Easy Key Lime Pie
This Easy Key Lime Pie is a no-bake dessert that features a crisp graham cracker crust and a citrusy filling that chills to set. An easy dessert made with simple pantry staples that delivers a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a smooth texture in every slice. This pie is perfect for warmer months, holiday dinners, or any time you want something special to serve that’s quick to make ahead of time. No oven is needed, and the garnish adds a pretty presentation without requiring extra effort.
When I need a fuss-free dessert that I can make ahead and forget about until serving time, this Easy Key Lime Pie is my go-to. It’s got that irresistible tropical twist thanks to the citrusy filling, and the buttery graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch. If you love this kind of refreshing treat, you might also enjoy Frozen Lemonade Pie, Easy Key Lime Mousse Tarts, or Lemon Mousse Filled Crepe Cups with Berries, all light, citrusy, and just as simple to make.
Easy Key Lime Pie
This easy key lime pie recipe doesn’t require baking and is made with just six ingredients and minimal prep. It combines the rich sweetness of condensed milk with the zesty bite of key lime juice, balanced by a buttery crumb crust.
The key lime pie filling firms up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it easy to slice and serve with clean edges. The whipped topping and lime garnish not only add color but also a hint of extra citrus aroma. This pie is tangy, creamy, and simple enough for beginner bakers.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
No bake desserts already cut down on time, but a few extra tricks can make this pie even quicker or easier to customize. These ideas are ideal for fitting your schedule or using what you already have.
- Use a Store-Bought Crust – Skip the mixing step and use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
- Add Fresh Lime Zest: Stir a teaspoon of finely grated zest right into the pie filling along with the juice for an even brighter, more intense citrus flavor.
- Spread Whipped Cream: If you’re not feeling the piping bag, no worries! Just spread a simple layer of whipped cream over the entire pie before you add your lime slices and zest.
- Make It Mini – Pour the filling into small tart pans or jars for individual servings.
- Try a Different Crust – Use crushed shortbread, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps for a twist.
- Top with Toasted Coconut – Adds texture and pairs well with the citrus flavor.
These variations let you personalize the pie to your tastes or occasion without adding extra steps.
More Easy No-Bake Desserts to Try
If you enjoyed how easy this Key Lime Pie is to make, you’ll love having more no-bake dessert options in your recipe box. These sweet treats are great for warmer months or when you want something simple but satisfying without turning on the oven.
- Captain Crunch Marshmallow Krispies
- 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups
- Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar
- No Bake Banana Split Cake
- Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Having a few no-bake recipes on hand makes it easy to whip up dessert anytime—without the wait or extra cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, regular lime juice can be used if key lime juice isn’t available. While key limes are more aromatic and slightly sweeter, regular lime juice offers a similar tart flavor that still works well in this pie.
Store leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use an airtight container or wrap the pie plate with plastic wrap. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
Yes, the pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Tools You Need for Key Lime Pie
A few basic tools are all you need to make this easy no-bake pie. Most of these items are already in your kitchen, or can be found on Amazon, and they will help simplify both prep and presentation.
Pyrex Colors Tinted 3-PC, Unlidded Small/Medium/Large Glass Mixing Bowls, Nesting Space Saving Set of Bowls For Prepping and Baking, 1.3QT, 2.3QT & 4.5QT
Beille Cream Wheat Straw Measuring Cups Spoons Set Cooking Baking Tools 10pcOXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon WhiskFarberware Bakers Advantage Durable Stoneware Ceramic Pie Dish, Ideal for Making Sweet and Savory Dishes, Heat Resistant, 10 Inch, TealChefAide 5 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, CookingPiping Bags and Tips Set, 100Pcs 12 Inch Pastry Bags, Icing Bags Disposable for Cakes Decorating Kit Supplies with 1 Reusable Piping Bags, 1 Couplers, 12 Frosting Tips, 2 Bag Ties, 3 Cake ScraperGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, Black
Simple tools like these keep prep uncluttered and stress-free, so you can focus on preparing a delicious pie with zero fuss and all the flavor.
Ingredients for Easy Key Lime Pie
This lime pie with graham cracker crust uses just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and requires minimal prep. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs, Butter, and Sugar – These combine to form the buttery, sweet graham cracker crust that provides the perfect base and texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds rich sweetness and a creamy consistency to the filling without needing eggs or baking.
- Key Lime Juice – Provides the essential tart and citrusy flavor that defines the pie.
- Whipped Topping – Lightens the filling and gives it a smooth, airy texture.
- Additional Whipped Topping and Fresh Limes – Used for garnish to enhance appearance and add fresh lime aroma.
How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well and press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice until fully combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth it out evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the filling is fully set.
Decorate and serve: If you’re wondering how to decorate a key lime pie, this is my favorite way to garnish the citrusy goodness. Before serving, zest one lime and cut another into thin quartered slices. Pipe 12 whipped topping stars around the edge of the pie and place a lime quarter on each. Dust with zest and slice into 6 large or 12 small servings.
This homemade pie is sure to become a favorite that everyone will enjoy and ask for again. In fact, you may want to make two and freeze one for when they do ask!
Love this cool, creamy dessert? You’ll also enjoy these Mango Coconut Lime Popsicles, a refreshing tropical treat that’s perfect for warm-weather days.
Easy Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 8 ounce container whipped topping, thawed
- 2 limes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a pie plate, pressing up the sides as well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice until a smooth consistency has formed. Fold in the whipped topping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the filling is fully set.
- Right before serving, cut thin slices of lime, then cut into quarters – you’ll need 12 quarters. Zest another lime.
- Add about 1 cup of whipped topping to a piping bag equipped with a star tip, and pipe out one star on the edge, then another directly across from it, then one halfway between those, and another on the opposite edge. Now pipe two stars in between each of those. You should have 12 stars.
- Add a quarter lime slice onto the center of each star. Dust the pie with lime zest for an added pop of color.To serve, cut into 6 regular, or 12 small slices.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
#SummerDessertsWeek Recipes
Get ready for a week full of sweet delights! This week, 10 incredible bloggers are teaming up to bring you some of the best summer dessert recipes. You’ll find all these delicious creations shared on our blogs – we’ve even included some of the recipe links right here in this post! Be sure to follow along on social media using #SummerDessertWeek so you don’t miss any of the fun.
We hope you’ll find some new favorite recipes this week and have fun with us as we celebrate summer! Here are today’s creations:
- Blueberry Peach Pie Parfaits from Big Bear’s Wife
- Watermelon Poke Cake from Semi-Homemade Recipes
- Ice Cream Bread from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Strawberry Shortcake Fluff from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Orange Skillet Cake from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Homemade Drumstick Ice Cream Cones from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Pool Party Jello Cups from For the Love of Food
- Drumstick Cheesecake Cheeseball from Sweet ReciPEAs
No-bake desserts are perfect for the summertime. This pie is calling to me.
This pie is sure pretty and I’m sure it is delicious! I love the flecks of lime zest.