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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup sour cream - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice) - 1 tablespoon lime zest - Whipped cream (for topping) - Lime slices (for garnish) When you want to make a No-Bake Key Lime Pie, you need these basic ingredients. The graham cracker crumbs give the crust its sweet, crunchy base, while granulated sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness. The melted unsalted butter helps bind the crumbs together. Sweetened condensed milk and sour cream create a creamy filling. Fresh key lime juice and lime zest pack a zesty punch, bringing that bright flavor. Finally, whipped cream crowns the pie, making it even more delightful. - Alternative crust options: If you want a different crust, use crushed nuts or cookies. Almond flour or Oreo crumbs work well too. - Sweetened condensed milk substitutes: You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It keeps the pie creamy and adds a coconut hint. - Lime juice alternatives: If you can't find key limes, regular limes are great. You can also use bottled lime juice, but fresh is best for flavor. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors for the best results. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To start, gather your crust ingredients. You need graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Mix in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until it looks like wet sand. This mixture should hold together when pressed. Next, take a 9-inch pie dish. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides. Make sure it is even all around. This step is key for a good crust. After pressing, chill the crust in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps it set and hold its shape. Now, let’s make the creamy filling. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup of fresh key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and blended well. Good texture is important here. You want a creamy and thick filling that will spoon easily. If the filling is too runny, it may not set right in the crust. After the crust has chilled, it’s time to add the filling. Carefully pour the lime filling into the crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly. This helps create a smooth top, making it look nice when served. Once the filling is smooth, place the pie in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend and the pie to firm up. To make the best crust, you need the right texture. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter well. The mix should feel like wet sand. Press it firmly in the pie dish to form a solid base. If you want to add flavor, try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices can give your crust a nice twist. Chilling time is key for the pie to set. After you pour in the filling, let it chill for at least four hours. For the best flavor, chill it overnight. When you slice the pie, use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth after each cut. This keeps the slices neat and tidy. Topping your pie is fun! You can use whipped cream for a rich finish. Add lime slices and zest for color and zest. If you want, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top. This adds a nice crunch. Serve the pie on chilled plates for a cool treat. A mint leaf can make it look even better! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for extra inspiration. {{image_4}} You can make your No-Bake Key Lime Pie even more fun! For a tropical twist, try adding coconut. Mix in shredded coconut to the filling for a delightful texture and flavor. You can also top it with toasted coconut for an extra crunch. Berries are another great option. Adding fresh raspberries or blueberries can brighten the pie. They add a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with lime. Just fold them into the filling before pouring it into the crust. Herbs can give your pie a unique taste. Infusing mint into your filling adds a refreshing kick. Simply muddle some fresh mint leaves with the lime juice before mixing. This brings a cool flavor that’s perfect for summer. If you want a vegan version, it’s easy to modify this recipe. Swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream. Use a dairy-free cream cheese in place of sour cream. This keeps the pie creamy and delicious without any animal products. For those who need a gluten-free option, skip the graham crackers. You can use almond flour mixed with a bit of coconut oil for the crust. Another option is gluten-free cookies, crushed and mixed with butter. Both alternatives will hold together well and taste great. You can find the full recipe above to help guide you in creating these variations! To store leftovers, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge. This keeps the pie fresh for you to enjoy later. If you want to freeze it, slice the pie first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever you want a treat. No-Bake Key Lime Pie lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You’ll know it’s time to toss it if you see mold or smell something sour. If the filling looks watery or the crust feels soft, it's best to throw it out. Always check before you dig in! Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make this pie a day or two ahead. It tastes better when chilled and set. Just cover it well and keep it in the fridge. This way, you save time on the day you plan to serve it. Is it safe to use regular limes instead of key limes? Yes, you can use regular limes. Key limes have a unique flavor, but regular limes work too. Just keep in mind that the taste might change a bit. It will still be zesty and refreshing. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream? Absolutely! Whipped topping is a good substitute for whipped cream. It can make the pie lighter and easier to spread. Just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve. What to do if the filling is too runny? If your filling is runny, add more lime zest or a little more sour cream. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate it for a longer time. This helps it firm up well. How to fix a crust that won’t hold together? If your crust falls apart, add a bit more melted butter. Mix it well until it sticks. Press it harder into the dish to form a solid base. Let it chill longer to set properly. For the full recipe, check the section above. In this post, we explored how to make No-Bake Key Lime Pie. We covered ingredients, steps, tips, variations, and storage tips. This pie is easy and fun to make. You can customize it with different flavors or dietary needs. Remember to chill it well for the best taste. With these tips, you’ll impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy your delicious dessert!

No-Bake Key Lime Pie

Beat the heat with this Zesty No-Bake Key Lime Pie that's bursting with flavor and super easy to make! With a delicious graham cracker crust and creamy lime filling, it's the perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow our simple instructions to create a refreshing treat that everyone will love. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving this delightful pie!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

½ cup sour cream

½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)

1 tablespoon lime zest

Whipped cream (for topping)

Lime slices and additional zest (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.

    Firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom and along the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even layer to form the crust. Once completed, chill the crust in the refrigerator for approximately 15 minutes to allow it to set.

      While the crust is chilling, prepare the creamy filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, fresh key lime juice, and lime zest until the mixture is smooth and completely blended.

        After the crust has chilled, carefully pour the lime filling into the crust. Using a spatula, spread the filling evenly across the surface to ensure a smooth top.

          Place the prepared pie in the refrigerator, allowing it to set for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight for the best texture and flavor infusion).

            Once set, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Generously top it with whipped cream, using a spatula or piping bag for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh lime slices and an extra sprinkle of lime zest for an added color and flavor boost if desired.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling) | Servings: 8

                - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on chilled plates to keep the pie cool, and add a mint leaf for an attractive touch alongside the lime garnish.