No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
A refreshing no-bake cheesecake featuring tart homemade key lime curd atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with whipped cream and lime zest. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 28 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, 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 350 calories and feeds 8, 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 unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium 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. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even crust layer. Bake for 8 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, beating until fully combined and silky.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice and 1 tbsp lime zest until the filling is smooth and slightly thickened. Pour this filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until set and firm to the touch.
- Step 5: While the cheesecake chills, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar in a chilled bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Before serving, spread or pipe the whipped cream evenly over the cheesecake and garnish with additional lime zest for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust?
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.
