When the craving for something sweet and citrusy strikes, but you don’t want to turn on the oven, these No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies are the answer. Creamy, tangy, and refreshing, these adorable pies deliver all the tropical flavor of classic key lime pie but in a bite-sized, no-bake format that’s perfect for warm summer days or a quick treat any time of year.
Growing up, key lime pie was a classic in my grandmother’s Florida kitchen, but she always made a traditional baked version. This no-bake twist came to me one summer when the heat was simply too intense to even think about turning on the oven. The result? A cool, luscious, no-fuss dessert that comes together in minutes and sets beautifully in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
- No oven required
- Refreshing and light — perfect for warm weather
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Creamy, tangy, and ultra-smooth
- Great for parties, gatherings, or portion-controlled treats
- Easy to prepare ahead
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Garnish (optional):
- Lime slices or zest
- Extra whipped cream
How to Make No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Form the Crusts
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of 4 mini tart pans (or 4–6 muffin cups lined with cupcake liners). Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to pack it tightly so it holds together. Chill the crusts in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Whisk the Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and fully blended.
Whip the Cream
In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture to lighten it, then fold in the rest until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Fill the Crusts
Spoon the creamy key lime filling into the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula for a pretty finish.
Chill
Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) until fully set and firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a thin lime slice, or a sprinkle of lime zest for a pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor
- Make sure the crust is packed tightly so it doesn’t crumble when serving
- Let them chill fully — at least 3 hours — for a firmer, easier-to-slice pie
- Use a piping bag for a cleaner, more decorative whipped cream garnish
- Swap out graham crackers with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for variety
Serving Suggestions
These no-bake mini key lime pies are a treat all on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A pitcher of iced tea or lemonade
- Fresh seasonal berries
- A cool coconut sorbet on the side
- A sprinkle of crushed pistachios for texture
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store any leftover pies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them (without whipped cream on top) for up to a month — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use bottled key lime juice?
Yes! While fresh juice is best, bottled key lime juice works well in a pinch.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely — these pies actually get better after chilling overnight, making them ideal for parties or gatherings.
Can I make a single large no-bake key lime pie with this recipe?
Of course — just press the crust into a standard 9-inch pie dish and follow the same steps.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you make these No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies, I’d love to see your results! Leave a comment or tag me on social media — your citrusy creations always brighten my day.
No-Bake Mini Key Lime Pies
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups 180 g graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup 75 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 1 can 14 oz/400 g sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup 120 ml fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup 240 ml cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Garnish (optional):
- Lime slices or zest
- Extra whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Form the Crusts
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of 4 mini tart pans (or 4–6 muffin cups lined with cupcake liners). Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to pack it tightly so it holds together. Chill the crusts in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Whisk the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and fully blended.
Whip the Cream
- In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture to lighten it, then fold in the rest until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Fill the Crusts
- Spoon the creamy key lime filling into the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops with a spatula for a pretty finish.
Chill
- Refrigerate the mini pies for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) until fully set and firm.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Just before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a thin lime slice, or a sprinkle of lime zest for a pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
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