Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake
A refreshing, tangy key lime mousse layered atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for a bright and zesty dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, (melted) unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (melted) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz (softened) cream cheese
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (for garnish) lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove and cool.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, mixing well.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar to soft peaks.
- Step 6: Gently fold the whipped cream into the key lime mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the mousse over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Step 8: Garnish with 1 tsp lime zest before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Key Lime Layered Mousse Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
