Description
A creamy, tangy no bake Key lime pie with a smooth filling and a classic graham cracker crust, perfect for hot summer days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (150g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g, full-fat)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (396g)
- ¾ cup fresh Key lime juice (about 15–20 limes, 180ml)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (6g)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (240ml)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
- Optional garnish: whipped cream, lime slices, fresh berries
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and mixture feels like wet sand. Press firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate to firm up.
- Prepare the filling base: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Add lime flavor: Stir in fresh Key lime juice and lime zest. The mixture will thicken immediately. Taste and adjust lime juice if desired, but do not overdo.
- Whip and fold in cream: Whip cold heavy cream with granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into lime mixture in two additions using a rubber spatula to keep airiness.
- Chill until set: Pour filling into chilled crust and smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
- Serve: Top with freshly whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or berries. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
Notes
Use fresh Key limes for best flavor. Soften cream cheese completely before mixing to avoid lumps. Do not overwhip cream; stop at soft peaks. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill pie for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as filling separates.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no bake, key lime pie, creamy, tangy, summer dessert, easy pie, graham cracker crust, lime zest, whipped cream