No-Bake

No Bake Key Lime Pie

Name: No Bake Key Lime Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup key lime juice; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 2 large egg yolks; 1 cup confectioners' sugar

By Kaia Jardine · June 19, 2026 · No-Bake

Prep30 min

Cook0 min

Total270 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a no-bake key lime pie - the combination of the silky filling and the crunchy graham cracker crust was love at first bite. Since then, I've perfected the recipe to make it easy and accessible for anyone to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can create a dessert that's sure to impress your friends and family.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile - you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. And with its light and refreshing flavor, it's the perfect dessert for any time of year.

So why make a no-bake key lime pie? For one, it's a great way to enjoy the flavors of key lime without the hassle of baking. And two, it's a fantastic option for those who are short on time or don't have access to a oven. Whatever your reason, I'm confident that you'll love this recipe just as much as I do.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and whipped cream to create a silky and smooth filling. We'll also be making a homemade graham cracker crust from scratch, using a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

So let's get started! With these simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying a delicious no-bake key lime pie in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires no baking, making it perfect for those who are short on time or don't have access to an oven.
The combination of sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and whipped cream creates a silky and smooth filling that's sure to impress.
The homemade graham cracker crust is crunchy and flavorful, providing a perfect base for the filling.
This recipe is versatile and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and special occasions.
The light and refreshing flavor of the key lime pie makes it perfect for any time of year.
This recipe is budget-friendly and uses ingredients that are easily accessible at most grocery stores.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great no-bake key lime pie is in the balance of flavors and textures. The sweetened condensed milk provides a rich and creamy base, while the key lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing touch. The whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, balancing out the density of the filling.

The graham cracker crust is also an important component of this recipe. By using a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, we can create a crust that's both crunchy and flavorful. And by pressing the crust into the pan and refrigerating it until set, we can ensure that it holds its shape and provides a sturdy base for the filling.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of room temperature ingredients. By using room temperature sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, we can ensure that the filling is smooth and even, with no lumps or bumps. And by using room temperature key lime juice, we can ensure that the flavors are balanced and refreshing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this no-bake key lime pie, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs. You'll also need some basic equipment, such as a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a springform pan.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful. For the key lime juice, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled juice, depending on your preference. And for the graham cracker crumbs, you can use either homemade or store-bought crumbs, depending on your time and availability.

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbsYou can use either homemade or store-bought graham cracker crumbs, depending on your time and availability. To make homemade crumbs, simply blend 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
1/4 cup granulated sugarThe granulated sugar helps to balance out the flavor of the graham cracker crumbs and adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedThe melted butter helps to bind the graham cracker crumbs together and creates a crunchy and flavorful crust.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milkThe sweetened condensed milk provides a rich and creamy base for the filling and helps to balance out the flavor of the key lime juice.
1/2 cup key lime juiceThe key lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing touch to the filling and helps to balance out the sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk.
1 cup heavy whipping creamThe heavy whipping cream adds a light and airy texture to the filling and helps to balance out the density of the sweetened condensed milk.
1 teaspoon vanilla extractThe vanilla extract adds a touch of flavor and aroma to the filling and helps to balance out the flavor of the key lime juice.
1/4 teaspoon fine saltThe fine salt helps to balance out the flavor of the filling and adds a touch of depth and complexity.
2 large egg yolksThe egg yolks help to thicken the filling and create a smooth and creamy texture.
1 cup confectioners' sugarThe confectioners' sugar helps to balance out the flavor of the filling and adds a touch of sweetness and texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

9-inch springform panMixing bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerInstant-read thermometer

How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie

1
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
2
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
3
Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to set.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
6
Fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture until well combined.
7
Add the fine salt, egg yolks, and confectioners' sugar to the filling mixture and whisk until smooth.
8
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
9
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
10
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
11
Release the springform pan sides and slice the pie into serving pieces.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, to ensure a smooth and even filling.
Don't overmix the filling, as this can create a dense and tough texture.
Use a high-quality key lime juice that is fresh and flavorful, as this will make a big difference in the flavor of the pie.
If you're having trouble getting the crust to set, try refrigerating it for a longer period of time or using a higher ratio of graham cracker crumbs to sugar.
To ensure that the pie sets properly, make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
If you're looking for a lighter texture, you can add a little more whipped cream to the filling mixture.
To make the pie more stable, you can add a little more confectioners' sugar to the filling mixture.
To prevent the crust from becoming too hard, make sure to not overbake it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or stale graham crackers, can result in a dense and unpleasant texture.
Overmixing the filling can create a tough and dense texture, rather than a smooth and creamy one.
Not refrigerating the pie for long enough can result in a filling that is not set properly, and a crust that is not crunchy.
Using too much or too little key lime juice can throw off the balance of flavors in the pie.
Not using room temperature ingredients can result in a filling that is not smooth and even.
Not whipping the cream until stiff peaks form can result in a filling that is not light and airy.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pie for a touch of flavor and texture.
Use a different type of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a unique flavor twist.
Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as raspberries or blueberries, on top of the pie for a pop of color and flavor.
Use a different type of crust, such as a chocolate cookie crust or a nut crust, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, to the filling for a grown-up twist.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, for a non-dairy version of the pie.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the pie for a warm and spicy flavor.

What to Serve With No Bake Key Lime Pie

This no-bake key lime pie is perfect for serving at parties and special occasions, as it's easy to make ahead of time and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can serve it on its own, or with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate shavings.

Some other ideas for serving this pie include:

- With a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries

- With a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

- With a slice of chocolate cake or a chocolate truffle

- With a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee

Whipped creamFresh fruitChocolate shavingsCinnamon or nutmegCoffee or milkIce cream

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This no-bake key lime pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, simply wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To thaw, simply remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

When storing the pie, make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the filling can absorb odors easily. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the filling to become discolored.

Some other tips for storing this pie include:

- Using airtight containers to prevent the filling from absorbing odors

- Keeping the pie refrigerated at a consistent temperature below 40°F

- Freezing the pie as soon as possible after making it, to preserve the flavor and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of key lime juice should I use?

You can use either freshly squeezed or bottled key lime juice, depending on your preference. If using bottled juice, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is 100% key lime juice.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What type of crust should I use?

You can use either a homemade or store-bought graham cracker crust, depending on your time and availability. If using homemade, make sure to use a high-quality graham cracker that is fresh and flavorful.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with something else?

No, sweetened condensed milk is a crucial ingredient in this recipe and cannot be substituted with anything else. It provides a rich and creamy base for the filling and helps to balance out the flavor of the key lime juice.

How do I know when the pie is set?

You can check if the pie is set by gently jiggling the pan. If the filling is set, it should be firm and not jiggle. You can also check the filling by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, the pie is set.

Can I make this pie in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make this pie in a different size pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time and the amount of filling accordingly. Keep in mind that the pie may not set as well in a larger or smaller pan, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming too hard?

To prevent the crust from becoming too hard, make sure to not overbake it. You can also try adding a little more butter or sugar to the crust mixture to help keep it moist and crunchy.

Can I use a different type of citrus juice?

Yes, you can use a different type of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the pie. Key lime juice has a unique flavor that is hard to replicate with other types of citrus juice.

The Full Recipe

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