Hi Bold Bakers!
One of my most favorite spring and summer desserts is key lime pie! Sweet, tangy, and rich, there’s a reason why this is a beloved classic. While most key lime pie recipes can take over an hour to make, this no-bake dessert cuts down on the fuss while holding on to all that punchy flavor.
Where Did Key Lime Pie Originate?
The origins of Key lime pie are a bit obscure. Some believe that it was derived from a Borden promotional brochure recipe for “Magic Lemon Cream Pie” in 1931, but by 1940, a recipe for “Key Lime Pie” was published, associated with the Florida Keys. By the ’50s, the American dessert had become a staple.
While there’s a tale that William Curry’s cook Aunt Sally invented in the 19th century, there’s no proof of that claim.
What Is The Difference Between Key Lime And A Regular Lime?
The difference between key lime and regular lime is that key lime is more tart, making the fruit great for balancing sweet flavors. That being said, I have never really had a problem with using regular limes in all of my experience as a professional chef. Don’t worry if you can’t find key limes — go ahead and use whatever variety you can find.
This easy key lime pie really packs that lime punch as it has a half cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. The best key lime pie recipe WILL NOT use the store-bought stuff for this. To simply juice limes at home I always rely on my trusty Good Cook 2-In-One Juicer & Strainer. I love this product as it catches the pesky seeds and pulp I want to avoid adding to my recipes and makes it so you can really get all the juice out of tough citrus.
How To Make A Graham Cracker Crust
My easy key lime pie gives the classic recipe a much-needed makeover. Just like the classic, my best Key lime pie starts with delicious Graham Cracker crust. Made by combining butter and Graham Cracker crumbs, this crust requires no baking instead it sets in the fridge.
While the crust is setting up I whip up the filling in no time. I like to make all my pies in my Good Cook 9” Pie Pan, which serves as a pie plate or a tart pan, is a perfect size and always ensures I can get my pie out of the tin easily.
Once the crust has set I pour my key lime pie filling over the crust and allow it to set in the fridge for a minimum of eight hours. I can’t imagine an easier no-bake dessert!
[ Make your own Graham Crackers for my Graham Cracker Crust! ]
What You’ll Need For This Simple Key Lime Pie Recipe
This easy key lime pie (no-bake) not only takes 10 minutes to whip up but only requires a few tools of the trade. You don’t even need a food processor for this recipe.
- 9″ Pie Pan
- Measuring cups
- Zester/Juicer
- Large or medium bowl
- Piping bag
- Whisk
How To Make A Key Lime Pie
This no-bake key lime pie recipe is one of my favorite things to make when entertaining as it’s low effort but high impact (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):
- Once the graham cracker crust has been set in the fridge, juice 1/2 cup of fresh limes using Good Cook Zester/Juicer.
- Whip cream cheese, condensed milk, whipping cream, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla for 4-5 minutes in a large or medium bowl.
- Remove pie crust from the fridge. Fill with filling mixture.
- Place in fridge and let it set for at least 5 hours.
- Using a piping bag filled with whipped cream, decorate the pie.
How To Decorate A Key Lime Pie
Even though this no-bake Key lime pie is made in 10 minutes, it looks like it took ages. This quick homemade Key lime pie is dressed up to the nines, complete with whipped cream and curls of thinly sliced lime. It also uses only a few ingredients that you can easily pick up at the grocery store.
I love to add zest and lime slices as they add vibrant color and tell people that this pie is the real deal packed with tangy, citrus flavor.
To pipe on those perfect swirls or cream, I use the piping bag and nozzle included in my Sweet Creations 12-Piece Cupcake Decorating Kit. This finishing touch is so easy to do but makes my Key lime pie with cream cheese look super polished and professional. Feel free to load up on as much cream and lime as you see fit. Enjoy!
How To Store Key Lime Pie
If you have any leftover Key lime pie (which I doubt you will…) you can cover the leftovers with cling wrap and store it in the fridge.
How Long Key Lime Pie Lasts
Key lime pie will keep fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. However, it only lasts up to two hours on the counter, so make sure you store it before that.
Can You Freeze Key Lime Pie?
You can absolutely freeze leftover pie. To defrost from frozen just allow the frozen key lime pie to soften in the fridge for one or two hours and enjoy!
Make More Quick Desserts
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!
Full (and printable) recipe below!