“Key Lime” Cloud Squares
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
6 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
16 Servings
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Course
Dessert, Cake, Baked Goods
“Key Lime” Cloud Squares
Description
“Key Lime” Cloud Squares start with a buttery graham cracker crust pressed into a lined pan. A gelatin mixture is combined with softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice, creating a smooth and tangy base. Folded whipped topping lightens the filling, which is chilled until firm. Just before serving, additional whipped topping and reserved graham crumbs decorate the top, adding creaminess and a slight crunch.
The dessert highlights tart lime balanced by the creamy texture of cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. The gelatin provides structure while keeping the squares airy. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld and ensures a well-set dessert.
Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert after meals or at parties. Its lightness complements richer dishes, and the lime flavor brings a citrus brightness. The squares can be sliced and lifted from the pan easily using the plastic wrap lining.
For variations, lemon-flavored gelatin and juice can replace lime for a citrus twist. The dessert can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before topping and serving, offering convenient make-ahead options. Using reduced-fat ingredients lowers calories and fat per serving without major changes to texture.
Ingredients
- 1-1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs divided
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3/4 cup water boiling
- 1 pkg. 3 oz. JELL-O Lime Flavor Gelatin
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 pkg. 8 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 can 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cups whipped topping thawed, brand: COOL WHIP
Instructions
- RESERVE 1 Tbsp. graham crumbs. Mix remaining crumbs with butter; press onto bottom of plastic wrap-lined 9-inch square pan. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- ADD boiling water to gelatin mix in small bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add ice; stir 2 min. or until thickened. Remove any unmelted ice. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in milk, then lime juice. Add gelatin; mix well. Whisk in 1 cup COOL WHIP. Pour over crust.
- REFRIGERATE 6 hours or until firm. Cover with remaining COOL WHIP just before serving; sprinkle with reserved graham crumbs. Use plastic wrap handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Prepare the dessert ahead by chilling it up to 24 hours before adding whipped topping and graham crumbs.
- For a lower-calorie version, substitute sugar-free gelatin, low-fat cream cheese, and light whipped topping.
- Use lemon gelatin and lemon juice as an alternative to lime for a different citrus flavor.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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