This no bake key lime pie is smooth and creamy. It doesn’t require any baking and is a refreshing dessert that is easy to make. It is only 4 ingredients and also doesn’t require any eggs. It is great to serve at events and gatherings.
This no bake key lime pie is one of my favorite no bake desserts to make in the summer. It is so creamy and refreshing and tastes like key lime cheesecake in pie form.
Ingredients
- Limes
- Cream Cheese
- Condensed Milk
- Graham Cracker Crust
Limes: This pie is made with fresh lime juice and zest. While key lime pie gets its name because it is traditionally made with key limes, you don’t need to make it with key limes. I prefer using regular limes because they are much easier to juice. If you don’t like limes, I also have a lemon version.
Cream Cheese: This recipe uses full fat cream cheese. Cream cheese makes this pie ultra creamy and also cuts into some of the sweetness. If you find traditional key lime pie to be too sweet, then I think you will enjoy this cream cheese version because the cream cheese adds some tanginess to the mixture and makes the filling taste like key lime cheesecake.
Condensed Milk: Make sure to use full fat sweetened condensed milk. Condensed milk is a traditional ingredient for key lime pie. In this no bake version, it is also the combination of condensed milk with lime juice that makes the filling set without needing to bake it. It also sweetens the pie and makes the filling creamy and like a custard.
Graham Cracker Crust: I used a premade 9 inch graham cracker crust. You can also make your own graham cracker crust.
How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie
The cream cheese is first beaten until light and fluffy. The condensed milk is then mixed in and then the lime juice and zest. The filling is then poured into the graham cracker crust. It’s then ready to go in the fridge or freezer to set. The pie will set in either the fridge or freezer. If you put it in the fridge, the pie filling will be like a thick custard. If you freeze it, the pie filling will be more firm, like ice cream.
Tips
If you prefer a more traditional key lime pie filling, I also have a 3 ingredient no bake key lime pie without cream cheese.
If you want to have clean cut slices, it’s better to freeze the pie. You can still slice it if it has only been in the fridge, but the filling isn’t quite as firm.
More Pie Recipes
4 Ingredient No Bake Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 8 oz (227 g) full fat cream cheese brought to room temperature
- 14 oz (397 g) full fat sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) lime juice + 1/2 tbsp lime zest
- 1 9-inch premade graham cracker crust
Instructions
- Add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until it is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl a few times as needed to make sure all the cream cheese gets beaten.
- Add in the condensed milk. Beat until you have a smooth batter. Add in the lime juice and zest. Mix on low speed until they are evenly incorporated.
- Pour pie filling into the graham cracker pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth and even out the surface. Place pie into fridge or freezer to set. If placing in the fridge, it will need several hours to set. If placing in the freezer, it will only need about one hour to freeze. If you want to decorate the pie, wait for the filling to set and then decorate. If you freeze the pie, keep it frozen until ready to serve. If you refrigerate the pie, keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
- If you freeze the pie, the filling will be more firm and easier to cut clean smooth slices. The filling will taste more like key lime cheesecake ice cream. If you refrigerate the filling, the filling will be very creamy and have a custard-like consistency. You will still be able to cut it into slices.
- 14 oz of condensed milk refers to weight, not volume. Condensed milk is usually sold in 14 oz cans so you will need one (14 oz) can for this recipe.
- 8 oz cream cheese refers to weight. One block of cream cheese is usually 8 oz so you will need one (8 oz) block.
- I decorated the top of the pie with fresh whipped cream and some lime zest.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
I love the taste of this easy to make recipe. But, It is frustrating that it never seens to firm up unless I put it into the freezer and remember to take it out in time for it to soften up before cutting and serving
Is there any additive that could be used to make the refrigerated version become firmer without affecting the great taste ??
Thanks
It should firm up with just refrigerator. I would make sure you are using full fat sweetened condensed milk and 100% lime juice (not lime juice that has water added to it). If it’s not firming up it sounds like one of your ingredients may have something added to it which would prevent it from firming up properly.
What bisc do I use for the key lime pie,as our bis in Australia are different to yours in USA thank you for your great recipes
We use a premade 9 inch graham cracker crust.
I add a little Dream whip to this recipe.
nice!
Love recipes ?
Thank you!
Can I use evaporated milk?
It will not work with evaporated milk
Yes however used non fat sugar free products and its came out perfect! Thank you for the idea!
We’re glad it worked well for you!