Ready for the ultimate summertime treat that doesn’t even require turning on your oven? Meet these irresistibly creamy, tangy, and cool No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups – the perfect answer to your dessert cravings! With their zesty lime flavor and silky smooth filling layered over crunchy graham cracker crumbs, these cups are guaranteed to brighten up any day. Fun fact: the original Key lime pie hails from sunny Florida, relying on the tart juice of tiny Key limes for that signature flavor. But why fuss with pie tins and baking when you can whip up these personal-sized treats in a fraction of the time?
What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and speed. Everything comes together in just minutes, making it the perfect last-minute dessert for family gatherings or afternoon snacking. If you love my No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits, you’ll be obsessed with these too. They’re just as delicious, with a vibrant citrus twist. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive in—these cups are sure to become your new favorite sweet treat!
What is No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups?
With a name like No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups, you have to admit, it sounds as fun as it tastes! Ever wondered why we bothered to put all the goodness of a key lime pie into little cups? Well, why not! It’s a playful twist on a beloved classic, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t want their own perfectly portioned pie? These cups are as easy to make as they are to eat, making you the hero of any party or potluck. Like they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but with these luscious, creamy treats, you’ll win over everyone’s hearts. Don’t just take my word for it—give them a try and let the swooning begin!
Why You’ll Love This
If you’re a fan of zesty, creamy, and delightfully refreshing desserts, these No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups will be love at first bite. The star of the show is the dreamy, smooth filling spiked with bright key lime flavor—balanced perfectly by the buttery crunch of graham cracker crumbs. Making this dessert at home is budget-friendly compared to ordering specialty desserts at a bakery, and you can control every ingredient to suit your taste. The real magic happens with the toppings: a swirl of pillowy whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest bring irresistible color and big flavor to every single spoonful.
If you’ve tried my Lemon Cheesecake Cups, you’ll recognize the same creamy texture, but with an extra punch of citrus! Whether you’re prepping for a party or making a treat just for yourself, these No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups prove that homemade dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You’re going to want to make these on repeat!
How to Make
Quick Overview
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are proof that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This recipe is a winsome combo of creamy, tart filling layered over buttery crumbs, all lovingly tucked into individual cups. They’re easy to assemble and chill in under 30 minutes—no oven or fancy equipment required! Perfect for warm days or busy schedules, these cups promise creamy, citrusy goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime zest, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
Step-by-Step
- Start by making the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of individual serving cups or jars, pressing down gently to create a firm layer. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-lime mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream for the creamiest texture.
- Evenly divide the filling among the prepared cups, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula.
- Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and chilled.
- Before serving, top each cup with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for that extra pop of flavor and color.
What to Serve No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups With
Pair these No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups with a glass of chilled iced tea or sparkling water infused with fresh mint for the ultimate refreshment. They’re a bright finale to a summer barbecue, or the perfect treat alongside a fresh fruit salad. For a more indulgent dessert spread, serve them with chocolate-dipped strawberries or mini shortbread cookies. Their tangy flavor also balances beautifully with savory snacks like salted mixed nuts or light cheese platters. No matter the occasion, these cups fit right in!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Substitutions: Don’t have key limes? Standard limes work just as well and taste just as great.
- Timing: Let the cups chill a full two hours for the best texture. Overnight is even better if you can plan ahead.
- Mixing: Don’t overbeat the cream cheese mixture; you want a fluffy, light consistency.
- Cups & Presentation: Use mini mason jars, wine glasses, or even sturdy disposable cups for fun, portable portions.
- Garnishing: Fresh lime zest adds tons of flavor and looks beautiful—don’t skip this step!
- Mistake to Avoid: Make sure ingredients—especially cream cheese—are softened to avoid lumps.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Key Lime Pie Cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors. These cups are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating since they’re a cold dessert. If you want to freeze them for later, wrap each cup in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture—whipped cream topping is best added fresh just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes work wonderfully and are much easier to find in most grocery stores.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Are these cups gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by swapping standard graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Can I use cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
You can! Store-bought whipped topping is a convenient substitute if you’re in a hurry.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions—use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and vegan sweetened condensed milk.
Conclusion
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are the perfect solution when you want something sweet, creamy, and refreshing but don’t want to heat up your kitchen. This easy, no-bake recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic key lime pie without the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead dessert for a summer get-together or a simple treat to enjoy any night of the week, these delightful cups will hit the spot every time. Give them a try, share them with friends and family, and don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on the blog for even more no-bake inspiration!
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Equipment
-
Mixing Bowl
-
Electric Mixer
-
Serving Cups
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar
Garnish
- Lime zest for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely moistened and resemble wet sand.
-
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of individual serving cups or jars, pressing down gently to create a firm layer. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
-
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
-
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-lime mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream for the creamiest texture.
-
Evenly divide the filling among the prepared cups, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula.
-
Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and chilled.
-
Before serving, top each cup with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for that extra pop of flavor and color.
Notes
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Serving Cups
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar
Garnish
- Lime zest for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are completely moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of individual serving cups or jars, pressing down gently to create a firm layer. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-lime mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream for the creamiest texture.
- Evenly divide the filling among the prepared cups, smoothing the tops with a spoon or spatula.
- Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set and chilled.
- Before serving, top each cup with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest for that extra pop of flavor and color.