No Bake Key Lime Pie

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Easy No-Bake Key Lime Pie is cool, creamy, and packed with bright lime flavor. The smooth filling and crisp crust make it a refreshing summer dessert without turning on the oven.

slice of no bake key lime pie on a white plate.

Why You'll Love This No-Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

This easy no bake Key lime pie has a creamy, refreshing citrus filling and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Best of all, there's no need to turn on the oven!

And if you're not a fan of graham pie crust, do a blind bake (pie shell baked with no filling in it) regular pie crust using our Marie Callender Pie Crust recipe.

Effortlessly Delicious: This easy-to-follow recipe requires no baking, making it a breeze to prepare even for novice cooks.
Tangy and Refreshing: The combination of fresh key lime juice and zest delivers a burst of tangy citrus flavor that's perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the filling.
A Summertime Staple: This no-bake pie is a perfect addition to any summer gathering, offering a light and refreshing treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Overview

Trader Joe's Key Lime Tea Cookies and graham crackers create a crisp, buttery crust. Cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest make the filling smooth, creamy, and packed with bright citrus flavor.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

bowls with cream cheese, condensed milk, sugar, lime zest, and lime juice.

How To Make This No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Make the crust with crushed Key Lime Tea Cookies, graham crackers, and melted butter, then press it firmly into the pie plate. Beat the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and zest until smooth, spread the filling into the crust, and chill until set.

Use the step-by-step visual guide below to see how to prepare the crust, mix the filling, and assemble the pie.

Use a zester to zest the limes. Then roll them on the counter to loosen up the juice, cut them in half, and juice them. Set the juice & zest aside for the pie filling.

pie crust from lime coolers and graham crackers pressed into pie plate.

Melt the butter and mix it into the combined Key Lime Tea Cookie crumbs and Graham Cracker crumbs. Press into the pie pan and refrigerate.

cream cheese filling being mixed in a bowl.

Mix the filling ingredients in a bowl with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Pour the filling mixture into the prepared crumb crust. Spread the filling out evenly and refrigerate.

whipped cream piped along the rim of the crust.

Make stars with the whip cream all along the rim. Work your way in toward the center with whip cream stars.

Whip cream rosettes and slices of lime decorate the no bake key lime pie.

Cut a lime in half and slice some paper thin slices of lime. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and decorate the pie top with them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve no-bake key lime pie well chilled as a bright finish after a hearty dinner. Its cool citrus flavor pairs especially well with sous vide eye of round, oven-roasted tri-tip, or grilled top sirloin steak.

Top each slice with whipped cream, fresh lime zest, or a thin lime wedge just before serving.

a slice of no bake key lime pie on a white plate.

Substitutions and Variations

Use these simple swaps to change the citrus flavor or make individual pies.

Make a Lemon Pie: Replace the Key Lime Tea Cookies with lemon cookies, then use lemon juice and zest in place of the lime.
Use a Graham Cracker Crust: Skip the tea cookies and make the crust entirely with graham cracker crumbs.
Make Individual Servings: Divide the crust and filling among small jars or dessert cups for easy serving.

Storage Options

Keep the pie chilled so the filling stays firm and the crust holds together.

Refrigerate: Cover the pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze: Wrap the pie well and freeze it for longer storage, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Store the Topping Separately: Unstabilized whipped cream may deflate after a few hours, so add it shortly before serving.

Tips for Success

Use these tips for a firm crust, smooth filling, and whipped cream that holds its shape.

Make Fine Crumbs: Use a food processor to crush the cookies and graham crackers evenly so the crust packs firmly.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Bring it to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling.
Chill Until Firm: Give the pie enough refrigerator time to set completely before slicing.
Stabilize the Whipped Cream: Blend 2 tablespoons of sour cream into every 8 ounces of heavy cream before whipping to help it hold its shape longer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use all Trader Joe Key Lime Tea Cookies?

Yes, you can, you would need about 1 ½ boxes.

What is the difference between key limes and regular limes?

Key limes are smaller and have a more intense flavor than regular limes. They are also more aromatic and have a higher acidity.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes instead of key limes, but the flavor of the pie will not be as tart. You may need to add more lime juice to taste.

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for the crust?

Yes, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs, but they may not be as flavorful as homemade crumbs. To make your own graham cracker crumbs, simply pulse graham crackers in a food processor until they are fine crumbs.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped toppings like Cool Whip. However, homemade whipped cream is always best.

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close up of pie with whip cream and lime slices.

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