Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
No baking required: Quick and easy to prepare.
-
Bright and tangy: Authentic key lime flavor with a creamy texture.
-
Perfect portions: Easy to serve and share.
-
Make ahead: Great for prepping in advance.
-
Versatile presentation: Serve in mini jars, tart shells, or cups.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Graham cracker crumbs
-
Melted butter
-
Sweetened condensed milk
-
Fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
-
Lime zest
-
Heavy cream or whipped topping
-
Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
-
Prepare crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottoms of mini jars or cups to form the crust.
-
Make filling: In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until thickened.
-
Assemble pies: Pour the filling over the crusts in the jars.
-
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until set.
-
Top with cream: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream.
-
Garnish and serve: Add lime slices or zest for decoration and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 6-8 mini pies
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Chill Time: 3 hours
-
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Variations
-
Crust options: Use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies for the crust.
-
Flavor twists: Add a splash of coconut extract or mix in crushed pineapple.
-
Toppings: Sprinkle toasted coconut or graham cracker crumbs on top.
-
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.
-
Bite-sized tarts: Use mini tart shells instead of jars.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freezing: Not recommended due to texture changes.
-
Serving: Best served chilled; no reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice?
Yes, regular lime juice works if key limes are unavailable.
Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?
Yes, mini pre-made crusts can save time.
How do I make whipped cream topping?
Whip cold heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead?
Yes, assemble and chill overnight for best flavor.
Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?
Yes, it provides sweetness and creaminess without baking.
Can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based condensed milk and coconut cream.
How long should I chill the pies?
At least 3 hours for proper setting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double ingredients accordingly.
What can I use for garnish?
Lime slices, zest, or mint leaves work well.
Are these pies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Conclusion
Mini No Bake Key Lime Pies offer a refreshing, tangy, and creamy dessert experience that’s easy to make and beautifully presented. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or any time you want a light, citrusy sweet treat, these mini pies are sure to impress with their classic flavor and effortless preparation.

Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie is a refreshing, tangy, and creamy dessert that requires no baking and captures the authentic citrus flavor of classic key lime pie. Perfectly portioned in mini jars or cups, these individual pies are ideal for parties, picnics, or a light, sweet treat. Easy to prepare and make ahead, this recipe offers bright lime zest balanced with a smooth, sweetened condensed milk filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
6 tablespoons melted butter
-
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
-
½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
-
1 teaspoon lime zest
-
1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for whipped cream)
Instructions
-
Prepare crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottoms of mini jars or cups to form an even crust layer.
-
Make filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and lime zest in a separate bowl until the mixture thickens slightly.
-
Assemble pies: Pour the lime filling evenly over the crusts in each jar or cup.
-
Chill: Refrigerate the assembled pies for at least 3 hours or until set.
-
Top with cream: Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream on top of each mini pie.
-
Garnish and serve: Add lime slices or extra lime zest for decoration and serve chilled.
Notes
Use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies for a different crust flavor.Add a splash of coconut extract or crushed pineapple to the filling for a tropical twist.For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended.Perfect for make-ahead dessert; chill overnight for best results.