Name: Key Lime Pie Lush
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz double‑stuffed Golden Oreos (about one family‑size package); ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 6.8 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (two 3.4 oz packages); 5½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided; 1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled); ½ cup powdered sugar; Zest of 1 lime

I love how this Key Lime Pie Lush is a no-bake, five-layer dessert that's both tart and sweet—perfect for summer get-togethers, and it doubles as a refreshing frozen treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this lush because it's irresistibly creamy, full of tangy key lime flavor, and super simple to put together—just about 20 minutes of prep, then chill, and it's ready to impress. It’s one of my go-tos for warm-weather entertaining.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

20 oz double-stuffed Golden Oreos (about one family-size package)
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
6.8 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (two 3.4 oz packages)
5½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
½ cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lime

directions

Pulse the Golden Oreos in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Reserve 1½ cups of crumbs and mix the rest with melted butter. Press this into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the instant pudding mix and continue mixing. Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream while mixing. Stir in the key lime juice until fully combined. Reserve ⅔ cup of this filling, and spread the remaining mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups of Oreo crumbs evenly over the filling layer.
In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 3½ cups of heavy cream with the powdered sugar until medium peaks form. Reserve about ⅓ of the whipped cream.
Fold the reserved ⅔ cup cream cheese mixture into the larger portion of the whipped cream. Stir in lime zest. Spread this layer over the cookie crumb layer.
Finally, spread or pipe the reserved whipped cream on top. Chill the dessert for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Servings and timing

This dessert serves about 16 people. Prep time is 20 to 25 minutes, plus a minimum of 6 hours to chill in the refrigerator.

Variations

I sometimes use Nilla wafers or graham crackers instead of Golden Oreos for a different crust flavor.
When I don’t have key limes, I use regular limes or bottled key lime juice. Both work great.
I like to freeze individual slices so I can serve them like an ice cream dessert—perfect on hot days.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers stay fresh and creamy. If I freeze it, I wrap it tightly and let it thaw slightly in the fridge before serving. It’s just as good cold or frozen.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Golden Oreos for the crust?

I’ve made this with graham crackers and Nilla wafers. If using Nilla wafers, I double the amount to get a firm crust.

Can I use light or fat-free cream cheese?

I’ve tried light cream cheese and it works well. I avoid fat-free because it doesn’t blend as smoothly and can change the texture.

Do I need to use instant vanilla pudding?

Yes, the instant pudding helps set the filling and adds flavor. I’ve also used French vanilla and liked the taste.

Is the lime zest necessary?

I always include it—it adds a bright, fresh burst that takes the flavor up a notch. It’s subtle but makes a big difference.

Can I freeze the whole dessert?

Yes, I freeze the whole thing or individual portions. It holds up well and tastes amazing frozen—like a creamy lime icebox cake.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Pie Lush is one of my favorite no-bake desserts. The layers of tart, creamy, and crunchy textures come together beautifully, and it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether I serve it cold from the fridge or straight from the freezer, it’s always a hit.

Key Lime Pie Lush

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This no-bake Key Lime Pie Lush is a five-layer dessert that's tart, sweet, creamy, and perfect for summer entertaining or serving as a frozen treat.

Ingredients

20 oz double‑stuffed Golden Oreos (about one family‑size package)
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
6.8 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (two 3.4 oz packages)
5½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
½ cup powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lime

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Instructions

Pulse Oreos in a food processor to crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups crumbs; mix the rest with melted butter. Press into a 9×13 dish to form the crust.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then stir in pudding mix. Add 2 cups heavy cream slowly, mixing between additions, then blend in key lime juice. Reserve ⅔ cup of this mixture. Spread the rest on the crust.
Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups cookie crumbs on top of the cream cheese layer.
Whip remaining 3½ cups heavy cream with powdered sugar until medium peaks form. Reserve ⅓ of whipped cream. Fold the rest into the reserved ⅔ cup cream cheese mixture with lime zest. Spread over the cookie layer.
Spread or pipe the reserved whipped cream over the top layer.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Can substitute Golden Oreos with Nilla wafers or graham crackers (double quantity if using Nilla wafers).
Light cream cheese can be used, but avoid fat-free.
Bottled key lime juice is a fine substitute for fresh.
This dessert freezes well and can be served frozen for a refreshing treat.