These little key lime pies are fun and zesty! With a creamy filling nestled inside a crunchy crust, they are the perfect sweet treat on warm days. Best of all, there’s no baking involved!
Honestly, who can resist a mini dessert? I like to top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. They disappear faster than I can serve them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the crust for our pies. If you’re out, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers make great substitutes. I’ve even used crushed pretzels for a salty twist!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives smoothness to the filling. For a non-dairy option, try using vegan cream cheese. You can also use mascarpone for a richer flavor.
Key Lime Juice: Fresh key limes have a unique tartness. If you can’t find them, regular lime juice works well too. I find that mixing the juice of lime with a bit of lemon can give an interesting flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is for the light, airy topping. You can swap it out for whipped coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just chill your coconut cream before whipping for the best texture.
How Do I Create a Perfectly Firm Crust?
Getting your crust just right is key to holding those mini pies together. Follow these tips:
- **Mix Properly**: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- **Press Firmly**: Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack the mixture tightly into the bottom of your dessert cups. This helps maintain its shape.
- **Cool to Set**: After pressing, let the crust chill in the fridge for a bit. This helps it firm up and makes topping it easier.
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
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Lime slices or wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious no-bake mini key lime pie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. So, set aside about 4 hours and 15 minutes total time to make and enjoy these scrumptious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by taking a medium bowl and mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir it all together until it’s well combined and crumbly. This mixture will be the tasty crust for your mini pies!
2. Form the Crusts:
Now, take small individual dessert cups or a muffin tin and divide the crumb mixture evenly among them. Press down firmly on the mixture to create a solid crust at the bottom of each cup or muffin tin. Make sure they’re nice and compact!
3. Prepare the Key Lime Filling:
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk while mixing, until everything is creamy and combined. Next, add the fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix it all until everything is smooth and blended well!
4. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the whisk out of the cream, it should hold its shape and not fall down!
5. Combine and Fill:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the key lime mixture until it’s combined. Be careful to fold it in slowly—this keeps the whipped cream light and fluffy! Once mixed, you can spoon or pipe the creamy key lime filling over the crusts in your cups or muffin tin.
6. Chill and Serve:
Now it’s time to let these little pies set! Refrigerate them for at least 4 hours. Once they’re set and firm, you can take them out, add some extra whipped cream on top, and garnish with lime slices or wedges. Enjoy your delightful No-bake Mini Key Lime Pies!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes will work just fine if you can’t find key limes. Keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, as key limes are often more tart. Just use the same amount of lime juice and zest from regular limes to maintain the recipe’s balance.
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Key Lime Pies?
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. These mini pies are best enjoyed chilled, so make sure to serve them straight from the fridge. If you want to preserve the crust’s crunchiness, consider storing the crusts separately from the filling!
Can I Make the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance! Just mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press them into the cups. Cover them tightly and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the key lime filling and refrigerate until set.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream for Whipping?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use a stable whipped topping as a substitute. Just make sure to fold it gently into the filling so you maintain the light and fluffy texture. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can also be used; just chill a can of coconut milk overnight and scoop out the solidified cream for whipping.
