This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Why make a whole pie when you can just have a key lime pie in a jar? This super simple dessert is perfect for a dinner party!
How much do you love desserts in jars? Maybe you’re a normal human that doesn’t think about these things too much but I absolutely LOVE desserts in jars! They’re so fun and I love that everyone can have their own individual little dessert. Plus, its built in portion control! Unless you eat more than one jar, which no one would judge you for!
I guess I’m on a key lime kick lately as I just posted these key lime pie cookies last week! They’re so soft and flavorful! These little cheesecake jars have more of that great key lime pie flavor, but in cheesecake form!
How do you make key lime pie in a jar?
Start this recipe by gathering all of your ingredients together and getting everything prepped. You’ll need to juice the key limes until you have about 2 tablespoons of juice. About 4-6 limes!
Before juicing, zest the limes until you have 1 teaspoon, plus more for decorating on top. The cream cheese will also need to be at room temperature before creating the dessert.
For this dessert you’ll need:
- key limes
- cream cheese
- graham cracker crumbs
- butter
- powdered sugar
- whipping cream
Make the crusts in the jars first. Mix together the melted butter with the graham crackers, then press the mixture into the bottom of about 5-6 mini mason jars, the 4oz jars. You need about 1″ of crust.
Next, whip the cream on high using a stand mixer, along with the powdered sugar, for about 4-5 minutes, until stiff peaks begin to form. Set it aside while you cream the softened cream cheese with the mixer, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the key lime juice and continue to whip. Use a spatula to fold in the whipped cream as well as the key lime zest.
Divide the mixture evenly amongst the jars, then place the jars in the fridge to chill.
How long do you have to chill this dessert before enjoying it?
Chill the jars in the fridge for about 4 hours in the fridge to let it thicken up before serving. I always top mine with extra whipped cream, a little key lime zest and a few graham cracker crumbs.
Can you substitute regular limes for key limes?
You would definitely notice the difference using regular limes in place of key limes if you’re expecting that signature key lime taste, but you can certainly substitute a regular lime in this dessert and it would still be delicious! So the short answer is yes.
What if I’m feeding a larger crowd? Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double or triple the recipe easily, just by hitting the 2x or 3x button on the recipe card. If you want to make a large pan of the dessert rather than the mini individual jars, simply double the recipe and make it in an 8×8 pan.
This is a simple dessert, and its so good! It’s no-bake which makes it perfect for the summer too!
Some other no-bake desserts from the blog that you’ll love!
Print
Key Lime Pie in a Jar
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 servings 1x
Description
Why make a whole pie when you can just have a key lime pie in a jar? This super simple dessert is perfect for a dinner party!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup graham crackers
- 6 key limes
- 1 cup heavy cream for whipping (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature
Instructions
- Combine the melted butter with the graham crackers in a small bowl, then divide the mixture evenly amongst 5-6 mini mason jars (4 oz each). The crust will be about 1″ high.
- Zest the key limes, then juice them all into a measuring cup. You will need 2 tbsp of the key lime juice and 2 teaspoons of zest.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric handheld mixer, whip the whipping cream for a minute or so, before adding in the powdered sugar. Whip on high for 3-4 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside.
- Whip softened cream cheese next, along with the key lime juice, for about 1 minutes. Using a spatula, fold in the whipped cream and lime zest until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly amongst the jars, on top of the graham cracker crust.
- Place the jars in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with extra whipped cream, key lime zest or graham crackers.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered.
Notes
See above blog post for substitutions and notes on doubling the recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: american
These are fun! I love individual servings.
I love the idea of this, its easy to put in my lunch box too
I do love everything about desserts in a jar / glass – they’re always elegant and visually appealing. Well, I love the portion control concept too, but it normally doesn’t work for me 🙂 These lime pies in jars look so luscious and refreshing!
They look so creamy and adorable! Love how you garnished with whipped cream and lime zest. And who doesn’t love an individual dessert?
Love cake in a jar, so why not pie in a jar? What a creative dessert, Katherine! Will have to give this a go when I get more key limes 🙂
In the ingredients it calles for 1 cup of whipped cream. In the instructions it says whip the whipping cream. Do I need 1 cup of whipping cream to make these, or 1 cup of already whipped cream? Thanks
In the ingredients it calles for 1 cup of whipped cream. In the instructions it says whip the whipping cream. Do I need 1 cup of whipping cream to make these, or 1 cup of already whipped cream?
Thanks
Hi Kimberley, it should read 1 cup heavy whipping cream (pre-whipped). I’ll make that clarification in the instructions! Thanks!
Can you use Key Lime Juice in a bottle instead of fresh. Our market does not have fresh Key Limes? If so, what would be the amount (the same)?