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No Bake Key Lime Pie pinterest

No Bake Key Lime Pie

A refreshing and tangy no-bake key lime pie that offers the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors in a classic graham cracker crust. Made entirely without baking, this dessert is ideal for warm summer days when you don't want to heat up your kitchen.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch Pie Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer

Ingredients
  

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 full sheets, finely crushed
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • salt pinch

Key Lime Filling

  • 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 14 oz each
  • 1 cup fresh key lime juice about 20-25 key limes or substitute with regular limes
  • 4 teaspoons lime zest plus extra for garnish
  • 4 large egg yolks pasteurized for food safety
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Whipped Cream Topping

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • lime slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it evenly. Place in the refrigerator to firm up while preparing the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and salt until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Pour the key lime filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Cover with plastic wrap (not touching the filling) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight to allow the filling to set completely.
  • Just before serving, place a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill.
  • Pour cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Dollop or pipe the whipped cream onto the set pie. Sprinkle with additional lime zest and garnish with thin lime slices.
  • Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, allow the pie to chill overnight before serving.
The acid from the lime juice naturally "cooks" the egg yolks, but use pasteurized eggs for guaranteed food safety.
Add ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar to stabilize your whipped cream if you plan to make it in advance.
If you can't find key limes, regular limes work well but use about 15% less juice as they are less tart.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 9gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 55gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mg
Keyword Key Lime Pie, No Bake Dessert, Summer Dessert, Citrus Dessert
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