If you’re looking for a show-stopping, no-fuss dessert that’s guaranteed to make everyone swoon, Key Lime Pie Lasagna is your answer. Imagine luscious layers of tangy key lime filling, pillowy cream, and a buttery graham cracker base—each bite is a burst of sunshine! This chilled treat channels the zesty magic of classic key lime pie but in a playful, crowd-pleasing format that’s as easy to assemble as it is irresistible to eat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a taste of summer, Key Lime Pie Lasagna brings a little tropical vacation to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Key Lime Pie Lasagna is how each ingredient brings something special to the table—crunch, tang, sweetness, or creamy richness. You don’t need anything fancy, but every component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dessert unforgettable.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base, giving a deliciously crunchy and buttery foundation for all those creamy layers.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust and the whipped cream, balancing the tartness of the lime.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the graham cracker crumbs and infuses them with rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): This brings tang and silkiness to the creamy layer, making the dessert extra luscious.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and blends smoothly into the cream cheese mixture.
- Heavy whipping cream (divided): Whipped to fluffy peaks, this is the secret to light, airy layers and that dreamy topping.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Essential for that classic key lime pie flavor—super creamy and perfectly sweet.
- Key lime juice: The star of the show, giving the dessert its signature zesty kick. Fresh or bottled both work!
- Lime zest: Adds fragrant brightness and gorgeous flecks of color throughout the layers.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Brings a subtle vanilla note and helps the layers set up beautifully.
- Cold milk: Activates the pudding mix and creates another creamy, dreamy layer.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (toasted, optional): For a tropical flourish and added crunch on top.
- Lime slices and zest for garnish: Makes every slice look as fresh and inviting as it tastes.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly moistened, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes to set the crust, then let it cool completely. This step makes sure your crust is crisp and ready to hold all those creamy layers without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Pour in 1 cup of the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Carefully spread this layer over the cooled graham cracker crust, making sure it reaches all the corners. This base layer is rich but airy, the perfect cushion for the zesty lime filling to come.
Step 3: Whip Up the Key Lime Layer
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until everything is silky smooth and fragrant. Pour this luscious mixture over the cream cheese layer, gently spreading it into an even layer. This is where your Key Lime Pie Lasagna gets that signature tang and brightness!
Step 4: Prepare the Pudding Layer
Grab a clean bowl and whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until it thickens—this should only take a couple of minutes. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of freshly whipped cream to make the pudding extra light and creamy. Spread this pudding layer over the lime filling, smoothing it out as you go. It adds sweet vanilla notes and another dreamy layer of texture.
Step 5: Whip and Top with Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently spread this cloud-like whipped cream over the entire lasagna, sealing in all those gorgeous layers beneath. This topping makes the dessert utterly irresistible and picture-perfect.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle toasted coconut (if using), scatter extra lime zest, and arrange a few lime slices on top for a burst of color and texture. Refrigerate your Key Lime Pie Lasagna for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait! Chilling is key for the layers to set and the flavors to meld into pure dessert bliss.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, top each slice with a little extra lime zest, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and a thin lime wheel. These simple touches make every serving feel festive and highlight the fresh, citrusy flavors in the Key Lime Pie Lasagna.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines brightest as the star of your table, but if you want to serve it alongside something else, try a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of tropical fruit salad. Their natural sweetness and acidity play beautifully with the creamy, tangy layers of the lasagna.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve Key Lime Pie Lasagna in individual mason jars for a picnic, or cut it into bite-sized cubes for a party platter. You can even layer it into parfait glasses for an elegant dinner party twist. However you serve it, it’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Key Lime Pie Lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—though it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to get a head start, you can freeze Key Lime Pie Lasagna (minus the garnishes) for up to a month. Wrap it well in both plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and add fresh garnishes just before slicing.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat! In fact, serving it cold straight from the fridge is what gives Key Lime Pie Lasagna its refreshing, creamy character. Just slice and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a unique floral tartness, regular limes work perfectly and are often easier to find. Your Key Lime Pie Lasagna will still have that signature bright citrus flavor.
Is there a shortcut for the whipped cream?
If you’re in a hurry, store-bought whipped topping is a great timesaver. It won’t be quite as rich as homemade, but your Key Lime Pie Lasagna will still be delicious and fluffy.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and double-check your pudding mix ingredients. With those easy swaps, everyone can enjoy a slice.
What’s the best way to slice and serve?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps you get beautiful, bakery-worthy squares of Key Lime Pie Lasagna every time.
Can I prepare Key Lime Pie Lasagna a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, chilling overnight not only makes slicing easier but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a pan of Key Lime Pie Lasagna with friends and family—it’s a guaranteed mood-booster and conversation starter. Give this luscious, no-fuss dessert a try, and you’ll see just how quickly it disappears. I can’t wait for you to taste a slice of sunshine!
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Key Lime Pie Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes plus at least 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Key Lime Pie Lasagna is a refreshing and creamy layered dessert perfect for summer. Featuring a graham cracker crust, tangy key lime custard layers, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s like a no-bake key lime pie transformed into a beautiful layered lasagna style dessert. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, it combines sweet and tart flavors with smooth textures for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Key Lime Layer
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk (split: 1 1/2 cups total, 1/2 cup folded into pudding)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted (optional)
- Lime slices and extra lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes to set the crust, then remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the next layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and whip the mixture until light and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust to form the first layer.
- Create the key lime layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Carefully spread this tangy lime layer over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even spread for consistent flavor throughout.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups cold milk until thickened according to package instructions. In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this whipped cream into the pudding mixture to add lightness. Spread this fluffy pudding layer evenly over the lime layer.
- Top with whipped cream: Chill a clean bowl and beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this sweetened whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing out the top.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the top if desired. Garnish with lime slices and extra lime zest for a fresh, decorative finish. Refrigerate the assembly for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled and improves in flavor after chilling overnight.
- For a quicker option, substitute homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping.
- To toast coconut, spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Use fresh key lime juice if available for the most authentic tartness, or substitute with regular lime juice if needed.
- Ensure the cream cheese is well softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake with Baked Crust
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
