Description
These No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are creamy, tangy, and irresistibly easy to make. Layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs, smooth key lime filling, and fluffy whipped cream create a refreshing individual dessert that’s perfect for parties, summer gatherings, and make-ahead entertaining. No oven required!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Graham Cracker Layer
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Key Lime Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Extra lime zest
- Lime slices or wedges
- Graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the graham cracker crumbs: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until evenly combined and the crumbs resemble damp sand.
- Make the lime filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until creamy.
- Add the lime flavor: Slowly mix in the key lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat just until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until firm peaks form. Do not overbeat.
- Assemble the cups: Add a layer of graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of each small dessert cup. Spoon or pipe a layer of key lime filling over the crumbs.
- Create another layer: Add a thin layer of graham cracker crumbs, followed by another layer of key lime filling. Leave enough room at the top for the whipped cream.
- Add the whipped cream: Spoon or pipe whipped cream over each cup.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs and fresh lime zest. Add a small lime slice or wedge if desired.
- Chill: Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is well chilled and firm.
- Serve: Serve cold and garnish with additional lime zest or a fresh lime slice just before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to create a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Fresh key lime juice gives the most distinctive flavor, but regular lime juice can be used if key limes aren’t available.
- For the best presentation, use clear 4-ounce dessert cups so the layers are visible.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg