No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie
This tangy and creamy key lime cheesecake pie features a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, no-bake filling that sets in the fridge. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, softened cream cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 8 oz, softened cream cheese
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 cup, for topping whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust layer. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Gradually add 14 oz sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and velvety.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice and 1 tbsp lime zest, mixing gently until the filling thickens slightly and has a uniform pale green color.
- Step 6: Pour the filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Step 8: Before serving, spread 1 cup whipped cream evenly over the pie and garnish with additional lime zest if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Pie?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
