picnic or cookout party, use jars with lids for easy transport, and keep the jars stored in the cooler until ready to serve.
If you want to include this key lime dessert on your Summer party dessert table, consider using smaller glasses or plastic cups and serve these mini cheesecake dessert cups with a spoon for an easy mini dessert idea.
Recipe Variations
Use different citrus fruits: Substitute the key limes with lemons, oranges or a combination of both for a unique citrus cheesecake twist.
Nutty base: Add a few tablespoons of coarsely ground nuts to the graham cracker crumb mixture for a rustic texture and extra flavor. Almonds, macadamias or walnuts would work well.
How To Store Cheesecake Dessert Cups
Store: Cover and store lime cheesecake cups in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing these dessert cups.
More Dessert Recipes To Try
- These pistachio tiramisu cups are always a good idea.
- Fresh raspberry lemon curd bars are great for Summer.
- Mini coffee cheesecakes are perfect for dinner party desserts.
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Key Lime Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUMBS
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
FOR THE FILLING
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup key lime juice
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest
Instructions
PREPARE THE CRUMB MIXTURE
- Preheat the oven to 320℉ (160℃) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Tip the graham cracker crumbs and shredded coconut onto the tray and mix to combine. Spread out into a thin layer.
- Bake for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden. Watch closely to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
PREPARE THE LIME CREAM
- In a large bowl beat the sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and heavy cream until combined and thickened slightly.
- Add the key lime juice and zest. Continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easy assembly, or you can also use a spoon.
ASSEMBLE THE DESSERT CUPS
- Add a layer of the baked crumb mixture to the base of each cup.
- Pipe or spoon a layer or lime cheesecake filling on top.
- Repeat crumb and cheesecake layers, finishing with a lime cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm and for the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra lime zest and, if desired, a thin slice of lime and a sprinkle of the crumb mixture. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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