Quick No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe: Tangy Tropical Treat

Summers call for tangy, refreshing desserts that cool you down instantly, and this no bake key lime pie delivers pure tropical bliss.

Zesty lime flavors dance across a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and effortless.

key West’s famous citrus shines through every creamy bite, promising a delightful escape from ordinary sweets.

The silky smooth filling requires zero oven time, making it perfect for hot days when turning on kitchen appliances feels impossible.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master this crowd-pleasing treat.

Sweet and tart notes balance beautifully, offering a dessert that feels simultaneously luxurious and accessible.

One forkful of this no bake key lime pie will transport you to a breezy coastal paradise.

Storage Tips for No Bake Key Lime Pie

• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the pie for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly. This waiting period helps the filling become firm and creamy, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Freeze-Friendly Technique: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its delightful texture and taste.
• Slice and Store Hack: Cut individual slices and place them in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go dessert options. Separated slices stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making meal prep a breeze.
• Cream Topping Tip: Keep the whipped cream separate from the pie until serving to prevent soggy texture. Store the key lime whipped cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, giving you flexibility in dessert preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 346 kcal

Servings: 9

No Bake Key Lime Pie Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crust: Provides a classic, crunchy base that adds delightful texture and traditional flavor to the pie.

• Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a luxuriously smooth and tangy foundation with rich, velvety consistency.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers bright, zesty tropical flavor that defines the pie's signature taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Balances tartness and adds subtle sweetness to the filling.

• Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar, Key Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Crafts a light, airy topping with refreshing citrus notes that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Equipment for No Bake Key Lime Pie

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creating smooth, lump-free filling and whipped cream with perfect consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Spacious containers for combining and beating ingredients easily.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and smoothing pie filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Piping Bag with Large Tip (optional): Great for decorative whipped cream topping.
• 9-inch Pie Dish: Ideal size for holding the entire no-bake key lime pie.
• Zester or Grater: Useful for adding fresh lime zest as a final garnish.
• Plastic Wrap or Pie Cover: Helps protect pie during refrigeration.

Instructions for No Bake Key Lime Pie

• Creamy Base Preparation

Grab softened cream cheese and mix it with sweet milk until silky smooth. Make sure no lumps remain, creating a velvety foundation for your tropical dessert.

• Zesty Flavor Infusion

Pour tangy citrus juice and powdery sweetener into the mixture. Blend until everything combines perfectly, giving your pie that bright, refreshing taste.

• Crust Foundation

Press graham cracker mixture into a pie dish, creating a crisp, golden base that will hold your luscious filling. Ensure the surface is even and compact.

• Filling and Chilling

Gently pour the lime-kissed cream into the crust. Smooth the top and tuck into the refrigerator for a long, cool rest. This waiting time allows flavors to mingle and texture to set.

• Dreamy Topping

Whip cream until it stands in elegant peaks. Fold in a hint of citrus and sugar, creating a cloud-like crown for your pie. Spread or pipe this fluffy layer just before serving.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle some lime zest over the top for a burst of color and an extra punch of citrusy brightness. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Add-On Ideas for No Bake Key Lime Pie

• Lime Lover's Twists: Swap regular key lime juice with Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter, less tart flavor profile.
• Texture Perfection: Freeze the pie for 2-3 hours before serving to create a firmer, almost ice cream-like consistency that melts beautifully on the tongue.
• Crust Creative: Experiment with different cookie bases like gingersnap, shortbread, or chocolate wafer crusts to add unexpected depth and complexity to the classic graham cracker foundation.
• Tropical Garnish Galore: Top the pie with toasted coconut flakes, fresh berries, or candied lime zest to elevate the visual appeal and introduce complementary flavor notes that dance alongside the tangy lime filling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining and allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.

Serving No Bake Key Lime Pie

• Zesty Summer Celebration: Serve this refreshing key lime pie at backyard barbecues or pool parties as a cool, tangy dessert that will wow your guests with its bright flavors.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Present individual slices on beautiful dessert plates garnished with thin lime wheel slices and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks professionally prepared.
• Brunch Showstopper: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for a delightful brunch dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or mimosas, making it an ideal sweet ending to a weekend gathering.
• Family Dessert Night Treat: Enjoy this creamy pie as a special shared moment with loved ones, adding extra whipped cream dollops and fresh lime zest for a personalized touch that makes everyone feel special.

Silky Key Lime Pie

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cool Key Lime Pie delights dessert enthusiasts with creamy, tangy flavors from Florida’s tropical citrus. Crushed graham cracker crust and smooth lime filling provide refreshing summer pleasure you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 bars (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) key lime juice
• 1 (6 oz / 170 g) ready crust graham cracker crust
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) key lime juice
• Zest of 1 lime (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Whip softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
2. Blending: Integrate sweetened condensed milk using an electric mixer, creating a uniform, velvety base that’s free from streaks or separation.
3. Flavor Infusion: Fold in key lime juice and powdered sugar, stirring thoroughly to develop a silky, well-balanced filling with vibrant citrus notes.
4. Crust Assembly: Carefully spread the luminous mixture into the graham cracker crust, ensuring an impeccably level and polished surface using a gentle spatula technique.
5. Chilling: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to stabilize completely.
6. Whipped Cream Creation: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and key lime juice in a chilled bowl, starting at low speed and progressively increasing to generate billowy, firm peaks.
7. Finishing Touch: Adorn the pie with whipped cream, either spreading smoothly or piping decoratively, and optionally sprinkle lime zest across the surface for an elegant citrus accent.

Notes

• Cream Cheese Smoothing: Beat cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth base for your key lime pie filling.
• Blending Technique: Mix sweetened condensed milk slowly and steadily, creating a uniform texture that prevents separation and ensures a creamy consistency.
• Chilling Importance: Refrigerate the pie for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to develop and the filling to set perfectly, transforming texture and taste.
• Whipped Cream Pro Tip: Start whipping at low speed and gradually increase to prevent splashing, creating light, airy peaks that crown your pie with elegance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 346
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 206 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg