These cute little key lime pies are perfect for a quick treat! With a buttery crust and a creamy, tangy filling, they are a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
What I love most is how easy they are; no baking required! Plus, they’re great for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Just chill, serve, and enjoy! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the crust of your mini pies. If you don’t have graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melting butter binds the crumb mixture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut oil can work as a great substitute and adds a hint of tropical flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its rich texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for a vegan cream cheese or a silken tofu blended until smooth.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess. You can swap it for coconut milk with a hint of sugar or use a dairy-free version if needed.
Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will work too, but use a little less as they tend to be sharper.
How Can I Make Sure My Cream Cheese Filling is Smooth?
A smooth filling is key for these mini pies. Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Beat it well with an electric mixer until creamy before adding any other ingredients. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk to keep it silky.
- Ensure everything is at room temperature to mix easily.
- Mix on a low speed at first to avoid splatters, then increase to medium until smooth.
No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For The Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of active prep time, and then you’ll need to chill the pies in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours to set. So, overall, plan for about 5 to 6 hours total before you enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together well until it looks like wet sand. This will be your crust!
2. Prepare the Crust in Molds:
Take the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of each mini cheesecake mold or cupcake liner. Make sure it’s packed down tightly. Once done, pop them in the refrigerator to chill while you whip up the filling.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This is going to make your pies rich and delicious!
4. Incorporate the Sweetness:
Next, gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until everything is smooth and combined. This will give your filling that sweet, creamy taste we love.
5. Add the Lime Flavor:
Pour in the key lime juice and sprinkle in the lime zest. Mix everything together until well blended. You should start smelling that wonderful lime aroma!
6. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This means it should be thick and hold its shape nicely. Be sure not to overwhip!
7. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the lime filling, making sure there are no streaks. Take your time and be gentle to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
8. Fill the Crusts:
Spoon or pipe the luscious key lime filling into the chilled crusts, smoothing out the tops. Cover them up and place them back in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, until set.
9. Serve Time!
After the pies have set, carefully remove them from the molds. Top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and add a slice of lime for a lovely decoration.
10. Enjoy Your Pies:
Serve these mini key lime pies chilled and watch everyone enjoy their refreshing taste. Perfect for warm days or any time you need a sweet treat!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a unique tartness, you can substitute regular limes in this recipe. Just remember that regular limes are a bit larger, so you might need about half as much juice to achieve the same tartness. Taste the filling before setting it to ensure it’s to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Pies?
Store any leftover mini key lime pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you can, keep the whipped cream separate and add it just before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make These Mini Pies Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily convert this recipe to be dairy-free! Look for dairy-free cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk alternatives, and use a plant-based heavy whipping cream. Just make sure to check the consistency of the mixtures as these substitutes can behave differently.
What Other Toppings Can I Use Besides Whipped Cream?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Fresh berries, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs can add delicious texture and flavor. You could also add a lime curd layer on top for an extra citrus burst!
