Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dessert—Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Dessert Shooters! These charming little treats are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of zesty flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner, these shooters combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing tang of key lime. With just 45 minutes of prep and chill time, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these luscious layers of goodness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 shooters
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand-like consistency.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each shooter glass or small dessert cup, pressing down gently to create a compact base.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, continuing to mix on medium speed until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Pour in key lime juice and vanilla extract, mixing until the cheesecake filling is completely smooth and has a light, consistent color.
- Carefully spoon or pipe the key lime cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker base in each shooter glass, filling to about 3/4 of the glass height.
- Refrigerate the dessert shooters for at least 2 hours or until the filling is set and chilled.
- Before serving, top each shooter with a dollop of whipped cream and optionally garnish with a small lime zest or graham cracker crumb sprinkle.
Tips
- Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, opt for fresh key limes instead of bottled juice. The vibrant taste will elevate your dessert shooters to a whole new level!
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the shooters to chill for at least 2 hours. This not only helps the filling set but also enhances the flavors, making each bite a refreshing experience.
- Mixing Technique: When beating the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy texture. This will prevent any lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your toppings! In addition to whipped cream, consider adding lime zest, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or even a slice of lime for a pop of color.
- Make Ahead: These dessert shooters can be made a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, making them a great option for stress-free entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
