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No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies

Bright, tart, and utterly comforting, these no-bake mini key lime pies are quick, easy, and perfect for busy days.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12–14 crackers)
  • 6 tablespoons 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch Pinch of salt
For the filling
  • 8 oz 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1 package)
  • 14 oz 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice, plus extra for taste)
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lime zest (about 1–2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Extra lime zest and thin lime slices for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation of the crust
  1. Stir graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the texture looks like damp sand.
  2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup or tart pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press crumbs firmly into a compact crust.
Chill the crusts
  1. Pop the crust-lined tin into the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes while you make the filling.
  2. If you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes in the freezer will speed things up.
Whip the cream
  1. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  2. Set aside in the fridge.
Make the lime filling
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  2. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until glossy and smooth.
  3. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla.
  4. Taste and, if you like it brighter, add another teaspoon of lime juice.
Fold in whipped cream
  1. Gently fold about half of the whipped cream into the lime mixture to lighten it, then fold in the rest.
Fill and chill
  1. Spoon or pipe the filling into each crust, filling them to the top and smoothing the surface.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. If you need them sooner, freeze for 30–45 minutes.
Garnish and serve
  1. Right before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, or a tiny lime wheel.
  2. Serve chilled.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. These mini pies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.