If you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and refreshingly cool, this No-Bake Key Lime Pie is the answer to every dessert dilemma! It’s the kind of treat you’d happily share at a summer barbecue or serve as a show-stopping finale at a cozy dinner party. With a creamy, dreamy lime filling layered inside a buttery graham cracker crust, each bite is pure sunshine—no oven required! This pie is proof that decadent desserts don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, and it delivers crowd-pleasing flavor all year round.

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a No-Bake Key Lime Pie lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a major role, from the zingy citrus juice to the lush, creamy base. Even the crust brings more than just structure; it adds a comforting crunch and classic flavor that pairs perfectly with every tart, sweet bite of filling.

Graham cracker crumbs: These create that signature golden, slightly sweet crust with just the right crunch and nostalgic pie flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten and bind the crust, giving it a gentle sparkle and keeping the base from being too crumbly.
Unsalted butter (melted): Acts as the glue for the crust, adding rich flavor and ensuring every crumb holds together beautifully.
Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient for that creamy, velvety filling and a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): Brings the brilliant tartness that defines a true No-Bake Key Lime Pie—regular lime juice works in a pinch!
Key lime zest: Packs in extra citrusy aroma and bright green flecks for flavor and color.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds decadent body and tang, making your filling lusciously thick without ever feeling heavy.
Whipped topping or whipped cream: Lightens the pie’s texture so each slice is smooth and cloud-like, plus it’s perfect for garnish.
Lime slices or zest (optional, for garnish): A final flourish that takes your presentation over the top—totally optional but undeniably pretty.

How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Grab a medium-sized bowl and stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until you have a mixture that resembles damp sand. Scoop it all into a 9-inch pie dish and press firmly—use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to get a flat, even crust covering the bottom and up the sides. Pop the crust into the refrigerator so it can firm up while you tackle the filling. This makes it perfectly sturdy for slicing later!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, which ensures the finished pie will be ultra-creamy without any lumps. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, fresh (or bottled) key lime juice, and that fragrant key lime zest. Mix well until the blend is creamy, light, and irresistibly citrusy. Take a moment to appreciate how the scents wake up your taste buds before you even take a bite.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Now it’s time to fold in the whipped topping—gentle is the key here, so you don’t knock out all that glorious air. You’ll end up with a smooth, fluffy, and cloudlike filling that tastes like a vacation in dessert form. The whipped topping brings the whole mixture together without making it too dense.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Retrieve your chilled crust from the fridge and pour in the filling. Smooth the top with a spatula, swirling it a little if you love that homemade touch. At this point, it will already look tempting, but patience pays off in the next step.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Cover the pie and pop it in the refrigerator for at least four hours (even overnight, if you can stand the wait!). This time in the fridge allows the filling to firm up just enough to slice cleanly, while keeping that creamy, dreamy texture intact. If you want the filling extra thick, a quick stint in the freezer works wonders.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, add a generous swirl of whipped topping on top and toss on some extra lime zest or thin lime slices for a festive finish. This simple step transforms your No-Bake Key Lime Pie from delicious to dazzling—ready to impress your friends and family (not to mention your taste buds)!

How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

No-Bake Key Lime Pie looks especially irresistible with some fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of key lime zest, or a few delicate lime slices on top. For bonus flair, try candied lime peel or a dusting of graham cracker crumbs—a small detail that adds big visual (and flavor) appeal.

Side Dishes

Balance out the pie’s zippy citrus with a few light accompaniments. A platter of juicy berries, a handful of sweet mango slices, or even a scoop of coconut sorbet makes a refreshing contrast. If you want to dress up the dessert table, a cup of coffee or a minty iced tea pairs beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow guests? Try serving mini No-Bake Key Lime Pies in individual ramekins or small jars—perfect for picnics or parties. Or cut the pie into tiny wedges, spear each with a cocktail fork, and turn them into bite-sized treats for a playful dessert buffet. Layering the components into parfait glasses can also make for a gorgeous, deconstructed version!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your No-Bake Key Lime Pie can be easily stored for up to five days. Simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get even brighter after a day or two, so don’t be shy about prepping in advance!

Freezing

Need your pie to last even longer? Pop it in the freezer! Just wrap it tightly in a couple layers of plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze slices or the whole pie for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.

Reheating

This one is easy: No-Bake Key Lime Pie is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat! If it’s frozen, just let it thaw gently in the fridge. Too much heat will break down the creamy filling, so keep it chilled for perfect slices every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes if I can’t find key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes offer distinctively aromatic tartness, regular limes will still give your No-Bake Key Lime Pie a lovely citrus kick. Just use fresh lime juice if you can for the brightest flavor.

How do I make the crust gluten-free?

That’s a simple swap: grab your favorite gluten-free graham crackers and crush them up for the crust. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same—delicious and entirely gluten free!

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! No-Bake Key Lime Pie actually tastes even better when given time to chill and set overnight. Make it the day before your occasion and you’ll get cleaner slices and a richer flavor payoff.

What if my filling seems too runny?

If your filling feels a little loose, don’t worry! Letting it chill longer (even overnight) usually sets things right. For an extra-firm pie, a quick hour in the freezer before serving does the trick.

Is this pie overly sweet?

Not at all—the tartness of the key lime juice perfectly balances the sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. If you like things a bit less sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the crust or add a little more lime juice for extra tang.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s this easy, this bright, and this universally adored. Whether you’re celebrating, entertaining, or just treating yourself, No-Bake Key Lime Pie is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give it a try, share a slice, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the refreshing tanginess of this No-Bake Key Lime Pie. A creamy, citrusy delight that’s perfect for any occasion, especially those warm summer days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon key lime zest
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream, plus more for garnish
Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and chill.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Fold in whipped topping.
Assemble: Pour filling into the chilled crust. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Top with whipped cream, lime zest, or slices before serving.