These Key Lime Mousse Cups are the perfect combination of creamy and tart, with a sweet graham cracker crust that adds a delicious crunch. The lime zest and fresh lime juice infuse the mousse with a refreshing citrus flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise.
The rich, velvety mousse is lightened up by the whipped cream, creating a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is refreshing. Serve these adorable mousse cups at your next dinner party or family gathering, and they’ll surely be a hit. Whether for a summer BBQ or a festive celebration, these Key Lime Mousse Cups are an easy-to-make treat that’s guaranteed to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup crushed graham crackers
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/4 cup melted butter
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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1/4 cup fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon lime zest
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of individual serving cups.
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Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
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In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until smooth.
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In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
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Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
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Spoon the mousse over the cooled graham cracker crust in each cup.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Key Lime Mousse Cups?
Key Lime Mousse Cups offer the best of both worlds: the zesty and slightly tart flavor of fresh lime paired with a smooth, creamy mousse texture. Unlike traditional Key Lime Pie, these mousse cups provide a lighter, more delicate texture that melts in your mouth. The crust, typically made from graham crackers, serves as the perfect contrast to the rich mousse, providing a satisfying crunch. Whether served in individual cups or as a larger pie, Key Lime Mousse is a perfect option for any occasion.
A Dessert for Any Occasion
These Key Lime Mousse Cups are incredibly versatile and can be served for various occasions. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, a dinner party, or a casual family gathering, this dessert will leave a lasting impression on your guests. The single-serving cups make them easy to serve and can be arranged beautifully on a platter for an elegant presentation. The freshness of lime makes them especially suitable for warmer weather, providing a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
Beyond its refreshing flavor, this dessert is also perfect for those who prefer lighter treats. It’s not overly sweet, yet still satisfying enough to curb any sugar cravings. The mousse is creamy without feeling too heavy, and the graham cracker crust balances it perfectly with its slight sweetness and crunch.
A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert
One of the best things about Key Lime Mousse Cups is how easy they are to make. While they may seem like a sophisticated dessert, they are actually quite simple to prepare. The mousse requires only a handful of ingredients like cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lime juice. The graham cracker crust comes together with just three ingredients, which means you can have this dessert ready in a fraction of the time it would take to bake a traditional pie.
If you are looking to simplify the process even further, you can even use store-bought graham cracker crumbs and skip the baking process for the crust. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Key Lime Mousse Cups: Customization Ideas
While the classic recipe for Key Lime Mousse Cups is delicious on its own, it’s always fun to put your own twist on a classic dessert. Here are a few ideas for customizing your Key Lime Mousse Cups:
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Add fruit toppings: Consider adding fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top of your mousse cups. These fruits complement the tartness of the lime and add a touch of sweetness and color to your presentation.
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Try different crusts: While graham crackers are the traditional choice for the crust, you can experiment with other types of cookies. For example, you can use coconut cookies, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile.
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Make it a layered dessert: Instead of just layering the mousse on top of the graham cracker crust, you could create multiple layers. Try layering the mousse with whipped cream or even a layer of fresh fruit to create an even more visually appealing dessert.
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Add a splash of flavor: Although the lime flavor is the star of the show, you can play around with adding other flavors to your mousse. A splash of coconut extract or a dash of vanilla can bring an additional depth of flavor to the dessert.
A Fun and Easy Dessert to Make With Kids
Key Lime Mousse Cups are a great dessert to make with children. The process of mixing ingredients, layering the mousse, and assembling the cups is simple enough for kids to help with, and they’ll love the idea of making their own little individual servings. This makes the dessert a perfect choice for family cooking nights or when you want to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Additionally, the fun colors of the lime mousse and the graham cracker crust make it visually appealing to children, encouraging them to enjoy the process of making their treat from scratch. You could even give them the option of adding their own toppings, which adds a personal touch to the dessert.
Storing Key Lime Mousse Cups
While it’s tempting to enjoy your Key Lime Mousse Cups right away, they can also be made ahead of time, making them an ideal dessert for busy weeks or planned gatherings. Once assembled, the mousse cups should be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the mousse to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the mousse cups. However, keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the mousse. Before serving frozen mousse cups, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours.
To prevent the mousse from absorbing any unwanted odors, be sure to cover the cups with plastic wrap or an airtight lid when storing.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Key Lime Mousse Cups are also perfect for a variety of special occasions. They’re ideal for celebrations like weddings, birthdays, or holidays like Easter and Christmas. You can dress them up by garnishing the mousse cups with a twist of lime or a sprig of mint. Their cute individual portions make them easy to serve, and they add a festive touch to any table setting.
Nutritional Information
Although this dessert is indulgent, it is possible to enjoy it in moderation. The lime mousse is a lighter alternative to some other heavy, creamy desserts, making it a good option for those looking for something sweet but not overwhelming.
It’s important to note that while the mousse is made with cream cheese and whipped cream, which add some richness, it is still lower in calories than many other creamy desserts. With the added fresh lime juice, it’s also a great source of vitamin C, which is a nice bonus for a treat. Just keep in mind that while this dessert is lighter, it is still indulgent, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion: A Refreshing and Fun Dessert
In conclusion, Key Lime Mousse Cups are a refreshing and versatile dessert that’s sure to delight anyone who loves citrus flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or a fancy dinner party, they are sure to impress your guests with their unique presentation and delightful taste. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavors to shine while offering room for creativity and personalization.
Whether you stick to the traditional version or get creative with toppings and variations, Key Lime Mousse Cups are guaranteed to become a go-to dessert for many occasions. It’s the perfect way to bring a little tropical flair into your kitchen, and with minimal effort, you’ll be able to create a delicious treat that everyone will love.