No-Bake Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
A refreshing no-bake pie featuring a zesty key lime filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for a quick and tangy dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 23 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, sweetened condensed milk 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 320 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 unsalted butter, melted
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust.
- Step 2: Bake the crust for 8 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 14 oz sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes silky, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Step 6: Before serving, top the pie with 1 cup whipped cream, spreading it evenly or piping decorative swirls.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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 Pie with Graham Cracker Crust 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 Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
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.
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