Get ready to meet your new summertime obsession: No-Bake Key Lime Pie. This is the kind of dessert that instantly puts a smile on your face—tangy, sweet, utterly creamy, and best of all, there’s no need to fire up your oven! Imagine the tropical zing of key limes swirled into a velvety filling, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. If you crave something refreshing, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you’ll fall in love with every cool slice.

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of No-Bake Key Lime Pie is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something important to the recipe, whether it’s richness, tang, or that irresistible crumbly crust. Here’s how the lineup comes together to create pure pie magic:

Graham cracker crumbs: These give you that signature sweet and crunchy base with a toasted flavor that’s unbeatable in creamy pies.
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
Unsalted butter, melted: This is the secret to a rich, sturdy crust that won’t crumble with the first slice.
Sweetened condensed milk: It delivers silkiness and a lush, sweet flavor that defines this pie’s texture.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): Brings that bright, zippy citrus flavor front and center. Don’t skip the real deal if you can find it!
Lime zest: Just a tablespoon deepens the lime flavor and adds flecks of color throughout your filling.
Cream cheese, softened: This makes the pie ultra-smooth and adds a subtle tangy richness.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped until fluffy, it lightens up the filling, making each bite cloud-like.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape in the filling.
Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional): For extra flair and an extra hint of lime that tells everyone what they’re about to enjoy.

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Craft the Crust

Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture looks like wet sand—you want every bit coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s packed tightly for a solid base. Pop the crust in the refrigerator; chilling is the secret to that deliciously crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Lime Filling

In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed. Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Beat everything together until the filling is luxuriously thick and creamy, with the green flecks of zest promising bright citrus flavor in every slice.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Using a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream and powdered sugar together with a hand mixer or whisk. You’re looking for stiff peaks here, so don’t stop whipping until it holds beautiful, billowy peaks that don’t droop. This step not only sweetens but also lightens up the filling so your pie tastes like a refreshing cloud.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold the whipped cream into the key lime mixture, using a spatula to keep things as airy as possible. Take your time—the goal is a smooth, fluffy filling that will set up beautifully in the fridge.

Step 5: Fill and Chill

Transfer that dreamy filling into your chilled crust. Smooth the top so it looks picture-perfect and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The filling needs this time to set up—your patience will be rewarded with neat, creamy slices that hold together perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, add a flourish of lime zest or a few thin lime slices on top. This extra touch makes the pie look irresistible and hints at the zesty flavor awaiting inside!

How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

No-Bake Key Lime Pie looks absolutely gorgeous with just a bit of extra color. Try topping each slice with lime zest, a dollop of whipped cream, or thinly sliced lime wheels for an elegant finish. If you feel a bit playful, candied lime peel or a sprinkle of toasted coconut makes for a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own, but if you want to make dessert extra festive, serve it with a side of fresh mixed berries, or even a scoop of coconut ice cream for a taste of the tropics. A light fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and pineapple pairs beautifully, balancing the tartness of the lime.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the classic wedge? Try serving No-Bake Key Lime Pie in individual jars for picnics, or use mini tart pans for adorable personal servings. It’s also fantastic layered as a parfait—alternating crumbs and filling in clear glasses makes for an eye-catching party dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover No-Bake Key Lime Pie in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays delightfully creamy for up to four days (not that it’ll last that long!). The crust may soften a bit, but the flavor just gets better as the pie rests.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the entire pie tightly and place it in the freezer. No-Bake Key Lime Pie freezes beautifully, turning into a more icebox-style treat. Just thaw it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, and enjoy an even firmer, extra-refreshing texture!

Reheating

This is one dessert you’ll never need to reheat! If you’ve stored it in the freezer, just allow the pie to soften a bit in the refrigerator so it’s easy to slice and serve. Otherwise, it’s perfect straight from the fridge, chilled and creamy as ever.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While authentic key limes will give you that signature floral tang, regular limes work perfectly in a pinch and still deliver a fabulous, zesty flavor. Your No-Bake Key Lime Pie will be just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap in gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Every other ingredient in No-Bake Key Lime Pie is naturally gluten-free, so a simple graham swap keeps it safe for everyone to enjoy.

How can I make the pie extra tart?

If you’re a real lime lover, boost the tartness by adding a touch more key lime juice or another sprinkle of lime zest to the filling. Taste as you go—it’s all about finding that perfect tangy-sweet balance that makes you smile.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Definitely! A pre-made crust is a handy shortcut when you’re short on time, and lets you focus on whipping up the luscious filling for your No-Bake Key Lime Pie. Do still chill the crust if possible for best texture.

Is there a vegan alternative?

You can make a fabulous vegan version by using dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and sweetened condensed coconut milk. There are plenty of excellent plant-based options, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this no-bake pie.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about slicing into a No-Bake Key Lime Pie that’s sat chilling, knowing you made it all without turning on the oven. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a spontaneous weeknight treat, this creamy, citrusy pie is guaranteed to steal the show. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—one bite and you might just find your new go-to dessert.

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of this No-Bake Key Lime Pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious key lime filling, this refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the summer months.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For Garnish:

lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and chill.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Mix until creamy.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold into the key lime mixture.
Chill and Serve: Pour the filling into the crust, refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Garnish with lime zest before serving.