Light, tangy, and luxuriously creamy—these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars put a tropical twist on classic cheesecake with a wholesome, protein-packed upgrade! Every spoonful bursts with zesty lime flavor and silky-smooth filling, layered in charming glass jars for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven required: You get luscious, cheesecake-like creaminess without ever turning on the stove or baking a crust.
- Packed with protein: Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt add a nutritious boost, making these jars feel light but still satisfyingly rich.
- Fresh, zingy flavor: Real key lime juice and plenty of lime zest deliver that signature tang with every bite.
- Adorable presentation: Layered in jars, these are picnic-perfect, make-ahead, and ready to wow at any gathering—no slicing required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients transform into layers of creamy, zesty magic. Each component of these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars brings a vital flavor or texture, so let’s get to know them!
- Granola (1 cup, blended): Using granola keeps the crust wholesome and adds a crunchy, nutty base—choose your favorite for a custom flavor twist.
- Cottage Cheese (1.5 cups, low-fat): The unsung hero! Cottage cheese makes the cheesecake layer unbelievably creamy, plus bumps up the protein content—just be sure to use a thick, high-quality brand like Good Culture.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup): Greek yogurt adds tang and helps balance out the richness for that classic cheesecake flavor, lightened up.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (2 tsp, divided): Adds warm, aromatic notes—feel free to swap for vanilla extract if needed, but the real vanilla flecks are extra special.
- Maple Syrup (1/4 cup, plus more if desired for topping): Naturally sweetens the filling and optional whipped cream topping, with subtle caramel notes.
- Key Lime Juice (2 tbsp): The essential ingredient for that puckery, authentic key lime flavor—fresh key limes are best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Lime Zest (from 2 limes): Provides a burst of vivid citrus aroma and color, making your jars visually irresistible.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup): Whips up into a cloud-like topping—so simple, so decadent.
Variations
One of my favorite things about No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars is just how customizable they are! You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand, any dietary needs, or even to switch up the flavors for a brand-new treat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free granola or ground gluten-free cookies for a crust everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Use a thick, dairy-free yogurt and cottage cheese alternative, and top with coconut cream for a completely plant-based treat.
- Tropical Twist: Add finely chopped pineapple or mango to the filling for an extra punch of sunny, fruity flavor.
- Classic Graham Cracker Crust: Blend graham crackers instead of granola for that iconic, old-school base.
- Berry Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry jam between the crust and filling for a colorful surprise.
How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
Step 1: Blend the Granola Crust
Start by blending your granola in a food processor or blender until it’s finely ground and resembles sandy crumbs. This is your “crust”—it’ll form the base of each jar, offering just the right amount of crunch to contrast the creamy layers.
Step 2: Layer the Crust
Spoon the blended granola evenly into the bottom of three 8oz glass jars (mason jars or similar). Press gently with the back of a spoon to compact for a sturdy foundation—but don’t pack it too tight, so you still get a crumbly bite.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Add cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, fresh key lime juice, and all that aromatic lime zest into a food processor. Blend for just 12–15 seconds, or until perfectly smooth—a quick whirl is all you need to keep the filling thick and luscious, not watery.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
Divide the cheesecake filling between your jars, scooping gently on top of the granola base. At this point, I like to pop them into the fridge for a few minutes while I whip up the dreamy topping—it helps the layers set just a bit.
Step 5: Whip the Creamy Topping
Whip the heavy cream with a touch of vanilla bean paste in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer on high speed. After a minute or so, check for soft peaks—if you like extra sweetness, add a splash of maple syrup. Pile or pipe that gorgeous cream right onto each cheesecake jar.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish your No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars with a flourish of extra lime zest and a cute little lime wedge. That burst of green makes the presentation totally irresistible. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
- Choose the Best Cottage Cheese: Opt for a high-quality, thick cottage cheese like Good Culture—some brands are watery and can make your filling runny instead of creamy.
- Watch the Blender Time: Blend for no more than 15 seconds—over-blending breaks down the mixture and can lead to a too-thin cheesecake base.
- Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different granola blends or even crushed graham crackers to jazz up your crust and match your favorite flavor profile.
- Stabilize the Whipped Cream: For a topping that holds its shape longer, add a tiny spoonful of Greek yogurt to your whipped cream as you whip—it works like magic!
How to Serve No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
Garnishes
Top your jars with freshly grated lime zest for that explosive citrus aroma, or tuck a small lime wedge or thin slice right next to the whipped cream. For an extra touch of glamour, sprinkle on toasted coconut flakes or scatter a pinch of crushed pistachios over each jar.
Side Dishes
Pair these creamy No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars with crisp shortbread cookies or a platter of fresh fruit (think strawberries or pineapple) to complement the tangy citrus. I love to serve them after a grilled summer dinner—they’re ultra-refreshing and not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Mini jars are adorable for picnics, parties, or brunch. Try layering in clear wine glasses or small tumblers for an elegant dinner party look. If you’re packing for a picnic, pop the lids on your jars and add a ribbon or sticker for an extra personal touch—everyone loves individual desserts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Seal the jars tightly with their lids and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and intensify, and the crust softens just enough while the filling stays luxuriously creamy—sometimes leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
You can freeze No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars (minus the whipped cream topping) for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and whip up fresh cream to dollop on top for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No reheating needed—just grab a chilled jar straight from the fridge! If you’ve frozen them, let thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before adding the topping and digging in.
FAQs
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Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a distinct, floral tang, regular limes work beautifully and still give these cheesecake jars that iconic tart punch. Just swap in the same amount of juice and zest and enjoy.
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What if my filling turns out too runny?
If your filling is a little thin—usually due to over-blending or watery cottage cheese—don’t worry! Let the filled jars chill in the fridge for a few hours. They’ll set up nicely as they cool. Next time, blend a tad less and use a thicker cottage cheese brand.
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How far in advance can I make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars?
These jars are ideal for making ahead! You can prepare and assemble them up to 2 days in advance. Add the whipped cream and garnishes just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
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Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely—just scale the ingredient amounts accordingly and prep as usual. The mason jars make it so simple to serve a group, whether you’re assembling 6 or 16!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste just how fun and fresh No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars are! Whether you’re sharing them at a summer cookout or sneaking one straight from the fridge (no shame!), you’ll love every creamy, zesty, spoonful. Give them a whirl—your next dessert crush awaits!
Print
No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 8oz jars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of key lime pie and cheesecake in these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars. Creamy and zesty, these individual desserts are perfect for a quick and easy treat.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup granola (blended)
Filling:
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese (Good Culture low fat 2%)
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp key lime juice
- Zest from 2 limes
Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Crust: Add granola to a blender and blend until crushed. Divide evenly among 3 8oz glass jars.
- Filling: In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, greek yogurt, vanilla, maple syrup, key lime juice, and zest. Process until smooth.
- Assembly: Divide filling among jars and chill.
- Whipped Cream: Whip cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto jars.
- Garnish: Top with lime zest and enjoy!
Notes
- The brand of cottage cheese matters for texture.
- Avoid over-blending the filling for the best consistency.
- If over-blended, allow jars to set in the fridge to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
