I remember the first time I tried making this pie and I thought it would be simple and quick and of course I underestimated it because I spilled the sweetened condensed milk all over the counter and then I had to clean it up and laugh at myself while thinking I might just order takeout instead but somehow it all came together in the end and the crust held up and the filling was creamy and tart just like I hoped and my kids ran to the fridge before it even set all the way.
Sometimes I forget to zest the limes first and I end up scraping off too much so the flavor is not as strong and then I grumble at myself but still whip the cream and it fluffs up so nicely and I spread it over the pie like a messy little cloud and it looks funny but tastes perfect and every bite makes my husband smile and my neighbor peek over the fence to ask if I have any extra because they can smell the citrus from outside.
There was one Sunday when I tried to make this for brunch and I thought the crust would hold if I pressed it with my hands but it crumbled and I almost gave up so I grabbed a spoon and packed it down piece by piece and the filling went on anyway and it still came out creamy and tangy and I realized that sometimes the little mistakes make it feel homemade and loved instead of perfect and stiff like a bakery version and my daughter said it was the best pie ever even though she got some crust crumbs on her dress and her face.
I like to make this pie when I have a little free time in the afternoon and I watch my kids run around the kitchen and grab spoons and taste the filling and lick their fingers and I think about how it is creamy and tart at the same time and the crust is buttery and crunchy and when I spread the whipped cream it feels like frosting on a cloud and the lime zest makes it smell like summer and everyone sneaks bites before dinner because it is just too tempting and sometimes I even hide a slice for myself in the fridge.
When I serve it I like to pair it with other things I have tried before and they all taste delicious and Applesauce Muffins are great because the sweetness balances the tartness and fresh berries add a pop of color and a little sprinkle of toasted coconut makes it fancy and homemade cookies go well because they are crunchy and soft at the same time and a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel like a treat and little sips of lemonade complement the lime flavor and even simple graham crackers on the side are fun to nibble while eating a slice and the kids love dipping everything and making little messy bites because it is all so yummy and playful.
I have learned that making this pie is not about being perfect and it is about the moments and the laughs and the spills and the little frustrations and it is creamy and tart and sweet and a little messy and everyone who tries it smiles and asks for seconds and sometimes I make it for no reason at all because the joy of seeing my family enjoy it is enough to clean up any mess and do it all over again and I will keep making it this way forever.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Key lime juice
- Lime zest
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Ingredients notes
- Graham cracker crumbs are crushed cookies that make the bottom of the pie
- Unsalted butter is the yellow stuff that melts and helps hold the crumbs together
- Sweetened condensed milk is a thick sweet milk that makes the filling creamy
- Key lime juice is juice from small green limes that tastes tart and yummy
- Lime zest is the green skin of the lime that gives a fresh smell
- Heavy cream is thick milk that whips into fluffy clouds for the top
- Powdered sugar is super fine sugar that makes the cream sweet
- Vanilla extract is a little liquid that makes everything taste warm and nice
How to make no bake key lime pie ?
Step 1: prepare the crust.
Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and press them into the bottom of a pie pan and make sure it is flat and even so it holds the filling well.
Step 2: chill the crust.
Put the crust in the fridge for at least thirty minutes and let it get firm and ready for the filling.
Step 3: make the filling.
In a bowl pour the sweetened condensed milk add the key lime juice and lime zest and mix until it is smooth and a little thick and creamy.
Step 4: pour the filling.
Take the crust out of the fridge and pour the creamy lime mixture on top and spread it gently and make sure it reaches all the edges.
Step 5: chill the pie.
Put the pie in the fridge for at least two hours or until the filling is firm and ready to slice and serve.
Step 6: whip the cream.
In a bowl pour the heavy cream add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whip until it makes soft peaks and fluffy clouds.
Step 7: top the pie.
Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled pie and make little peaks if you want and sprinkle extra lime zest on top for color and taste.
Step 8: serve.
Cut slices carefully and enjoy the tart and creamy flavors and maybe share with friends and family.
Kitchen equipment needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pie pan
- Spatula
- Grater for lime zest
Storage options
You can store the pie in the fridge for up to three days and cover it with plastic wrap and keep it cold so the cream stays fluffy and the crust does not get soggy.
Variations
Try using a chocolate cookie crust or adding a layer of crushed pineapple on top or mix a little coconut into the whipped cream or make mini pie cups for kids or adults.
FAQs
What is no bake key lime pie made of?
No bake key lime pie is made of a graham cracker crust sweetened condensed milk fresh key lime juice lime zest whipped cream and a little vanilla extract for flavor.
What does no bake key lime pie taste like?
It tastes creamy and tart at the same time with a sweet crust and fluffy whipped cream on top and a fresh lime flavor that makes it bright and light.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes you can use regular limes but the flavor will be a little less tart and not as traditional but still delicious and fresh.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes you can make it a day before and keep it in the fridge so the flavors mix well and the pie sets perfectly for serving.
Can I freeze no bake key lime pie?
Yes you can freeze it for up to one month and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and thaw in the fridge before eating.
How long does it take to chill the pie?
It usually takes at least two hours to chill the pie so it is firm and ready to slice but longer is okay if you want extra set filling.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes you can use a store bought graham cracker crust and it will save time and still taste great and be easy for kids to help make.
How can I make it extra creamy?
You can make it extra creamy by folding a little whipped cream into the filling before pouring it on the crust and mix gently and carefully.
no bake key lime pie
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes350
kcal20
minutesA creamy and tangy key lime pie that does not need baking and is easy to make and fun to eat.
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
Unsalted butter
Sweetened condensed milk
Key lime juice
Lime zest
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Directions
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl and press them into the bottom of a pie pan and make sure it is flat and even so it holds the filling well.
- Put the crust in the fridge for at least thirty minutes and let it get firm and ready for the filling.
- In a bowl pour the sweetened condensed milk add the key lime juice and lime zest and mix until it is smooth and a little thick and creamy.
- Take the crust out of the fridge and pour the creamy lime mixture on top and spread it gently and make sure it reaches all the edges.
- Put the pie in the fridge for at least two hours or until the filling is firm and ready to slice and serve.
- In a bowl pour the heavy cream add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whip until it makes soft peaks and fluffy clouds.
- Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled pie and make little peaks if you want and sprinkle extra lime zest on top for color and taste.
- Cut slices carefully and enjoy the tart and creamy flavors and maybe share with friends and family.
