Warm days call for cool, refreshing desserts that don’t require slaving over a hot oven. Enter the no-bake key lime cheesecake—a creamy, tangy treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety key lime filling, and a foolproof stabilized whipped cream topping, this cheesecake is your go-to for summer gatherings, backyard BBQs, or a simple weeknight indulgence. Garnished with elegant whipped cream swirls, a quarter lime slice, and a sprinkle of lime zest, it’s as pretty as it is tasty. Let’s dive into this no-bake key lime cheesecake recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

No oven needed: Perfect for keeping your kitchen cool on hot days.
Tangy and creamy: Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice and a touch of lemon juice deliver a bright, zesty flavor balanced by rich cream cheese.
Stable whipped cream topping: My stabilized whipped cream recipe holds its shape for picture-perfect swirls, thanks to a pinch of cream of tartar.
Make-ahead magic: Chills in the fridge (or freezer for a quick set) and stays fresh for days.

top view of key lime cheesecake and slice

Ingredient Overview

Here are the key ingredients for this no-bake key lime cheesecake and why they matter:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Forms a buttery, crunchy crust base.
Salted Butter: Binds the crust for a firm, rich texture.
Powdered & Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and blends smoothly into the crust, filling, and whipped cream.
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy filling foundation.
Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice: Delivers authentic, tart key lime flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the filling with bright, citrusy zing.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness to the filling and forms a fluffy, stable topping.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor with a warm, subtle note.
Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the whipped cream topping for lasting swirls.

key lime cheesecake ingredients — Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

Tips for Success

Speed up the set time: If you’re in a hurry, freeze the cheesecake (without topping) for 1–2 hours instead of chilling in the fridge. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before topping and serving.
Perfect whipped cream: To avoid over-thickening whip to soft peaks before adding stabilizers. Check my stabilized whipped cream blog post for foolproof tips. The cream of tartar keeps it stable for hours, even in warm weather.
Make it ahead: The cheesecake (without topping) keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the whipped cream and garnishes just before serving for the freshest look.

Why This Recipe Works

This no-bake key lime cheesecake strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a velvety filling that melts in your mouth. Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice gives authentic key lime flavor, while a touch of lemon juice lifts it with extra brightness. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch, and the stabilized whipped cream topping—my go-to from my blog post —holds up beautifully, even on warm days. The cream of tartar is the secret to keeping those piped swirls picture-perfect!

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled for a refreshing treat, or slightly frozen for an ice-cream-like texture on hot days.
Pair with a glass of iced tea or a citrusy mocktail for the ultimate summer vibe.
For a crowd, double the recipe and use a 10-inch springform pan for a taller cheesecake.

closeup of pan of no-bake cheesecake with slices removed

Storage

Store the cheesecake (without topping) covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the whipped cream topping.
Once topped, enjoy within a day for the best whipped cream texture.

Prep Time:25

Chill Time:4

Total Time:4 25

Servings: slices

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 180g
¼ cup granulated sugar 50g
6 tbsp salted butter, melted 85g

For the Filling:

1¼ cup cream cheese, softened 250g
¾ cup powdered sugar 90g
¾ cup Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice 180g
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 15g
1½ tbsp lime zest, from 3-4 regular limes 9g
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold 240g
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Stabilized Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold 240g
3 tbsp powdered sugar 24g
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp cream of tartar

For Garnish:

Piped whipped cream swirls
Quarter lime slices
Lime zest

Instructions

Make the Crust:

Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
Press into a 9-inch pie pan’s bottom and sides (~1/4-inch thick). Chill in the fridge.

Prepare the Filling:

Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth (2 minutes).
Add Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice and lemon juice and lime zest; mix until creamy.
Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks (3–4 minutes). Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour into the chilled crust, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or freeze for 1–2 hours for a faster set).

Make the Stabilized Whipped Cream Topping:

In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar to soft peaks (1–2 minutes).
Continue whipping to medium-stiff peaks (20–30 seconds). Avoid over-whipping to prevent thickening (see stabilized whipped cream tips).
Top with whipped cream or pipe on swirls for a pretty finish.

Garnish and Serve:

Add a quarter lime slice to each piece and sprinkle with lime zest.
Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. Serve chilled.

Notes

Quick Set: Freeze the cheesecake (without topping) for 1–2 hours to speed up setting, then thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before topping.
Whipped Cream Tip: Whip to soft peaks before adding stabilizers to avoid a too-thick texture. Check my stabilized whipped cream post for details.
Storage: Store (without topping) in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. Add topping before serving.
Tartness: For extra zing, increase lemon juice to 1.5 tbsp, tasting as you go.

Video

Final Thoughts

This no-bake key lime cheesecake is your ticket to a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dessert that screams summer. With its creamy filling, zesty kick, and stunning whipped cream swirls, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Try it for your next gathering, and let me know in the comments how it turned out or any fun twists you added! Happy chilling, and see you in the next recipe!

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