No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe Easy 5-Step Refreshing Dessert
A quick and easy no bake key lime pie that is bright, tangy, and creamy, perfect for a refreshing dessert without heating up the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 20–25 key limes) or regular lime juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Additional whipped cream or store-bought Cool Whip (for garnish)
- Lime slices or extra zest (for decoration)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a glass to compact it tightly. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and fresh key lime juice until well combined. Add the lime zest and vanilla extract, mixing gently.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the chilled heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed.
- Combine Cream and Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk and lime mixture using a spatula to keep the airy texture intact.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
Use fresh key lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice is an acceptable substitute. Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping. Fold whipped cream gently into filling to maintain light texture. Chill pie for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results. For a gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or nuts. Vegan adaptations include using coconut condensed milk and coconut cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
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