No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in a simple, easy dessert. This recipe reminds me of lazy afternoons spent enjoying the warm sun, with refreshing lime desserts always bringing a smile to my face. People love this recipe for its smooth and tangy filling, paired with the crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates a sweet yet tart flavor, and the best part? It requires no baking! If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dessert that everyone will love, these Key Lime Pie Cups are worth trying.
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups! First, let’s talk about ease. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require an oven, making it a perfect choice for hot days when you’d rather avoid extra heat in the kitchen. You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, and then let the fridge do the rest of the work.
The ingredients are easy to find and most are staples in many households. You likely already have graham crackers, sugar, and butter hanging around in your pantry. The fresh, zesty flavor of lime paired with the creaminess of the filling is simply irresistible.
Family gatherings are a great opportunity to make this dessert, as everyone can enjoy their individual cups. Guests love the fun of having their dessert in a cup, and you can make a big batch to serve everyone. It also feels special to present each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. This dessert doesn’t just taste great; it also brings a visual joy to the table.
How to Make No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Making No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups is an enjoyable experience filled with colorful flavors and textures. You’ll start by creating the graham cracker crust, which offers a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling beautifully.
Soon, the sweet scent of lime juice will fill your kitchen, mingling with the creaminess of the whipped cream. As you layer each component in the cups, the anticipation builds; they will be a hit! Once you spoon in the fluffy filling, you’ll get to tease your taste buds while imagining the moment you take your first bite after they’ve set in the refrigerator.
Speaking of serving, just think about how fun it will be to offer each guest their little cup of happiness. Decorating with whipped cream and lime zest adds that extra touch, making it almost too pretty to eat! Almost!
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: This will give your dessert a nice crunch and sweetness. You can crush the crackers yourself or buy pre-crushed crumbs.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the crust perfectly, balancing the tartness of the lime filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps bind the crust together, giving it that buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creams and richness to the filling. Make sure it’s soft; it makes mixing a lot easier. You can use light cream cheese if you want to reduce fat.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient provides sweetness and helps create a luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup key lime juice: This is the star of the show! Fresh or bottled, key lime juice brings that bright tart flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work too.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth to each bite.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For making the filling light and airy, giving it that creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping and helps it hold its shape.
- Lime zest, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and enhances the lime flavor.
- Whipped cream, for topping: Makes this dessert extra indulgent and visually appealing.
Directions
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Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until they are well combined. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until everything is coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
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Fill the cups: Divide the crust mixture evenly among your serving cups. Press it down firmly with your fingers to create a solid layer at the bottom of each cup.
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Make the filling: In a large bowl, take 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
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Mix in the condensed milk: Gradually add 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese. Make sure to mix well after each addition.
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Add lime juice and vanilla: Pour in 1/2 cup of key lime juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
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Whip the cream: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form, this usually takes a few minutes.
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Combine everything: Gently fold the whipped cream into your key lime filling. Be careful not to overmix; you want the filling to stay light and fluffy.
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Spoon in the filling: Take the key lime filling and spoon it carefully over the crust in each cup, filling them nearly to the top.
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Chill the cups: Place the filled cups in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours. This helps the filling set nicely.
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Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for a fresh finish.
How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
These No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups can be enjoyed on various occasions! They’re a fantastic dessert to serve at summer barbeques, birthday parties, or family get-togethers. Their individual cups make them easy to share and are perfect for serving at picnics or potlucks.
Pair your cups with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for an extra zing. They also make a delightful end to a spicy meal, as their cool, tart flavor is a great way to cleanse the palate.
If you want to get creative, you can even turn these cups into a party favor. Just make them in small cups with lids or jars, and your guests will love taking home a sweet reminder of the get-together!
How to Store No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Storing any leftovers of your No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups is easy! Cover the cups with plastic wrap or a lid and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you have made a big batch, and you’re worried about them being eaten in time, you can freeze them! Just make sure to remove the whipped cream topping before freezing. Wrap each cup well to prevent freezer burn, and they can last up to a month in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat a frozen cup, simply transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw. If you want to enjoy it right away, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Once it’s soft, you can top it with fresh whipped cream and enjoy!
Tips to Make No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Here are some handy tips to ensure your No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: This makes blending the filling a breeze, avoiding lumps.
- Don’t overmix the whipped cream: Stop mixing as soon as you see stiff peaks. Overmixing can turn the whipped cream grainy.
- Taste as you go: You can adjust the lime juice to your preference. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar.
- Be patient: Let them chill for the full 4 hours, or even overnight if you can. The longer they set, the better the flavors meld together.
- Zest with care: Use a zester or fine grater to gather just the green part of the lime—this adds flavor without bitterness!
Variation
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical touch. You can also mix a little coconut extract into the filling.
- Berry Delight: Top each cup with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a sweet contrast and a pop of color.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly. Just make sure to use dairy-free whipped cream for topping!
FAQs
Q: Can I make No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these cups 1-2 days before you need them. Just store them in the fridge, and they will taste even better after sitting for a bit.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
There is no need to heat No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups since they are served chilled! If they’ve been frozen, simply thaw them in the fridge as mentioned earlier.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can! If you want a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese. The texture may vary a bit, but the flavor will still be delightful!
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are a delicious and easy dessert that everyone will enjoy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your family to this delightful, no-bake dessert!
Print
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing no-bake dessert with a smooth and tangy lime filling, complemented by a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime zest, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in melted unsalted butter until well mixed.
- Fill the cups: Divide the crust mixture among serving cups and press down firmly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in condensed milk gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- Add lime juice and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine everything by gently folding in the whipped cream into the key lime filling.
- Spoon the filling into the cups, filling them nearly to the top.
- Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish each cup with whipped cream and lime zest before serving.
Notes
These cups can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. For freezing, remove the whipped cream topping and wrap each cup to prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: key lime pie, no bake dessert, summer treats, easy dessert, refreshing dessert