Name: Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-494658H43M31S
Total time: 1 h 9 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup salted butter (softened); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (room temperature); 3 Tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can of pineapple); 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained very well, reserve all the pineapple juice); 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ Tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

I absolutely adore sharing this Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe because it’s one of those delightful treats that bring a burst of tropical sunshine to any day. The tangy, creamy filling paired with the crisp, buttery crust is pure joy in every bite. As someone who loves quick and fuss-free desserts, this recipe is a total winner for me—it’s simple to whip up, requires no oven time, and serves up perfectly portioned mini pies that are just the right size for sharing or keeping all to yourself. If you love fresh, zesty flavors and a no-fuss dessert, you’re going to be all over this recipe!

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

This recipe has a flavor profile that I just can’t get enough of: bright, tangy key lime balanced with a smooth, sweet creaminess that melts in your mouth. Every spoonful feels refreshing and light, which is perfect when you want a dessert that doesn’t weigh you down but still satisfies your sweet tooth. The zing of the key lime juice paired with the subtle vanilla undertones really make this pie pop with flavor.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe is how effortless it is. You don’t have to turn on the oven or wait for hours—just mix, chill, and serve. It’s ideal for those last-minute gatherings or when I want to surprise guests without spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen. The portion control also makes it super fun because you can make these mini pies for an elegant presentation or just for a cute snack.

This dessert stands out for its versatility and charm. Whether I’m serving it at a summer barbecue, a casual brunch, or a festive holiday party, it always receives rave reviews. The mini size is perfect for serving individually, which means less mess and fuss, and more time enjoying the moment with loved ones. Honestly, it’s the recipe I reach for when I want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows ten small containers with different baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with white powdered sugar, next to it a wooden bowl with granulated white sugar, and a speckled ceramic bowl holding two small piles of white powders. Below the sugar bowls, a square white bowl holds a yellow mashed ingredient. To the right of it, a gold measuring cup filled with thick white cream sits next to a wrapped stick of butter. Near the bottom left, a small wooden bowl contains fine white salt, with a white egg placed beside it. At the bottom center, a black bowl is filled with white flour. Lastly, on the bottom right, there are two small white square bowls, one holding clear yellow liquid and the other with light brown liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of crisp crust and creamy filling. Fresh key lime juice brings the essential zing, while sweetened condensed milk provides that silky richness that makes the pie so indulgent yet refreshing.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust that adds a buttery, crunchy foundation.
Unsalted butter: Binds the crust together and gives it richness without overpowering flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Provides the creamy sweetness that makes the filling dreamy.
Fresh key lime juice: The star ingredient lending that signature tartness and fragrance.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness with a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Whipped cream: A light, airy topping that complements the dense filling perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of your mini pie pans or a muffin tin lined with paper liners, creating an even crust layer. Then, place them in the fridge to chill and set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract until the filling is completely smooth and slightly thickened. This mixture should be creamy and luscious, with a hint of tartness.

Step 3: Spoon or pipe the filling evenly over each chilled crust. Don’t be shy—make sure each mini pie is generously filled so you get that perfect balance of crust and filling in every bite.

Step 4: Cover the pies with plastic wrap and chill them in your refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch. Overnight chilling works even better if you want to prepare them a day ahead of time.

Step 5: Just before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and, if you want, a thin slice or zest of fresh key lime for that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of tropical delight!

Servings and Timing

This Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe makes about 8 to 10 mini pies, depending on the size of your tins—perfect for sharing with family or a small gathering of friends. The prep time is quick, around 15 minutes, since there's no baking involved. You should allow at least 2 to 3 hours for chilling, but overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor. The total time, including chilling, is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 15 minutes. No cooking time is required beyond mixing and chilling, making this a fuss-free dessert option.

How to Serve This Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe

The image shows three thick slices of yellow pound cake resting on a wooden board. The pound cake has a moist and dense texture with a light golden-brown crust around the edges and a soft, crumbly inside. The background features a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with pale yellow butter is partially visible in the corner. There is also a hint of a glass with orange juice in the upper right background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe, I love to keep things fresh and bright. A simple plating trick I swear by is arranging the mini pies on a pretty platter and garnishing each with a small lime wedge or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. It’s such a simple addition, but it adds that touch of charm and makes the pies feel extra special.

I find that these mini pies pair beautifully with light side dishes like a crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad, especially on warm days when something refreshing is all I want. For a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of sparkling wine complements the tartness perfectly, while a classic mojito echoes the lime flavor beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a citrusy iced tea or sparkling lemonade works like a charm too.

Since these pies are served chilled, I always remind guests to keep them refrigerated until right before eating. Serving them cold highlights the creamy texture and the crisp crust, creating a delightful contrast. Portion-wise, the mini size is perfect for savoring just enough sweetness without feeling overly full, so they’re fantastic not only for dessert but also for afternoon treats or celebrations where you want an elegant touch.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch up the crust, you could try crushed vanilla wafers or even a nut-based crust made from finely chopped almonds or pecans mixed with a bit of coconut oil to cater to gluten-free needs. The crust flavor changes but still holds that beautiful crumbly texture.

For those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, I’ve experimented using coconut cream in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative. It gives a subtly different flavor but still yields a luxurious filling with that key lime brightness intact. Just make sure to use vegan-friendly graham crackers for the crust to keep it entirely plant-based.

If you want to experiment with flavor, try adding a little fresh lime zest into the filling to amp up the citrus aroma or swirl in some pureed mango or passion fruit for a tropical twist. For a different twist on preparation, you can also try layering the filling in a single larger dish for a family-style dessert rather than mini pies. It’s fun to see how the same components can be elevated or transformed!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent the crust from getting soggy. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, though I recommend eating them within that timeframe to enjoy the best texture and flavor. If you’re planning to serve them later, just make sure to keep them chilled until ready to eat.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze mini key lime pies, it’s not my go-to because freezing can sometimes alter the texture of the creamy filling slightly. If you decide to freeze them, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—don’t thaw at room temperature to keep the filling firm and safe.

Reheating

Since this is a no bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. The best way to enjoy these pies is cold or straight from the fridge. If you feel the crust has softened slightly over time, a quick pop in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes could help restore some crunch to the crust before assembling, but generally, I serve them as-is chilled to highlight that creamy, refreshing filling.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Absolutely! While key lime juice is traditional for that signature tart and aromatic flavor, regular lime juice works just fine if you can’t find key limes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious, with plenty of citrusy brightness to make the pie refreshing.

Do I need to have a special pan for mini pies?

You don’t necessarily need a dedicated mini pie pan. Muffin tins lined with paper liners or silicone muffin cups work perfectly for portioning out this dessert. Just make sure to press your crust firmly to avoid crumbling when serving.

How long can I make these pies ahead of time?

These mini pies are fantastic when made a day in advance. Preparing them early allows the filling to set beautifully, and the flavors have more time to meld. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until serving.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. They bind just as well and give you the same great texture with no gluten.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Definitely. You can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly, or choose a light whipped cream topping without added sugar. Adding extra lime juice can also balance the sweetness with more tartness, creating a perfectly balanced dessert for your palate.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Easy Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Recipe a try because it’s become one of my all-time favorite go-to desserts. It’s bright, creamy, and effortlessly impressive—everything you want in a dessert that feels like a little celebration with every bite. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or wow your guests, these mini pies deliver that perfect mix of fresh flavor and easy prep. I’m so excited for you to taste how irresistible and refreshing this recipe is—it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your collection too!