No Bake, Pies & Tarts

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe in 10 Minutes

4.22 from 278 votes
My easy Key Lime Pie recipe brings together a creamy, citrusy filling and rich graham cracker crust for a refreshing and vibrant no-bake dessert.
Key Lime Pie - Make my easy 10 minute recipe for a fresh & delicious dessert!

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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.

Key lime pie on a platter with whipped cream and lime slices.

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! ]

Top-down view of my key lime pie after learning how to make a key lime pie.

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):

  1. Once the graham cracker crust has been set in the fridge, juice 1/2 cup of fresh limes using Good Cook Zester/Juicer.
  2. Whip cream cheese, condensed milk, whipping cream, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla for 4-5 minutes in a large or medium bowl.
  3. Remove pie crust from the fridge. Fill with filling mixture.
  4. Place in fridge and let it set for at least 5 hours.
  5. 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.

A slice of key lime pie topped with a lime slice and whipped cream.

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!

Watch The Recipe Video!

Easy 10-Minute Key Lime Pie Recipe

4.22 from 278 votes
My easy Key Lime Pie recipe brings together a creamy, citrusy filling and rich graham cracker crust for a refreshing and vibrant no-bake dessert..
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 8 -10
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
My easy Key Lime Pie recipe brings together a creamy, citrusy filling and rich graham cracker crust for a refreshing and vibrant no-bake dessert..
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 8 -10

Ingredients

For the graham cracker crust:

For the filling:

  • 1 can (14oz/398g) condensed milk , sweetened
  • 1/3 cup (2 1/2floz/71ml) whipping cream
  • 1 cup (8oz/225g) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (4floz/115ml) lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • zest of 3 limes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream for decorating

Instructions

  • Prepare the graham cracker crust by mixing the melted butter with the graham crumbs until you've reached the texture of wet sand.
  • Transfer the crust mixture into your pie pan and press down using your fingertips. Use a small bowl or cup to push the crumbs up to the side of the tin. This will form an even crust. Once the graham mixture has been pressed into the tin place it in the fridge to set for roughly 30 minutes. Note: If you want to be able to remove your pie from the dish to serve then line your pie tin with 2 layers of cling wrap. This will ensure you can easily remove the pie crust from the tin.
  • While the crust is setting make the key lime filling: First juice 1/2 cup of fresh limes using the GoodCook Zester/Juicer.
  • In a large bowl whip the cream cheese, condensed milk, whipping cream, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Whip for roughly 4-5 minutes until it firms up. Don't worry if your mix is not really firm as it will set up in the fridge overnight.
  • Remove the pie crust from the fridge and fill it with the filling mixture. Return to the fridge and allow to set for a minimum of 5 hours but preferably overnight. As there is no setting agent, it needs a long time in the fridge.
  • Once set, fit a GoodCook piping bag with a nozzle then fill with whipped cream. For this, I suggest using the Sweet Creations Cupcake Decorating Kit (12 Pieces). Decorate your pie with whipped cream and slices of lime and enjoy!
  • This pie can be kept covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

 

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Mark
Mark
4 years ago

Hi Gemma
Just a tip i have used a similar recipe without the cream cheese and have used Ginger Snap biscuits (Australian) for the base. The Ginger with the lime goes very well together

WoolSox
4 years ago

A wonderful recipe! My husband could not stop exclaiming: “This is the best key lime pie I have ever had!”, followed by asking for another slice. I will definitely make this one again!

Mabel
Mabel
4 years ago

Hi Gemma,

Just curious, what the difference between key lime juice and lime juice?

Thank you!

Suzanne Niven
Suzanne Niven
4 years ago

KEY lime pie is only supposed to be made with KEY LIMES from the Florida Keys. Otherwise it is only LIME pie

Maureen
Maureen
2 years ago

This recipe is absolutely delicious. I made small, individual parfaits for a tea party and the tart, lime flavor filling topped with a whipped cream rosette was a big hit. I also added chopped walnuts to the graham cracker crust giving it a bit of a crunch. This is a winning recipe. Thanks, Gemma!

J Stoutamire
3 years ago

Made this recipe yesterday with the first limes off my tree in the backyard. I let it refrigerate overnight and all day before serving after dinner tonight. Turned out fantastic! Unfortunately, I only had a photo pf the pie before decorating. Thanks Gemma!

Tracey
Tracey
3 years ago

Have made this several times. Used my standard recipe for the crust as I found this way to wet. Otherwise its fabulous! Whether you call it “key” line or lime, its great

Ahmad Birjawi
Ahmad Birjawi
3 years ago

Hi Gemma, I have to say this is one of the best dessert I have ever made. Thank you for the great recipe

Sau Mohandas
Sau Mohandas
3 years ago

Hello Gemma! This looks delicious, will definitely try! I just wished you showed in your video how you transferred the pie onto a serving plate..?? How..??😀Also does this work well with the pie crust..? Or only with a cracker crust..??

Donna Gibbs
Donna Gibbs
3 years ago

The filling was too runny and did not firm up after 24 hours. Any suggestions?

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About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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