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Frozen Key Lime Pie

frozen Key lime pie - featured image

This easy frozen Key lime pie is a creamy, tangy, no-bake dessert perfect for summer. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling, it’s refreshing, crowd-pleasing, and simple to make ahead for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 full sheets graham crackers (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs or 150g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (396g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup Key lime juice (120ml, freshly squeezed preferred; regular lime juice okay)
  • Zest from 45 Key limes
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra lime zest or thin lime slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
  2. Add melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to the crumbs. Mix until evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup for even pressing. Freeze the crust for 10-15 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture with a rubber spatula until fully combined and light.
  7. Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
  8. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
  9. Remove the pie from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Top with whipped cream, extra lime zest, and lime slices if desired. Slice with a sharp knife for clean edges.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed Key lime juice and zest before juicing. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for faster whipped cream. Let the pie freeze overnight for the cleanest slices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and coconut condensed milk. Garnish with whipped cream, lime zest, or thin lime slices for a pretty presentation. Store leftovers tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: frozen key lime pie, no bake dessert, summer pie, creamy lime pie, easy key lime pie, make ahead dessert, graham cracker crust, citrus dessert, crowd pleaser, refreshing dessert