No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups

If sunshine had a flavor, this would be it! These No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and sweet, all layered up in the cutest little cups you’ve ever seen. Think key lime pie vibes without ever turning on the oven yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Perfect for summer get-togethers, backyard BBQs, or just when you’re craving something fresh and fun without the fuss.

These little dessert cups are creamy from the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, zesty from the lime juice and zest, and perfectly crunchy from the buttery graham cracker crumble. Trust me, these are an instant mood-lifter. So, grab a spoon and get ready to dig in this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for parties, picnics, or even as a make-ahead treat for busy weekdays. You can serve them in fancy glasses or fun jars whatever suits the vibe.
Budget-Friendly: No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple pantry and fridge staples.
Quick and Easy: No baking, no gelatin, no stress. Just layer and chill.
Customizable: Swap graham crackers for Biscoff or add a berry topping the options are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups

These cups are made with love, lime, and just the right amount of crunch. Here’s what goes into the magic:

Cream Cheese: The silky, tangy base that makes each bite feel luxuriously creamy. Soften it to room temperature for the best texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds the sweetness and richness that blends beautifully with the lime. It’s thick, sweet, and makes the whole thing taste like summer.

Key Lime Juice and Zest: The star of the show. Use fresh key limes if you can find them or bottled key lime juice in a pinch. Regular limes work too!

Graham Cracker Crumbs: The crunchy base that mimics a pie crust. Buttery, golden, and oh-so-satisfying.

Butter: Mixed with the graham crumbs to hold them together and add that classic buttery richness.

Whipped Topping or Whipped Cream: For folding into the filling and topping off each cup with a light, fluffy finish.

Optional Garnishes: Lime slices, extra zest, or even crushed graham crackers for a finishing touch.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: No need to heat anything this is a completely oven-free recipe. That’s part of the magic!

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk, then mix in the lime juice and zest until everything is well blended and creamy.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Set out your serving cups, jars, or glasses. Clear ones look especially pretty to show off those layers.

Assemble the Dish: In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture is like wet sand. Spoon a layer into the bottom of each cup and gently press down. Add a layer of the creamy lime filling over the crumbs, then repeat if desired.

Cook to Perfection: Pop the assembled cups in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. This lets the flavors meld and the filling firm up.

Finishing Touches: Right before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with lime zest or a tiny lime wedge. It’s those little details that make them extra special.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and watch everyone’s faces light up with that first tangy-sweet bite. These are sunshine in a cup!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6 cups
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)

How to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve in mini mason jars for an adorable picnic dessert. Top with crushed nuts or toasted coconut for added crunch. Pair with fresh berries for a colorful twist. Serve alongside iced tea, mojitos, or a glass of sparkling water for a refreshing summer vibe.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make the night before for even more flavor development.
• Want extra lime punch? Add more zest it won’t mess with the texture.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off for cleaner layering.
• For a lighter version, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt (but it won’t be quite as rich).
• Use Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for a twist.
• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the topping for extra fluff.
• Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd trust me, they’ll go fast.
• Add a dash of coconut extract for a tropical twist.
• Make them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats.
• Don’t skip the chill time this sets the filling and intensifies the flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime?
Yes! While key limes have a unique flavor, regular limes still make a delicious pie.

2. Do I need to bake the graham cracker crust?
Nope! The butter holds it together once chilled, so no baking required.

3. Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds its shape in the filling.

4. How long do they last in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, tightly covered.

5. Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze without the whipped topping, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

6. What’s the best container to use?
Small glass cups, ramekins, or mini mason jars work perfectly.

7. Can I make this into one big pie instead?
Definitely just press the crust into a pie dish and pour in the filling, then chill.

8. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Yes, just make sure it’s 100% lime juice with no added sugars or preservatives.

9. Can I add gelatin for a firmer set?
You can, but it’s not necessary unless you want a more sliceable texture.

10. What if I don’t have a mixer?
You can mix everything by hand it’ll just take a little more elbow grease to get smooth!

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing summer vibes or just want an easy dessert that wows without any oven time, these No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups totally deliver. They’re refreshing, zesty, creamy, and downright delightful. Perfect for parties or quiet nights in, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few recipe requests. Go ahead and make a batch you’ll be hooked after the first spoonful!

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