If you love the idea of a perfectly tangy and sweet treat made for sharing (or savoring solo), these Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the creamy zing of key lime pie, the buttery crunch of graham cracker crust, and the delightful pop of fresh blackberries—all wrapped up into cheerful, individual desserts. Whether you’re whipping them up for a breezy backyard barbecue or a relaxing summer evening, these adorable pies bring sunshine to the table and never fail to delight. You might just find yourself making them on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry are simple but essential. Each element brings a unique texture, burst of flavor, or bright color to these mini marvels, so don’t skip the details—these little touches make all the difference.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic, buttery foundation for a key lime pie, offering delightful crunch in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Balances tartness in both the crust and the filling, ensuring a perfect sweet note.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brings everything together for a crisp and flavorful crust.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The rich, creamy base that gives these pies their irresistible texture.
- Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): Supplies that unmistakable tangy signature flavor—freshly squeezed if you can, but bottled works well!
- Lime zest: Adds an aromatic, floral brightness and a pop of color.
- Large egg yolks: Make the filling velvety and help it set perfectly as it bakes.
- Fresh blackberries: Tuck these juicy gems into each mini pie for a sweet-tart surprise in every slice.
- Whipped cream (optional): A fluffy, creamy cloud to top things off—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Extra blackberries and lime zest for garnish: Finish with flair and a final hit of zesty, berry-bright goodness.
How to Make Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or use a nonstick mini tart pan if you have one—this makes removing the pies a breeze when they’re done. Prepping ahead saves the day and lets you focus fully on mixing up the delicious parts!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a small bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. Don’t be shy—really get in there to ensure every crumb has its moment with that lovely, buttery goodness. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of 8 muffin cups, making a cozy nest for your filling. Pop them in the oven and bake for 5 minutes; they’ll smell incredible already.
Step 3: Whip Up the Key Lime Filling
While your crust cools for just a minute or two, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until the mixture is silky and smooth—no lumps allowed! This filling is ultra creamy and loaded with bright citrus flavor, just begging to be nestled right into that buttery shell.
Step 4: Fill, Add Blackberries, and Bake
Divide the key lime filling evenly among the pre-baked crusts. Now for the fun part: gently press 2 to 3 fresh blackberries into each mini pie. These juicy little bursts not only look lovely, they add a surprise layer of fruitiness. Bake the pies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are just a bit wobbly—like a perfect cheesecake. Trust your instinct and don’t overbake!
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Let the pies cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (longer if you’re prepping ahead). This patient step lets the filling set up into creamy perfection. When ready to serve, top each mini pie with a generous swirl of whipped cream, more fresh blackberries, and a sprinkle of lime zest. Each bite is ooey-gooey, zippy, and totally refreshing.
How to Serve Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly make Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry pop! A crown of fluffy whipped cream, a cluster of vibrant blackberries, and the eye-catching sprinkle of bright lime zest transforms these minis into showstoppers. If you’re feeling a little extra, add a thin slice of lime twisted on top—guests will be snapping photos before their first bite.
Side Dishes
While these pies are the star, serving them with a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream can make dessert feel even more abundant. If you’re planning a dessert table, tuck them among lemon bars, berry shortcakes, or even tropical slices of mango for a gorgeous, summery spread that calls out to every sweet tooth.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything with these little beauties. Try serving each pie in its liner on a vintage dessert plate, or arrange them on a tiered stand for a garden party vibe. For special occasions, place each Mini Key Lime Pie with Blackberry in a mini mason jar for a fun, portable treat. A drizzle of berry coulis or a dusting of powdered sugar brings bakery-style elegance to your homemade batch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry tasting fresh and fabulous, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to three days—just wait to add whipped cream until right before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Good news for planners: these pies freeze beautifully! Place cooled, un-topped pies in a single layer in the freezer until solid, then slide them into a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add garnishes just before serving.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry are meant to be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge! If frozen, just be sure they’ve fully thawed in the fridge for smooth, creamy texture before topping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Absolutely! While key lime juice offers a more floral, tangy flavor, regular (Persian) lime juice will still give you fantastic results. Your Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry will be just as delicious.
Can I make these pies gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these pies an easy treat for most diets.
Do the blackberries get mushy during baking?
The blackberries soften slightly in the oven, but they hold their shape and provide a lovely, jammy burst of flavor in every bite. For firm berries, use just-ripe (not overripe) fruit.
Can I use bottled key lime juice?
Definitely! Freshly squeezed juice gives bright flavor, but bottled key lime juice is a convenient and tasty substitute, especially when key limes aren’t in season.
What’s the best way to transport these mini pies?
Once the pies are set and chilled, keep them in their liners inside a lidded container for easy travel. Add whipped cream and garnishes right before serving for best results, and your Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry will arrive looking freshly made.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of these Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry is sunshine, sweetness, and summer on a plate. They’re easy to make, bursting with vibrant flavors, and sure to steal the show at your next gathering. I can’t wait for you to share them with friends and family—or sneak one just for yourself!
Print
Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Mini Key Lime Pies with a burst of blackberry flavor. These individual treats are the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, making them a refreshing dessert choice.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 large egg yolks
Additional:
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Extra blackberries and lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners or use a nonstick mini tart pan.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into muffin cups and bake for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth. Pour over crusts and add blackberries.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, blackberries, and lime zest before serving.
Notes
- You can use lemon juice or vanilla wafers for variations.
- Pies can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
