Jump to Recipe Print RecipeOn a sweltering summer day, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing zing of key lime to lift your spirits. This No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe is my go-to when I want to treat my family and friends to a delightful dessert without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a creamy, tangy filling that practically dances on your tongue, this pie is perfect for those hot afternoons when turning on the oven feels like a crime. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all occasions, and you can easily whip up a vegan version that everyone will love. Are you ready to make your summer sweeter with this easy, no-bake masterpiece? Why Is This No-Bake Pie a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: This No-Bake Key Lime Pie requires minimal ingredients and no bake time, letting you sit back and relax on those hot summer days. Refreshing Flavor Explosion: The combination of tart key lime and creamy filling offers a perfect balance that revitalizes your taste buds. Versatile for Everyone: With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can also make a vegan version that caters to different dietary preferences, making it an ideal treat for all your guests. Time-Saving Delight: Ready in just a few minutes, this dessert needs only a couple of hours to chill, leaving you free to enjoy more summer activities. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, this pie will be the highlight of your dessert table, impressing everyone with its gorgeous presentation. Experience the burst of summer with each slice and consider pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or try it alongside one of my favorite comforting dishes like Turkey Stroganoff Comfort. No-Bake Key Lime Pie Ingredients For the Crust Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides the pie crust’s structure and crunch; substitute with Golden Oreos or other cookies for a fun twist. Unsalted Butter – Binds the crust together, adding richness; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. Sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust; use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option. For the Filling Cream Cheese – Creates a rich and creamy filling; ensure it’s softened for smooth blending, or use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides sweetness and a creamy texture; opt for a plant-based version for a vegan alternative. Fresh Lime Juice – Gives the pie its signature tanginess, with key limes being preferable; regular limes work in a pinch. Lime Zest – Enhances the lime flavor; avoid the bitter white pith when grating. Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Topping – Adds lightness to the filling; go for a vegan whipped topping for the alternative version. For Serving Whipped Cream & Lime Zest – Adds decoration and extra flavor when serving; a lovely garnish to make the pie even more inviting. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by spraying a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a food processor, pulse the graham cracker crumbs until fine. Combine the crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Once well mixed, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Step 2: Make the Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until fully combined and silky in texture. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and airy, ensuring you maintain that delightful creaminess for the No-Bake Key Lime Pie filling. Step 3: Assemble the Pie Once your crust has chilled, pour the luscious lime filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring it looks inviting. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly. Step 4: Serve After the pie has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Garnish the top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, additional lime zest, and a few lime slices for a bright presentational touch. Slice into wedges and serve chilled, letting each bite of this No-Bake Key Lime Pie refresh your taste buds and brighten your summer day. What to Serve with No-Bake Key Lime Pie Imagine a sun-kissed afternoon, where sweet and tangy treats take center stage, inviting everyone to savor the flavors of summer. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of juicy berries, pineapple, and mint adds freshness, perfectly balancing the pie’s creamy texture. Coconut Whipped Cream: Keep things light with this airy topping, enhancing the tropical vibes of the key lime and adding a touch of indulgence. Sparkling Water with Lime: A sparkling drink infused with fresh lime provides a refreshing palate cleanser that brightens each bite of pie. Tropical Smoothie: Blend bananas, pineapple, and coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie that echoes the tropical flavors of the pie for a delightful pairing. Ginger Snap Cookies: The sharp spice of ginger cookies contrasts beautifully with the pie’s sweetness, adding a fun textural twist. Margarita Mocktails: A non-alcoholic take on margaritas brings out the lime’s zest and makes a festive accompaniment to your dessert. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle dark chocolate over the pie for a decadent touch, contrasting with the bright flavors and adding richness to every slice. Make Ahead Options These No-Bake Key Lime Pie treats are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to enjoy a fuss-free dessert for your gatherings. To get started, make the graham cracker crust and freeze it as instructed; then, whip up the filling and store it in the refrigerator in a covered bowl. When you’re ready to assemble, simply pour the filling into the chilled crust and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. For the best results, keep the pie covered in the refrigerator to prevent any loss of that refreshing zesty flavor. Trust me, this pie will taste just as delightful when served! Expert Tips for No-Bake Key Lime Pie Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps. This is crucial for your No-Bake Key Lime Pie’s creamy texture. Chill Time Matters: Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly. Rushing this step can result in a runny filling that won’t hold its shape when sliced. Freeze for Neat Slices: For cleaner cuts, consider freezing the pie for 1-2 hours before serving. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing to avoid cracks. Flavor Depth: Don’t skip on the lime zest! This step significantly enhances the flavor—just be sure to avoid grating the bitter white pith. Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to swap regular sugar for coconut sugar or a natural sweetener to tailor the sweetness level of your No-Bake Key Lime Pie to your taste. How to Store and Freeze No-Bake Key Lime Pie Fridge: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods. Freezer: If you want to enjoy your No-Bake Key Lime Pie later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thawing: When ready to serve, transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it thaw for several hours before slicing. This ensures the creamy filling returns to its delightful texture. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this pie, as it’s best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. Simply slice and garnish before serving to maintain its fresh flavor. No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe Variations Feel free to get creative with this No-Bake Key Lime Pie recipe—I encourage you to make it your own! Vegan Version: Swap dairy cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk for plant-based alternatives to create a deliciously creamy vegan pie. Your non-vegan friends will enjoy it just as much! Lemon Zest Upgrade: Replace lime zest with lemon zest for a bright twist on flavor. The tangy notes will bring a refreshing summer vibe. Gingersnap Crust: Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use crushed gingersnap cookies for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. It adds a lovely warmth to every slice. Coconut Crust: For a tropical take, combine crushed coconut cookies with melted coconut oil to create a crust that complements the pie’s citrusy flavors. It’s a little slice of paradise! Chili Spice Kick: Want to heat things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising, delightful heat that balances the sweetness. It’s sure to intrigue your guests! Fruit Garnish: Top your pie with fresh berries or tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for a burst of color and flavor. It makes each slice pop with personality! Dairy-Free Topping: Use a homemade coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip or regular whipped cream for a silky-smooth, dairy-free topping that matches the pie’s lightness. Perfect for vegan guests! Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the set pie before serving for an indulgent touch. The bittersweet contrast works wonders with the zesty filling! Embrace these variations and don’t hesitate to explore your culinary creativity! And if you’re intrigued by other comforting desserts, consider trying my Cream Cheese Pie or the rich flavors of Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy your kitchen adventure! No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe limes for my No-Bake Key Lime Pie? Absolutely! Look for limes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch—this indicates juiciness. A good way to test their ripeness is to roll them gently on a countertop. This helps release the juices inside. Dark green limes with a little yellowing are usually sweeter and more flavorful, so keep an eye out for those. How long can I store my No-Bake Key Lime Pie in the fridge? You can store your No-Bake Key Lime Pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge. This way, your pie stays fresh and delicious for those integral sweet moments after dinner! Can I freeze my No-Bake Key Lime Pie? Yes, you can freeze your No-Bake Key Lime Pie for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. This helps the creamy filling regain its delightful texture. What should I do if my filling turns out too runny? If your filling is too runny, it’s likely due to not mixing the cream cheese long enough or not allowing sufficient chill time. For a smoother filling, always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and thoroughly combined with the other ingredients. If you’re still facing issues, consider adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of lime zest or a bit more cool whip to help thicken the filling. Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours to ensure it sets properly. Is there a vegan alternative for the No-Bake Key Lime Pie? Certainly! To make a vegan version, simply replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut sweetened condensed milk instead of the regular kind. You can also make your own by blending soaked cashews with coconut milk and maple syrup until creamy. Ensure to use coconut oil instead of butter for the crust, and pick a vegan whipped topping to finish it off. How should I serve my No-Bake Key Lime Pie? For an impressive presentation, serve your pie chilled with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of lime zest. You can also add a few fresh lime slices on top for a burst of color. It’s perfect to enjoy with a refreshing beverage, like a summer iced tea or that blood orange margarita mentioned earlier! No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe for a Refreshing Summer Treat This No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe is a delightful summer dessert featuring tangy key lime flavor and a creamy filling, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Substitute with Golden Oreos or other cookies for a fun twist.5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.1/4 cup Sugar Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.For the Filling8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened; use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Opt for a plant-based version for a vegan alternative.1/2 cup Fresh Lime Juice Key limes are preferable; regular limes work in a pinch.1 tablespoon Lime Zest Avoid the bitter white pith when grating.1 cup Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Topping Use a vegan whipped topping for an alternative version.For Serving1 cup Whipped Cream For garnish.1 tablespoon Lime Zest For garnish. Equipment food processorMixing bowlWhiskpie plate Method Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Key Lime Pie RecipeSpray a 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray. In a food processor, pulse the graham cracker crumbs until fine. Combine the crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and airy.Once your crust has chilled, pour the lime filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.After the pie has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Garnish the top with whipped cream, lime zest, and lime slices. Slice into wedges and serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 25gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling. Chill for at least 4 hours to set properly. Freezing the pie for cleaner cuts is recommended. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
