No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

There is something utterly delightful about a No-Bake Key Lime Pie that makes it an absolute favorite for lime lovers everywhere. This pie is the perfect combination of tangy key lime juice, rich and creamy filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust, all coming together without turning on the oven. The No-Bake Key Lime Pie is refreshingly simple, wonderfully smooth, and packed with just the right amount of zing, making it a fantastic treat for any occasion when you want something sweet yet bright and lively. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert to impress friends and family without any fuss or heat in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this luscious No-Bake Key Lime Pie, you only need a handful of accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect flavor and texture. From the crumbly, buttery crust to the silky, tangy filling, every component is carefully balanced and easy to gather.

• Graham cracker sheets: Use 12 sheets for a perfectly crisp and flavorful crust base that holds the filling beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note that deepens the sweetness in the crust.
• Melted butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and gives the crust a rich, golden finish.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for that light, airy fold into the creamy filling.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This brings a smooth sweetness and creamy texture that’s essential in no-bake pies.
• Cream cheese: Adds body and tanginess, perfectly balancing the lime’s zestiness.
• Freshly grated lime zest: From one lime—this punch of fresh zest intensifies the pie’s citrus aroma and flavor.
• Key lime juice: Half a cup provides the signature tartness that defines this pie as a Key lime treasure.
• Whipped cream and lime zest for serving: These finishing touches elevate the presentation and add extra creaminess and brightness.

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by finely pulsing the graham crackers and brown sugar in a food processor, creating a sandy crumb texture that will turn into a crunchy, buttery crust. Gradually add melted butter while processing to bind the crumbs thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust, then chill it in the freezer for 20 minutes. This step is key to getting a crust that stays crisp and supportive without baking.

Step 2: Whip the heavy cream

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks. This whipped cream is the light, fluffy component that will be gently folded into the filling, ensuring the pie is creamy but not dense. Set this aside in a separate bowl for now.

Step 3: Make the filling mixture

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and freshly grated lime zest. Beat on medium-high until the mixture is smooth and well blended—this process breaks down the cream cheese for a silky texture. Slowly add the key lime juice on low speed, then beat again on medium to fully integrate the tangy juice without curdling the mixture.

Step 4: Fold in whipped cream and chill

Carefully fold the whipped heavy cream into the tangy lime filling, preserving the lightness you just created. Pour the filling into the chilled crust, smoothing it evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least 12 hours to let it set perfectly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up to that classic pie consistency.

Step 5: Serve with style

Before serving, top your No-Bake Key Lime Pie with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest. These final touches bring freshness and visual appeal, making every slice irresistible.

How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

Whipped cream is the classic topping for No-Bake Key Lime Pie, adding a cloud of sweetness that complements the tang of the filling beautifully. A little freshly grated lime zest not only boosts flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color. For a playful crunch, try adding crushed toasted graham crackers or thin lime slices on top.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own, but pairing it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can create a refreshing, summery spread. Alternatively, a light cup of iced tea or sparkling water with a lime wedge makes a balanced, palate-cleansing companion to this rich yet zesty dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in small glass jars layered with extra lime zest or crushed graham crackers. You can also pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the edges or drizzle a bit of raspberry coulis on the plate for a hint of color and tartness contrast that surprises and delights guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your No-Bake Key Lime Pie, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining that creamy, fresh flavor without any change in texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it can last up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavor, then garnish fresh as usual.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled, no-bake dessert, reheating is not required or recommended. It’s best enjoyed cold to truly appreciate the bright lime flavor and silky texture that define a perfect No-Bake Key Lime Pie.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Absolutely! While key lime juice offers a distinct tartness and floral notes, regular lime juice can be used if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie crumb. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

How long does it take for the pie to set in the fridge?

Plan to refrigerate the pie for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to blend beautifully.

Can I make the pie without cream cheese?

Cream cheese provides the tang and structure to the filling, so omitting it would change the texture. You could experiment with sour cream or mascarpone, but results may vary.

What’s the best way to get stiff peaks when whipping cream?

Make sure your heavy cream is cold before whipping, and whip it on medium-high speed until the cream holds firm, pointy peaks when you lift the whisk. Avoid over-whipping, which can turn it grainy into butter.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dessert that’s both bright in flavor and wonderfully creamy, the No-Bake Key Lime Pie is a must-try. It’s effortlessly simple to make yet impressive enough to wow anyone you serve it to. With its vibrant citrus notes tucked inside a buttery crust, this pie is the perfect antidote for warm days or whenever you want a slice of sunshine on your plate. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite dessert!

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