These no-bake mini key lime pies are a delightful treat! With a creamy lime filling sitting on a crumbly graham cracker crust, they are zesty and refreshing. Perfect for any occasion!
I love how easy these mini pies are to whip up. Just mix, pour, and chill—you don’t even need an oven! Plus, they’re so cute, I can’t help but feel fancy serving them. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This ingredient gives your crust a sweet, crunchy base. If graham crackers aren’t available, digestive biscuits or even crushed shortbread cookies work great as alternatives!
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese. Vegan cream cheese is a tasty substitute, too.
Key Lime Juice: Fresh key limes provide a unique tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, regular lime juice works nicely, but the taste will be slightly different. Bottled lime juice is okay in a pinch!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient gives a fluffy texture to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with a whipped topping or light whipped cream, just note that texture may vary.
How Do I Ensure My Mini Pies Have the Right Texture?
Getting the right texture for your mini key lime pies is all about mixing your ingredients properly. Here’s how:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly into the filling.
- When folding in the whipped cream, use a gentle hand. You want to keep it airy, so fold until just combined with no visible streaks.
- Let the pies chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This isn’t just about setting; it helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Following these tips will help you achieve a creamy, light, and delightful dessert every time!
How to Make No-bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- Zest of 2 key limes
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Garnish:
- Lime slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to chill it for at least 4 hours to set. Total time is around 4 hours and 20 minutes, but most of that is just waiting for the mini pies to firm up in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until all the crumbs are nicely coated and look moist. This will give your mini pies a tasty base!
2. Forming the Mini Pie Crusts:
Next, take your mini pie molds or cupcake liners, and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each one. Press down firmly with your fingers or a spoon to pack it tightly. This will help hold the crust together. Once done, place them in the refrigerator to chill while we make the filling.
3. Mixing the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and lime zest. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well blended. This creamy layer is going to make your pies delicious!
4. Whipping the Cream:
In another bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar. Using a mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. With a gentle touch, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is combined. Be careful not to lose all that fluffiness!
5. Filling the Pies:
Now it’s time to fill those crusts! Spoon the cream mixture into each mini pie crust, smoothing out the tops as you go. Then, cover with plastic wrap and put them back in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the mini pies are nicely set, take them out of the fridge and carefully remove them from the molds. Put them on a serving platter. Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream on each pie and garnish with a slice of lime for a pretty presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
These No-bake Mini Key Lime Pies are ready to enjoy! Serve them chilled for a refreshing dessert that everyone will love!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes will work just fine if you can’t find key limes. The flavor might be slightly different, but it’ll still taste delicious! Just remember to adjust the amount of juice if you find that regular limes are less tart.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mini Key Lime Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, try to keep them separate from the filling until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Crust Gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free crust, simply substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts like almonds. Use a similar ratio to maintain consistency in texture!
Can I Make These Mini Pies Dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Just make sure the sweetened condensed milk is also dairy-free, or use a coconut-based version for a dairy-free treat!
