Introducing your new favorite summertime treat: No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars! Each spoonful is bright, luscious, and impossibly creamy, thanks to a tangy cottage cheese filling and the burst of fresh key lime. These adorable jars are the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern, wholesome goodness—no oven required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Creamy, Tangy Filling: The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt blend makes every bite velvety-smooth and packed with real key lime flavor.
- No Oven, No Fuss: These No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars come together in just 15 minutes, perfect for hot days or last-minute cravings!
- Single-Serve & Portable: Individually portioned in cute jars, they’re adorable for parties, picnics, or taking on the go.
- A Little Lighter: The combination of granola and cottage cheese lets you indulge with less guilt, while still tasting totally decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday superstars to make these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars shine! Each ingredient plays a crucial part in building that signature creamy texture, sunny color, and zingy lime pie flavor.
- Granola (1 cup, blended): Gives you that classic pie crust crunch with a nutty, wholesome twist—use your favorite kind for extra personality!
- Cottage Cheese (1.5 cups): The secret to a fluffy, creamy filling; opt for a thick, rich brand like Good Culture for best results.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds tang and body, making the cheesecake base extra luscious and not too heavy.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (2 tsp, divided): Real vanilla deepens the flavor, complementing the zesty lime beautifully—vanilla extract works too.
- Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): Naturally sweetens the filling and keeps it smooth; adjust to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
- Key Lime Juice (2 tbsp): The heart of this dessert! Bottled or freshly squeezed gives that unmistakable tang.
- Lime Zest (from 2 limes): Infuses the whole jar with bright, fresh citrus aroma—don’t skip it!
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup): For a cloud-like, ultra-fluffy topping that feels like a treat all on its own.
Variations
One of the best things about No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars is how easy they are to customize—swap, add, or tweak anything to fit your cravings, dietary needs, or what’s already in your pantry.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free granola for the crust, and you’ve got a dessert everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free yogurt and whipped topping for an allergy-friendly twist that’s just as creamy.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, coconut flakes, or even crushed graham crackers between the layers for extra flair.
- Sugar-Free: Use a zero-calorie sweetener (like monk fruit or stevia) in place of maple syrup to lower the sugars without losing flavor.
How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
Step 1: Blend the Crust
Add your favorite granola to a blender or food processor and pulse until you have a fine powder—think sandy, but still with a bit of texture for crunch. Spoon this “crust” evenly into the bottoms of three 8oz glass jars, pressing down gently to create a solid base.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, key lime juice, and lime zest. Process for just 12–15 seconds—enough to blend it silky-smooth but not so long that it turns watery. Scrape the bowl as needed, then evenly layer this dreamy filling over your granola crusts.
Step 3: Whip Up the Topping
Clean your mixer and pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Beat on high until soft peaks begin to form, then add the remaining vanilla bean paste (plus a drizzle of maple syrup, if you like it sweet). Keep whipping until it’s fluffy and holds its shape—perfect for piping or swirling over each cheesecake jar!
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over each jar, making as tall and swoopy a topping as you like. Give them a generous sprinkle of fresh lime zest and, if you’re feeling fancy, a slice of lime for garnish. Let the jars chill in the fridge while you set the table, or just dive right in if you can’t wait!
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
- Choose Your Cottage Cheese Wisely: Brands like Good Culture 2% create an ultra-thick, creamy base—steer clear of watery, loose cottage cheese for the best cheesecake texture.
- Don’t Overblend the Filling: Just pulse for 10–15 seconds—going longer can make the mixture thin and runny, but if that happens, simply chill the jars and it will thicken up as it sets.
- Super Creamy Whipped Topping: For extra stability, keep your mixing bowl and beaters cold; this helps the cream whip up faster and hold those pretty peaks for longer.
- Serve WELL Chilled: Let the assembled jars rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up beautifully.
How to Serve No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars
Garnishes
Garnish your No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars with freshly grated lime zest for an instant color pop and an extra hit of citrusy aroma. A thin wedge or twist of lime perched on top adds a vacation-worthy vibe. For even more flair, try a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a scattering of crushed pistachios right before serving.
Side Dishes
While these cheesecake jars are show-stoppers all on their own, they pair wonderfully with summer fruit salads or juicy berries on the side. Serve them alongside iced herbal tea, cold brew coffee, or a sparkling spritz for the ultimate backyard treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the (mason) jar! Layer your No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars in petite glass tumblers, stemless wine glasses, or mini trifle bowls for a dinner party look. For picnics or lunchboxes, use small, lidded containers so you can grab and go—no fork needed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover each jar tightly with its lid or plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling tends to get even silkier as it rests, and the granola base stays pleasantly crisp if you avoid overfilling with whipped cream.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the jars without the whipped cream and wrap well. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge overnight, then add your whipped topping and garnishes right before serving for maximum freshness.
Reheating
These No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars are meant to be enjoyed cold, so skip the reheating altogether. If the jar’s been in the fridge for a while, let it sit out for 5 minutes to let the flavors open up before eating.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Absolutely! Key lime juice has a slightly more floral, tart flavor, but regular lime juice works beautifully and still gives the signature tang—use whatever’s freshest and easiest to find.
-
What if my filling turns out too runny?
No worries—if your filling gets too thin from over-blending, simply pop the jars in the refrigerator for a few hours. The mixture will thicken up as it chills, and you’ll still end up with a silky, decadent dessert.
-
Can I use low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese?
Yes! Just be sure to choose a brand with a thick, creamy texture (like Good Culture 2%), as cottage cheese that’s too watery can affect the cheesecake consistency. You may want to let it drain briefly or blend with a bit more Greek yogurt if needed.
-
How far ahead can I make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars?
You can assemble the jars (without whipped cream) up to 2 days ahead; just add the topping and garnishes right before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sunshine-filled, creamy yet refreshing dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive, these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cottage Cheesecake Jars are bound to become your new go-to! I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch—just one bite, and you’ll see why they’re truly worth sharing with friends and family.
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 refreshing flavors of key lime pie and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese with these no-bake key lime pie cottage cheesecake jars. A delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
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
- Prepare Crust: Blend granola into a fine powder and divide among three 8oz glass jars.
- Make Filling: Blend cottage cheese, greek yogurt, vanilla, maple syrup, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble: Divide filling into jars and chill.
- Whip Cream: Whip cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto jars.
- Garnish: Top with lime zest and a lime wedge. Enjoy!
Notes
- The brand of cottage cheese matters! Good Culture 2% is recommended for its texture.
- Avoid over-blending the filling to prevent a watery texture.
- If over-blended, chill jars to thicken the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: Approx. 320
- Sugar: Approx. 18g
- Sodium: Approx. 250mg
- Fat: Approx. 15g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 15g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 45mg
