Hey y'all! If you're hunting for the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert that's bursting with creamy, zesty flavor and comes together in a snap, this No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe is your new best friend. These tiny treats are tangy, creamy, and utterly irresistible—ideal for backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up. With no baking required, you can enjoy all the classic key lime goodness without ever turning on your oven. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes with zero oven time—perfect for hot days or last-minute cravings.
- Creamy, tangy key lime filling pairs beautifully with a buttery graham cracker crust.
- Easy to portion—these minis are ideal for parties, picnics, or desserts on the go.
- No fancy equipment needed, just a mixing bowl and a muffin pan!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or crusts for endless variation.
Ingredients for No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoon (40g) melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon (25g) granulated sugar
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh key lime juice (about 4-5 key limes)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
Directions: How to Make No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
- Evenly divide the crumb mixture among the muffin cups (about 1 tablespoon per cup). Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a small glass to compact.
Step 2: Make the Key Lime Pie Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and silky smooth.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Spoon the key lime filling evenly over the prepared crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours, or until set and firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- When ready to serve, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra key lime zest.
- Enjoy chilled for the ultimate refreshing bite!
Notes: Tips for Perfect No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
- If you can't find key limes, regular limes work in a pinch—check out this key lime vs. lime guide.
- For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and be sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Chilling is key! The pies need at least 2 hours in the fridge to set up (overnight is even better for a firmer texture).
Variations: Make This No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe Your Own
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or oat-based cookies for the crust.
- Tropical Twist: Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut to the crust for extra flavor.
- Berry Burst: Top with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
Required Equipment for No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
- 12-cup muffin pan
- Paper muffin liners
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Storage Instructions for No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
Store the mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve these creamy pies with hot coffee or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a scoop of coconut sorbet for a tropical dessert platter.
- Top with crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut for extra crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
- For perfectly smooth filling, beat the cream cheese until completely lump-free before adding other ingredients (how to soften cream cheese).
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream for the fluffiest topping.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare (best citrus juicers).
FAQ: No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
- Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They're perfect for making a day in advance—just add the whipped cream topping right before serving.
- Can I use bottled key lime juice?
- You can, but for the freshest, zingiest flavor, fresh key lime juice is highly recommended.
- Do these pies need to be refrigerated?
- Yes, since they're made with dairy, they must be kept chilled until ready to eat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling) | Yield: 12 mini pies
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
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2Divide the crumb mixture evenly among 6 mini pie tins or muffin cups. Press firmly into the bottoms to form the crusts.
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3In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until well combined.
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4Fold in the whipped topping until the filling is light and creamy.
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5Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared crusts. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
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6Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours or until set. Garnish with additional whipped topping and lime zest before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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