🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Graham Cracker Foundation In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar, stirring until evenly distributed. The sugar helps bind everything together and adds that perfect sweet crunch.

Step 2: Add the Butter Magic Pour melted butter into your crumb mixture and stir until every crumb is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand. It should hold together when squeezed but not be soggy.

Step 3: Press Your Perfect Crusts Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly among your serving cups. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press firmly to create a solid crust layer at the bottom of each cup. This foundation is crucial for structural integrity!

Step 4: Whip Up Cream Cheese Perfection In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

Step 5: Add the Condensed Milk Goodness Gradually add sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing well after each addition. Take your time here—rushing leads to lumps, and we want silk-smooth perfection.

Step 6: Bring on the Citrus Star Add key lime juice and vanilla extract to your cream cheese base. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and beautifully pale green. The lime juice will slightly thicken the mixture—this is exactly what we want!

Step 7: Create Fluffy Cloud Topping In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Don’t overwhip—stop as soon as you see those gorgeous peaks holding their shape.

Step 8: The Gentle Fold Here’s where technique matters: gently fold the whipped cream into the lime filling using a spatula. Use a cutting and folding motion, being careful not to deflate all that beautiful airiness you just created.

Step 9: Fill Those Cups with Joy Spoon the lime filling over the crust in each cup, filling them nearly to the top. A piping bag makes this easier, but a spoon works perfectly fine. Smooth the tops if you’re feeling fancy!

Step 10: The Patience Game Refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. The filling needs time to set up properly, and trust me—the wait is worth every second.

Step 11: The Grand Finale Just before serving, top each cup with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of bright lime zest. For extra elegance, add a thin lime wheel or fresh mint sprig.

Nutrition (per cup):

• Calories: ~285
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 28g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 5g

✨ Final Thoughts