If you’re searching for a delightful treat that effortlessly combines tangy zest with creamy sweetness, these Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) will quickly become your new favorite dessert. Perfectly sized for individual servings, this recipe captures the essence of classic Key lime pie without ever needing to turn on the oven. With a crisp graham cracker crust and a luscious, velvety filling bursting with real key lime flavor, each bite is a little celebration of refreshment and indulgence that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.

Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet fundamental ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating your Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake). Each one plays a crucial role: from adding crunch and sweetness to the crust, to bringing the bright citrus punch and creamy texture of the filling.

Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a buttery, crunchy base that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crumbs into a firm crust while adding a subtle richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the tang of the key lime.
Sweetened condensed milk: Offers a smooth, luscious sweetness essential for that classic Key lime pie texture.
Key lime juice: Brings authentic tartness and citrus aroma—fresh is best, but bottled works too.
Lime zest: Adds an extra pop of fragrant citrus oils to brighten the filling.
Cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling a rich, creamy consistency and slight tang.
Whipped topping: Lightens the filling with airy sweetness and helps achieve the perfect no-bake creaminess.

How to Make Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake)

Step 1: Create the Perfect Crust

Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until every crumb is coated with buttery sweetness, which ensures your crust will hold together firmly once pressed.

Step 2: Form the Mini Crusts

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottoms of six small serving cups or muffin liners. Make sure to pack the crust tightly to give each pie a sturdy base that supports the creamy filling perfectly. Then set these aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until it’s silky smooth with no lumps. Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix everything until well combined and the mixture looks glossy and inviting.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the whipped topping into the lime mixture. This step is key to maintaining the light, fluffy texture that makes these pies so irresistibly creamy and airy without baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Mini Pies

Spoon the luscious filling evenly over your prepared crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula for a polished finish. This step promises that zip of tangy sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Pop your mini pies into the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chill time allows the filling to firm up just right, making them easy to enjoy with a satisfying, sliceable texture. Before serving, add extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of lime zest for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake)

Garnishes

These Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) shine even brighter with the right garnishes. A dollop of fresh whipped cream topped with a little extra lime zest adds a lovely creaminess and zesty aroma. For a pop of color and texture, consider adding a thin slice of key lime or a few edible flowers.

Side Dishes

Light and citrusy pies like these pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to complement the lime’s tartness without overpowering it. A cup of mild herbal tea on the side also makes a calming, palate-cleansing companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your dessert game by serving these pies in decorative mini mason jars or clear glass cups. Layering them with crushed graham crackers and lime zest in a transparent vessel lets the vibrant colors shine and adds a fun visual surprise that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover each one tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the crust from getting soggy. They taste just as wonderful the next day, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

You can freeze these mini pies if you want to save them for later, but note that the texture of the whipped topping might slightly shift after thawing. Freeze the pies in airtight containers, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake pies, reheating is not necessary and not recommended. They are best served chilled for maximum creaminess and tangy freshness. Just let them sit at room temperature a few minutes if too cold to fully enjoy their flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Absolutely! While key lime juice has a unique tart flavor that’s traditional for this pie, regular lime juice works just fine and still delivers that refreshing citrus punch.

Is it okay to substitute store-bought whipped topping for homemade whipped cream?

Yes! Store-bought whipped topping is a convenient option that still adds the necessary lightness. Homemade whipped cream would also add a lovely fresh touch if you prefer.

How long do these Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) last in the fridge?

They typically stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly stored. Beyond that, the crust may lose its crispness and the filling’s texture might change slightly.

Can I make these pies vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—such as using dairy-free cream cheese, coconut condensed milk, and vegan whipped topping—you could definitely create a vegan-friendly version, though it might slightly alter the classic flavor.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the filling?

The cream cheese adds richness and stabilizes the filling, giving it that signature creamy tang. Omitting it would change the texture and flavor, but you could experiment with alternatives like mascarpone or Greek yogurt if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) that taste like a sunny beach getaway in every bite. Their easy preparation, vibrant flavor, and irresistibly creamy texture make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab those simple ingredients, have fun assembling these charming little pies, and share a slice of citrus bliss with your loved ones today!

Mini Key Lime Pies (No Bake) Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 mini pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Mini Key Lime Pies are a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a creamy, tangy key lime filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping. Perfect for individual servings and easy to prepare, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon lime zest
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup whipped topping (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
Form the crust base: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottoms of 6 small serving cups or muffin liners, creating an even layer that will serve as the crust. Set these aside while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling base: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. This ensures a silky texture for your filling.
Combine filling ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth.
Incorporate whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping to the lime mixture until the filling is smooth and creamy, adding airiness and lightness to the pies.
Assemble the pies: Spoon the key lime filling evenly over each prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even finish.
Chill the pies: Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2 hours or until the filling is fully set and chilled through.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish each mini pie with additional whipped topping and a sprinkle of lime zest for a fresh and decorative touch.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh key lime juice; bottled juice works fine if fresh is unavailable.
You can prepare these mini pies a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until serving.
Use muffin liners or small ramekins for easy removal and serving.
To make it vegan, substitute the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk with vegan alternatives and use coconut whipped topping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American