If you’re chasing that perfect balance of tart and sweet with a creamy texture that feels like a cool ocean breeze on a hot day, this Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a luscious, velvety pie made with the freshest key limes, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, and finished with a dreamy, fluffy topping that’s been frozen to icy perfection. It’s refreshing, decadent, and so simple to make, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role to create a pie that’s bursting with flavor and texture. These essentials keep the process fuss-free while ensuring every bite is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
- 1 (9-inch) store-bought graham cracker crust: This provides a crisp, slightly sweet base that complements the tart lime filling beautifully and saves prep time.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it gives the pie a rich, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Delivers luscious sweetness and creamy body to the filling, balancing the lime’s acidity.
- 12 ½ key limes (3 zested, 12 juiced): Their fresh zest and juice are the star of the dish, infusing the pie with that iconic bright, tangy punch only key limes can offer.
How to Make Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip It to Perfection
Start by whipping the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks—this is crucial for giving your pie that light, dreamy texture. Then gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk, the zest from three key limes, and the juice from twelve. Folding carefully helps maintain the airy quality, blending tang, creaminess, and sweetness without deflating your whipped cream.
Step 2: Assemble and Freeze
Next, spread this luscious lime mixture evenly into your graham cracker crust. Cover the pie with plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent any freezer odors from settling in. Pop it into the freezer for at least six hours—or until it’s fully set and firm to the touch. Patience here rewards you with a delightfully chilled dessert that’s firm yet fluffy.
How to Serve Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your pie with a few fresh lime slices or a sprinkle of extra lime zest for a pop of color and an extra zing of citrus aroma. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds that extra bit of creamy indulgence, making each slice look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie shines beautifully on its own, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try serving it alongside tropical fruit salads or a simple berry compote. The juicy fruits complement the tangy, creamy notes for a refreshing combo that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe in elegant mini tart shells for individual portions that wow your guests. Or, try layering the filling in parfait glasses with crushed graham crackers and lime zest for a creative, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for summer parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices can be kept covered in the freezer for up to a week. Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve that fresh lime flavor.
Freezing
This Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe is built for the freezer! Freezing the pie not only sets the texture beautifully but also makes it easy to prepare ahead. Just be sure to let it thaw for a few minutes before slicing for clean cuts and the best texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed here—this pie is best enjoyed frozen. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing those creamy flavors and bright citrus notes to shine through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes will work if key limes are unavailable, but keep in mind that key limes have a more intense and floral citrus flavor that really defines this pie.
Is the graham cracker crust necessary or can I make it from scratch?
You can definitely make your own graham cracker crust if you prefer – it adds a lovely homemade touch, but the store-bought crust is a great time-saver and tastes great as well.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free or vegan version, you’ll have to substitute the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and a vegan condensed milk, but the classic texture might be slightly different.
How long will this pie stay fresh in the freezer?
For optimal taste and texture, enjoy the pie within one week of freezing. Longer than that, and it might start to lose some of its creamy, fresh qualities.
What’s the best way to slice the pie without it cracking?
Use a sharp, warm knife dipped in hot water then wiped dry for smooth slices. Letting the pie sit out for a few minutes before cutting also helps prevent cracking.
Final Thoughts
This Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer for any dessert lover who craves a sweet, tangy, and creamy treat that’s effortless to make yet impressive to serve. Whether for a sunny afternoon or a festive gathering, this pie brings all the cheer of summer to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be making it over and over again!
Print
Frozen Key Lime Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Frozen Key Lime Pie is a refreshing, no-bake dessert perfect for warm weather. Using a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a creamy, tangy mixture of whipped heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh key lime juice and zest, it freezes to a smooth, luscious consistency that’s easy to slice and serve chilled.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (9-inch) store-bought graham cracker crust
Filling
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ½ key limes (3 zested, 12 juiced)
Instructions
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the 2 cups of heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, which provides the airy texture for the filling.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk, zest of 3 key limes, and juice from all 12 key limes into the whipped cream, carefully blending to maintain the airy structure while infusing the vibrant lime flavor.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour and spread the whipped cream mixture evenly into the 9-inch graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Freeze: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer odors and moisture loss. Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours or until the filling is completely set and firm enough to slice.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh key limes for authentic flavor; bottled lime juice will alter taste and texture.
- Ensure heavy cream reaches stiff peaks to create a light, fluffy filling that holds well after freezing.
- This pie does not require baking, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
- Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
- Store leftover pie covered in the freezer for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
