Tangy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

Zesty Mini Key Lime Pie Recipe: No Oven Required

Tangy, refreshing, and supremely easy, this mini no bake key lime pie recipe delivers a burst of tropical flavor in every single bite.

Creamy citrus notes dance across a buttery graham cracker base, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and effortless.

Summer gatherings call for something special, and this pie checks all the boxes with its vibrant lime zest and silky smooth filling.

The graham crust provides a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the cool, tart interior.

No oven required means you can whip up this dessert quickly, even on the hottest days.

Each miniature pie packs a punch of zesty lime that will transport you to a beachside paradise.

Dive into these delectable little treats and let your taste buds celebrate a sweet, tangy adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time:

Total Time: 4 hours 20 min

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Mini Key Lime Pie Ingredients You’ll Need

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, sweet foundation that adds delightful crunch and complements the creamy filling.
  • Melted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a sturdy and delectable base that holds the pie perfectly.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy base that creates a smooth and luxurious texture for the pie.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps achieve the perfect consistency for the filling.
  • Key Lime Juice: Brings zesty, bright citrus flavor that defines the classic key lime pie taste.
  • Whipped Topping: Lightens the filling, creating an airy and silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
For Garnish:
  • Whipped Topping: Provides a cloud-like finishing touch that adds extra creaminess.
  • Key Lime Slices: Offers a fresh, decorative element that hints at the pie's vibrant flavor profile.

Equipment List for No-Bake Key Lime Pies

  • Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming cream cheese and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cream cheese, condensed milk, and key lime juice.
  • Silicone Cups or Cupcake Liners: Ideal for creating individual mini pie portions.
  • Sheet Tray: Helpful for freezing and setting mini pies.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Great for gently folding whipped topping and spreading graham cracker crumbs.
  • Knife: Useful for slicing key lime garnish.

How to Make Mini No-Bake Key Lime Pie

  • Graham Cracker Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until perfectly combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of small serving cups, creating a solid foundation for the creamy filling.

  • Cream Cheese Blend

Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until ultra-smooth and velvety. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, creating a luxurious and silky texture that will make your dessert irresistibly creamy.

  • Citrus Infusion

Pour fresh key lime juice into the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently to distribute the bright, tangy flavor throughout the filling. The zesty notes will provide a refreshing punch to each bite.

  • Fluffy Incorporation

Fold whipped topping into the lime-infused mixture, ensuring a light and airy consistency. Blend carefully to maintain the delicate texture and prevent deflating the whipped cream.

  • Chilling and Setting

Transfer the filled cups to the freezer, allowing them to set for several hours. The cold temperature will help the mini pies firm up and develop a perfect, slice-able consistency.

  • Serving Presentation

Remove pies from freezer and gently release from molds. Garnish with additional whipped cream and tiny key lime slices for an elegant and inviting dessert that promises a burst of tropical flavor.

Flavor Options for Mini Key Lime Pies

  • Swap traditional graham crackers with gingersnap or chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique twist.
  • Add fresh lime zest to intensify the citrusy profile and create a more robust taste experience.
  • Prepare these mini pies up to 3 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.
  • Replace whipped topping with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories.
  • Experiment with toppings like toasted coconut flakes, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of white chocolate to elevate presentation and texture.

Serving Ideas for These Mini Treats

  • Tropical Summer Party Platter: Create a vibrant dessert display with these mini key lime pies nestled on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh lime wedges and mint leaves for a stunning presentation.
  • Citrus Brunch Companion: Pair these delightful mini pies with a mimosa or fresh citrus cocktail during a weekend brunch gathering, offering a zesty and refreshing end to your meal.
  • Beach Picnic Delight: Pack these portable mini pies in individual containers for a perfect beachside or poolside treat that captures the essence of summer with its cool and tangy flavor profile.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve these mini key lime pies on a delicate tiered dessert stand alongside light tea sandwiches for an elegant and sophisticated dessert experience.

Keep Your Mini Key Lime Pies Fresh

  • Chilly Treat Storage: Keep these mini pies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and zesty flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Delight: These little desserts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Quick Thaw Trick: Remove frozen mini pies from the freezer 30 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften slightly for the perfect creamy consistency. No need to wait hours!
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the key lime pie filling and graham cracker base up to 2 days in advance. Keep components separate in the refrigerator, assembling just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
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Tangy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

Tangy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 min
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Key lime pie delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy, tangy profile. Chilled graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling create a refreshing tropical treat perfect for summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) key lime juice, fresh squeezed (about 1 pound of key limes or good bottled key lime juice)
  • 14 oz (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz (226 grams) whipped topping, plus more for garnish
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs (or 1 sleeve graham crackers)
  • 4 oz (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • Additional whipped topping for garnish

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers and blend thoroughly with melted butter until the mixture resembles fine, moist sand.
  2. Cream Cheese Fusion: Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until silky smooth, then gradually incorporate sweetened condensed milk, blending until achieving a uniform, velvety consistency.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Add freshly squeezed key lime juice to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until completely integrated and smooth, then gently fold in whipped topping to maintain lightness.
  4. Molding and Assembly: Carefully distribute the lime filling into small silicone molds or paper cupcake liners, filling to approximately three-quarters of each container’s depth, and top with a delicate sprinkle of reserved graham cracker mixture.
  5. Freezing and Setting: Place the assembled desserts in the freezer for a minimum of four hours until completely solidified.
  6. Serving Presentation: Remove mini pies from molds by briefly submerging the container’s exterior in warm water to loosen edges, then plate with graham cracker layer facing downward and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a petite key lime slice for elegant visual appeal.

Notes

  • Chill Thoroughly: Freezing for at least 4 hours ensures perfect texture and easy removal from molds.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese at medium speed to eliminate lumps and create a silky base.
  • Graham Cracker Trick: Pulse crackers until they resemble fine, moist sand for the ideal crust consistency.
  • Gentle Folding Method: Use a spatula when incorporating whipped topping to maintain lightness and prevent deflating the mixture.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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