Description
Enjoy these creamy and refreshing Key Lime Mousse Cups, a light no-bake dessert that combines the tangy zest of key limes with smooth cream cheese and whipped cream. Perfectly chilled and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this airy mousse is a delightful summer treat that can be customized with optional graham cracker crusts or fresh berries for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mousse
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Optional Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 4 mini lime slices
- ¼ cup crushed graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Soften 8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Zest and juice fresh key limes until you have ¼ cup of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest. Set aside serving cups for assembly.
- Make Mousse Base: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, ¼ cup key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon key lime zest, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Continue folding in the remaining whipped cream carefully to preserve the airy texture without deflating it.
- Portion and Chill: Optionally, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of serving cups to form a crust. Spoon or pipe the mousse mixture into the cups, filling about three-quarters full. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours until fully set and chilled.
- Garnish: Just before serving, top each mousse cup with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, optional crushed graham crackers, and a mini lime slice for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth mousse base.
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks carefully; do not overwhip to avoid a grainy texture.
- Chill the mousse for a full 4 hours for optimal firmness and consistency.
- A pinch of salt can enhance the creaminess and balance the sweetness of the mousse.
- Garnish just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Key Lime, Mousse, No-Bake Dessert, Summer Dessert, Cream Cheese Mousse, Light Dessert, Lime Zest, Easy Mousse Recipe
