No Bake Key Lime Pie

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a slice of No Bake Key Lime Pie. I remember the first time I tasted it—it was a hot summer day, and my friend had whipped up this delightful pie, effortlessly bringing a taste of the tropics to our backyard. The zingy key lime flavor danced on my tongue, perfectly balanced with the creamy filling and the sweet, crumbly crust. It was love at first bite! Every summer since, I’ve made it a tradition to create this pie for gatherings, family dinners, and just because. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Main Ingredients for No Bake Key Lime Pie

The ingredients for No Bake Key Lime Pie are simple yet highlight the vibrant flavors that make this dessert so special. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making every bite a delicious experience. Let’s dive into the key players:

• Whole Graham Crackers: These provide the base for the crust and are crushed to create a crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
• Melted Butter: This ingredient binds the graham cracker crumbs together, ensuring a sturdy yet crumbly crust that holds all the delicious filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the key lime juice.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and rounds out the sweetness in the crust.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the filling, giving it a luscious mouthfeel.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient not only sweetens the pie but also helps create the creamy consistency that makes each slice delectable.
• Key Lime Juice: The star of the show! Its tart and zesty flavor is what defines this pie.
• Lime Green Food Coloring: Optional, but it adds a visual pop that makes the pie even more appealing.
• Cool Whip: This whipped topping lightens the filling and adds an airy texture.
• Lime Zest: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of flavor and a hint of color to the finished pie.

How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie

Making No Bake Key Lime Pie is as enjoyable as eating it! Let’s get started on this refreshing treat that will surely be a hit. Follow these simple steps to create your very own masterpiece.

1. Set out a 9-inch pie pan and a food processor. You’ll want everything at hand for a smooth assembly process. The food processor is key for creating that fine texture in your crust.
2. Place the whole graham crackers in the food processor. Lock the lid into place and pulse until you have fine crumbs. This should take about 30 seconds. The texture should resemble sand—fine but not too powdery.
3. Add in the melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse again until everything is well combined. You should get a mixture that holds together when pressed.
4. Dump the graham cracker crumble into the pie pan. Use your hands to press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides. It should cover the entire pan. Refrigerate this crust for about 15 minutes to help it firm up.
5. Wipe out the food processor bowl to remove any remnants of the crust. Now, add in the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice. Puree these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 1 minute. If you desire a more vibrant color, add a few drops of lime green food coloring now and pulse again.
6. Remove the blade from the food processor and scoop the Cool Whip into the lime mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the Cool Whip into the mixture. Be careful not to deflate it; you want to maintain that light and airy texture.
7. Once everything is combined, pour the filling into the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Tap the pan slightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
8. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Let it set for a minimum of 4 hours. This is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
9. When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and sprinkle some fresh lime zest over the top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
10. Slice the pie while it’s still slightly frozen. Each slice should sit out at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to soften just enough for the perfect texture.

Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite of your homemade No Bake Key Lime Pie.

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re thinking of making No Bake Key Lime Pie, here are some tips to enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled!
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie for up to a month. Just ensure it’s well-covered to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to complement the tartness of the pie.
• Variations: For a tropical twist, consider adding a layer of sliced bananas or fresh coconut flakes on top.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh key limes if available. They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Make this pie a day before you need it. It enhances the flavors and makes for a stress-free dessert option.

What Goes Well With This No Bake Key Lime Pie

Serving No Bake Key Lime Pie can be as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

• Fresh Fruit Salads: A bright fruit salad made with strawberries, blueberries, and mango pairs beautifully with the tartness of the pie.
• Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or coconut ice cream can balance the acidity and add a lovely texture.
• Summer Gatherings: This pie is perfect for summertime BBQs, beach parties, or picnics, making it a great addition to any outdoor event.
• Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or even holiday dinners. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress!
• Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy this pie during warm months, but it’s equally delightful during the winter when you crave a taste of sunshine.

FAQ

Conclusion

The No Bake Key Lime Pie is a sunny, vibrant dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Its light, creamy texture combined with the tartness of key limes creates an unforgettable experience that you’ll want to share with friends and family. So, if you haven’t tried making it yet, now’s the perfect time! Get the ingredients, gather your loved ones, and delight them with this delightful treat.

No Bake Key Lime Pie

The ultimate summer dessert, this No Bake Key Lime Pie is creamy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. With a simple graham cracker crust, it's the perfect treat for any occasion. You won't believe how easy it is to make!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 whole Graham Crackers (about 1 ½ cups)
• 6 tablespoons Melted Butter
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
• 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
• ½ cup Key Lime Juice
• 3-5 drops Lime Green Food Coloring if desired
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 1 tablespoon Lime Zest for garnish

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Set out a 9-inch pie pan and a food processor. Place the graham crackers in the food processor. Lock the lid into place and pulse into a fine crumb. Then add in the melted butter, sugar, and salt. Pulse to combine.
2. Dump the graham cracker crumble into the pie pan. Use your hands to press it into an even layer over the bottom of the pan and up the sides. Refrigerate until ready to fill.
3. Wipe out the food processor bowl. Then add in the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice. Puree until smooth. (Add food coloring here if desired.)
4. Remove the food processor blade. Scoop the Cool Whip into the lime mixture. Use a spatula to fold the Cool Whip into the mixture, until very smooth.
5. Pour/scoop the filling into the pie crust. Then place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, undisturbed.
6. When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh lime zest over the top, if desired. Cut into pieces while frozen. Let each piece sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes, then serve slightly softened.

Notes

• Key limes: can be hard to find in some regions, but you can usually find bottled key lime juice in the baking or cocktail/beverage section of the market.
• Food Coloring: If you can’t find lime-green food coloring, mix 1 drop of standard green food coloring to 2 drops of yellow, until the desired color is reached.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.