No oven? No problem! This simple, tangy dessert that sets in the fridge is one you’ll want again and again.
As a novice baker who grew up under a master baker’s guidance, I was often intimidated by making pies. Making a classic crust was usually my biggest challenge, until I discovered no-bake key lime pie. I was surprised to learn that the tangy lime filling and graham cracker crust would never go in the oven.
Although no-bake key lime pie looks as classy as the traditional recipe, this version is actually incredibly basic. All you need is a pie pan, a few key ingredients, and a fridge! Since it’s such an easy recipe, it’s a great way for parents to “cook” together with their kids and avoid any burns from the oven. Instead, the no-bake key lime pie chills in the fridge for a couple hours to develop a cool combo of flavors. Every bite of the finished dish melts in the mouth and refreshes the palate.
Is No-Bake Key Lime Pie Healthy?
This no-bake key lime pie is a dessert that is rich in fat from butter, cream cheese, condensed milk and heavy cream, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The lime will provide a little vitamin C, but there’s still plenty of sugar and some salt in this recipe, too. If you need a gluten-free variation, just use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular.
The Brilliance Of No-Bake Recipes
If you’ve ever burned a pie in the oven, you know that feeling of disappointment. After spending so much time with the crust and filling, your dessert is just not going to taste the same. That’s one of the perks of no-bake recipes like this one. Even though this recipe takes a lot of time to set in the fridge, you’re basically eliminating any opportunity to overcook your dessert. Instead of relying on heat, the creamy fats in this recipe from the dairy will actually solidify more once it’s chilled. This is how the pie filling is able to firm up and stay firm as it’s stored in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate your pie for up to 3 days. You can also pre-slice the pie and freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If you freeze the slices, make sure you thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying them cold or at room temperature the next day.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re whipping up this pie with loved ones, I suggest making a little decorating party out of it. Pipe regular or Strawberry Whipped Cream into pretty designs, then sprinkle fresh lime zest on top. You can also get extra creative with unique toppings like Candied Lemon Slices or Roasted Strawberries for a burst of colorful sweetness. Then, if you’re feeling festive, set out your no-bake key lime pie with other fruity desserts like Mini Fruit Tarts or Lemon Blueberry Cake. Need something to help wash down the delicious pie slice? Try this fresh recipe for Agua de Jamaica, a tropical sweet tea.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6-8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons key lime zest
- 8 ounces cold heavy cream
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Key lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. If needed, add 1 more tablespoon of melted butter at a time until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice, mixing until well combined. Stir in key lime zest.
- In a large or medium bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Combine with cream cheese mixture and gently fold to combine.
- Transfer the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and key lime slices.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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