These No-Bake Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Cups are the ultimate summer indulgence rich, creamy, and layered with a refreshing blend of citrus zest and sweet strawberries. Served in clear dessert glasses, they look as delightful as they taste, with vibrant fruit garnishes and a luscious cream cheese filling that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ, baby shower, or just want a cool dessert without turning on the oven, these cheesecake cups are a winning choice. Quick to make and elegant to serve, they’re a fresh, fruity treat that brings joy to every bite. Bonus: They can be made ahead, saving you time and stress on the big day!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 5 crackers)
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1/2 cup crushed dried strawberries
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 key lime
For the Topping:
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6 strawberries, halved
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2 key limes, thinly sliced
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Whipped cream or vanilla frosting
Directions:
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Crush graham crackers and dried strawberries until finely crumbled.
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Mix in melted butter until the mixture holds together slightly when pressed.
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Spoon crust mixture into the bottom of dessert cups and gently press down to form a base.
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In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, yogurt, vanilla extract, and key lime zest until smooth and creamy.
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Transfer cheesecake mixture to a piping bag with a star tip (such as 1M).
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Pipe filling neatly or decoratively over the crust in each cup.
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Top each with a sprinkle of remaining crust mixture.
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Add a swirl of whipped cream or frosting.
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Garnish with half a strawberry and a thin slice of key lime.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving cold.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: ~310 kcal | Servings: 6 cups
Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Cups: A Refreshing No-Bake Delight for Every Occasion
When the sun is shining and the days grow longer, we all crave something light, refreshing, and effortlessly satisfying. Enter the Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Cups a no-bake dessert that combines the tangy zest of key lime with the sweetness of strawberries in a creamy, velvety cheesecake base. These individual dessert shooters are not only delicious but incredibly easy to assemble, making them a favorite for home bakers, busy hosts, and dessert lovers alike.
Unlike traditional cheesecake, which requires oven time and careful monitoring, this no-bake version eliminates stress without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Served in small dessert cups or shot glasses, they look like mini masterpieces layered with vibrant colors and textures, from a crunchy strawberry-graham crust to a luscious cream cheese filling and decorative fruit toppings. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, preparing a bridal shower spread, or simply craving a sweet treat on a warm evening, these cheesecake cups are a foolproof crowd-pleaser.
The Flavor Experience: Tangy Meets Sweet in Perfect Harmony
The magic of this dessert lies in its flavor balance. The tartness of key lime zest cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a refreshing tang that complements the natural sweetness of strawberries. Vanilla yogurt and a touch of sugar round out the filling, giving it a mild sweetness and creamy consistency that melts in your mouth. Meanwhile, the graham cracker and dried strawberry crust introduces a satisfying crunch and fruity undertone, setting the stage for the layers above.
This flavor combination is evocative of summertime indulgence cool, light, and invigorating without being overly heavy. It’s a refined flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children. The citrus notes elevate the dessert and make it a standout compared to more conventional sweet dishes.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
One of the best qualities of these cheesecake cups is their versatility. Because they’re pre-portioned and require no baking, they are an ideal choice for virtually any occasion where presentation and practicality are both priorities.
1. Brunches and Showers: Whether you’re throwing a baby shower, bridal brunch, or Easter breakfast, these cheesecake cups add elegance to your menu. Their soft pastel hues and neat layers look stunning on dessert tables, especially when paired with florals or fruit spreads.
2. Barbecues and Outdoor Gatherings: Unlike frosted cakes that can melt or pies that require cutting and serving, these cups are grab-and-go friendly. Their chilled nature makes them particularly refreshing on hot days, and they transport well in coolers.
3. Holiday Feasts: Bring a splash of summer to your winter celebrations by featuring these cups on your holiday dessert table. They add a vibrant contrast to heavier traditional holiday desserts like pies or yule logs.
4. Date Nights and At-Home Indulgence: Even if you’re not entertaining, these cups make for a perfect low-effort, high-reward dessert. They’re great to make ahead, so you can simply grab one from the fridge when your sweet tooth calls.
Visual Appeal and Presentation
From a visual standpoint, these cheesecake cups are a dream. The clear containers showcase each layer beautifully from the golden crust flecked with dried strawberry, to the smooth, pale cheesecake filling, and finally the bright garnishes on top. When piped with a star tip, the filling takes on an elegant swirl, while the whipped cream or frosting adds height and flair.
Garnishing with halved strawberries and key lime slices gives these desserts a fresh, vibrant finish. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds a professional touch that makes them look bakery-worthy.
To take presentation a step further, consider serving them in mini mason jars, wine glasses, or stemless cocktail glasses. You could even color-code garnishes to match a party theme. Clear disposable cups also work well for larger events where ease of cleanup is important.
Storage and Make-Ahead Benefits
Time-saving desserts are gold when planning an event, and this recipe excels in that area. You can prepare the cheesecake cups a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until needed. To keep the fruit garnish looking its best, it’s advisable to brush strawberries with a bit of simple syrup or add them right before serving.
The cheesecake cups hold up well for up to 2–3 days in the fridge. Their texture remains stable, and their flavor stays intact, though for best results, they should remain chilled and covered. Since they contain dairy, they’re not shelf-stable and should not be left at room temperature for long.
You can also freeze the cups though it’s best to do this without the fruit garnish. Simply thaw them in the fridge before serving and add the toppings fresh.
Health Notes and Ingredient Flexibility
While indulgent, these cheesecake cups can be tailored to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few potential modifications:
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Lighter Options: Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to lower the fat content while adding protein. Just note that Greek yogurt has a tangier flavor, which may amplify the citrusy notes of the key lime.
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Low-Sugar: Swap in a sugar substitute such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
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Gluten-Free: Simply replace the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or graham-style alternatives.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and yogurt alternatives (like almond or coconut-based) to create a vegan-friendly or lactose-free version.
These changes can be made without altering the core essence of the dessert, making it adaptable to your guests’ dietary needs.
Customization Ideas
Beyond flavor swaps, the dessert’s simple base allows for plenty of creative interpretation:
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Fruit Variations: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mango chunks depending on the season. The key lime flavor pairs well with a wide range of fruits.
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Flavor Enhancements: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves between the crust and filling for a jammy twist, or mix in melted white chocolate for a decadent flair.
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Texture Play: Incorporate toasted nuts into the crust or as a topping for added crunch and complexity.
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Trifle Style: Layer the ingredients multiple times in taller glasses to create a parfait or trifle presentation.
These variations make it easy to reuse the base recipe throughout the year while offering something fresh each time.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Key Lime Cheesecake Cups are more than just a pretty dessert they’re a celebration of flavor, convenience, and creativity. With their no-bake nature, they come together quickly, store well, and look stunning on any table. The combination of creamy cheesecake, bright citrus, and sweet strawberries delivers a balanced dessert that feels indulgent yet light perfect for warm days or festive occasions.
Their flexibility in presentation, flavor, and dietary adjustments make them a go-to recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers. Whether you stick to the original or customize it to your heart’s content, these cheesecake cups are sure to impress guests and satisfy cravings alike.