Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly cute, these Key Lime Individual Desserts are everything you want in a refreshing sweet bite. Perfectly portioned into mini cups, this no-bake dessert combines the tropical zest of key limes with a rich cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re planning a spring party, prepping for a Key Lime Pie Wedding, or simply looking for a new go-to from your list of Mini Dessert Recipes In Cups, this is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

These delightful Key Lime Dessert Cups are not only crowd-pleasers—they’re also incredibly easy to make ahead and customize. If you’re a fan of Key Lime Cheesecake Shooters, Mini Key Lime Pie Bites, or fun Saint Patty Day Desserts, this is the dessert you’ve been waiting for.

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Individual Desserts

Bright and Refreshing Flavor – Real key lime juice brings authentic citrus zing.
No-Bake Simplicity – Easy to whip up with no oven required.
Perfectly Portioned – Ideal for parties, weddings, or holiday dessert tables.
Creamy and Dreamy Texture – Cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk blend into a luscious filling.
Visually Stunning – Layered in clear dessert cups and topped with candied lime slices, they’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, baby shower, or a Key Lime Pie Wedding, these mini lime treats are sure to be the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients for Key Lime Dessert Cups

These Key Lime Individual Desserts require only a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Crust Layer:

¾ cup (75g) graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter

Key Lime Filling:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice (preferably fresh or high-quality bottled)
1 teaspoon key lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

1 cup (240ml) whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
Candied lime slices or zest curls (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

Crushed graham cracker crumbs
Mint leaves
Lime zest or thin lime slices

Essential Kitchen Equipment

✅ Medium mixing bowls
✅ Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
✅ Food processor (for graham cracker crust)
✅ Mini dessert cups or shot glasses
✅ Spoon or piping bag
✅ Zester or microplane

How to Make Key Lime Individual Desserts

Creating these stunning Mini Key Lime Pie Bites in cups is as fun as it is simple. Just follow the steps below!

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons into the bottom of each mini dessert cup and gently press down with the back of a spoon to form a firm base.

Tip: For extra texture, don’t pack the crust too tightly—it should have a slight crumble when eaten.

Step 2: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until fully combined and creamy.

Tip: Don’t overbeat once the mixture is smooth—this keeps the texture light and silky.

Step 3: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each dessert cup with the key lime mixture. Fill about three-quarters full, leaving room for whipped topping.

Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or small spatula for a polished look.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 2–3 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. When ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed graham crackers, and candied lime slices for an extra burst of citrus flair.

Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, zesty bite of summer in every spoonful.

Tips for the Best Key Lime Dessert Cups

✅ Use Real Key Lime Juice – It offers a unique, tangier flavor compared to regular limes. Bottled key lime juice works too—just be sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.

✅ Chill Thoroughly – The filling needs time to firm up. Let it rest for a few hours in the fridge before serving.

✅ Pipe for Precision – Using a piping bag makes assembling the cups cleaner and more uniform—perfect for special events.

✅ Double the Batch – These mini desserts disappear quickly! Make extras if you’re serving a crowd.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these delicious twists on the classic recipe:

Key Lime Cheesecake Shooters – Add an extra layer of crushed cookies or coconut cream for a cheesecake-style finish.
Tropical Twist – Add a layer of mango or pineapple puree between the crust and filling.
Chocolate Crust – Swap the graham crackers for crushed chocolate wafers or Oreos.
Coconut Key Lime Cups – Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical vibe.

These fun takes are perfect for customizing based on your party theme or flavor preferences!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overmixing the Cream Cheese – Can lead to a runny filling. Mix just until smooth.
❌ Not Chilling Long Enough – A warm or loose filling won’t hold its shape or taste as refreshing.
❌ Skipping the Zest – Lime zest adds a punch of aroma and flavor. Don’t leave it out!

Serving & Presentation Ideas

These Key Lime Dessert Cups are perfect for a stunning dessert spread. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

Serve in clear mini cups or plastic shot glasses to show off the layers.
Garnish each with candied lime slices or a twist of zest for a decorative pop.
Present on a tiered dessert stand for weddings or bridal showers.
Pair with other Mini Dessert Recipes In Cups like mini trifles, chocolate mousse, or cheesecake bites for a diverse dessert buffet.
Include them in a green-themed display for Saint Patty Day Desserts.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

🧊 Store the dessert cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

🔥 Do not freeze the assembled desserts as the texture may become grainy once thawed.

✅ Make Ahead – You can prep the crust and filling a day in advance and assemble the day of your event for ultimate freshness.

FAQs About Key Lime Individual Desserts

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime?
Yes! If you can’t find key limes, bottled key lime juice or fresh Persian lime juice will still work. The flavor will be slightly less tangy but still delicious.

Can I freeze these desserts?
It’s not recommended. Freezing may alter the texture of the cream cheese filling. They’re best served chilled and fresh.

Are these suitable for a Key Lime Pie Wedding dessert table?
Absolutely! These elegant and refreshing mini desserts make a classy, convenient treat for wedding receptions. They can be beautifully garnished and customized to match your color scheme or dessert spread.

Can I turn this into a full-sized pie?
Definitely! Simply double the filling and crust and use a 9-inch pie dish. Chill as directed, then slice and serve.

Final Thoughts

These Key Lime Individual Desserts are a celebration of flavor, ease, and visual appeal. Whether you’re prepping for Key Lime Pie Wedding festivities, looking for new Mini Key Lime Pie Bites ideas, or just love a good no-bake treat, these creamy cups deliver every time. They’re citrusy, silky, and satisfyingly sweet, all wrapped in a graham cracker crunch.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or an elegant weeknight dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.

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Zesty Key Lime Individual Desserts : A Perfect Treat

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Print Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly cute, these Key Lime Individual Desserts are everything you want in a refreshing sweet bite

Author: Lyndy kitchen
Prep Time: 15
Total Time: 3H15
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American