If you're looking for an easy, refreshing dessert that comes together in no time, you’re going to love this No Bake Key Lime Pie! It’s creamy, tangy, and sits on a simple premade graham cracker crust. Like all my recipes, no oven required!
No bake pies are the best! Give my no bake pina colada pie and no bake raspberry cheesecake a try too!
When it comes to desserts, I tend to lean more chocolate than fruity, but my husband on the other hand, loves a key lime pie! This is one of his favorite desserts, and now it has become one of my son's favorite desserts too! Thye love my key lime pie milkshake too!
On a hot Summer day, this pie is just what you need! Keep that oven off, you need a no bake dessert when the weather is super hot!
Traditional key lime pie doesn't have cream cheese in it, but this one does. It helps stabilize the pie and it also adds a lightness to the pie since we won't be baking it. So it's kind of like a cross between a key lime cheesecake and a key lime pie. Either way, it's a must make!
Key Limes vs. Regular Limes: What’s the Difference?
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and slightly sweeter than regular (Persian) limes. They have a more intense citrus flavor, making them ideal for classic key lime pie. That said, if you can’t find key limes, regular limes work perfectly fine in this recipe, so no stress!
Additionally, in the grocery store it might be near impossible to find key limes, especially if you don't live in Florida. You can usually find a bottle of key lime juice in the drinks section or by the fresh limes.
Ingredients to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious pie!
- 1 store-bought graham cracker crust. This is simply for convenience, but you can make your own if you prefer and if you have a good recipe.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened. Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk. A can of sweetened condensed milk can usually be found in your local grocery store in the baking aisle.
- Whipped cream. You can make your own homemade whipped cream or you can use whipped topping in this recipe.
- ½ cup fresh lime juice. Fresh is best! If you can't find fresh though, grab a bottle of lime juice from the citrus section on your grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon lime zest. This really enhances the lime flavor and adds a pop of color.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make No Bake Key Lime Pie
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, add the sweetened condensed milk and the cream cheese.
Step 2
Add the lime juice and lime zest to the bowl.
Step 3
A rubber spatula is mixing the ingredients in a bowl.
Step 4
Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Overnight is even better for the best texture.
Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature cream cheese. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. It helps the cream cheese mix into the sweetened condensed milk better.
- Fresh lime juice is key. Bottled juice will do, but if you can find fresh limes, use those!
- Let it chill fully. The longer it chills, the better the texture. Overnight is ideal.
- Garnish! Garnish with extra lime zest or homemade whipped cream if desired. Slice and dig in!
Storage Instructions
This pie is a great make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
You can even freeze this pie! Wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving and garnish right before you would like to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While key limes are traditional, regular limes work just as well and are much easier to juice.
I wouldn't recommend it. That's because low fat or fat free cream cheese sends to be more watery and change the flavor and texture of the pie. This is a dessert after all so go for the good stuff!
This pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
More No Bake Dessert Recipes
The Best Ever No Bake Key Lime Pie
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Graham Cracker Crust
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- ½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup Fresh Lime Juice Key Lime if you can find it
- 1 tablespoon Lime zest
- 1 cup Whipped cream or Whipped Topping
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth.
- .Add the lime juice and lime zest, and continue beating until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Garnish with whipped cream and lime slices before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade whipped cream or whipped topping if that is what you prefer to use in no bake desserts.
- Fresh lime juice is best, but sometimes can that be hard to find. You can find bottled key lime juice in most grocery stores and you can find lime juice in the produce section of your grocery store.
Lori
This is a summery take on the baked key lime pie recipe. I was afraid it wouldn't taste as rich without an egg and baking it but this is very cool and refreshing.
Thank you!
Lynn Polito
I am so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for making my recipe!