These no bake key lime pie cups are one of my favorite make-ahead desserts for spring and summer entertaining. They’re creamy, tangy, layered with graham cracker crumbs, and topped with whipped cream, lime zest, and a fresh lime slice for a dessert that feels so pretty without being hard to make.
I love these because they solve so many party dessert problems at once. Since they’re made in individual dessert cups with lids, they’re easy to store, easy to transport, and perfect for bringing to a Mother’s Day brunch, baby shower, bridal shower, picnic, beach day, or summer party. They feel special and bakery-style, but they’re actually very simple.
If you love key lime pie but want something easier to serve for a crowd, these mini key lime pie cups are such a good option. No slicing, no messy serving, and no baking. Just layer, chill, top, and bring them wherever you need an easy dessert.
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
- no bake and easy to make ahead
- creamy, tangy, and refreshing
- perfect for spring and summer parties
- easy to transport in dessert cups with lids
- great for Mother’s Day, showers, picnics, and beach days
- pretty individual servings for a crowd
- layered with graham cracker crumbs and fluffy key lime filling
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the filling:
- sweetened condensed milk
- lime juice
- heavy cream
- sugar
- vanilla extract
For the layers and topping:
- graham crackers
- whipped cream
- lime zest
- fresh lime slices
How to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
Start by crushing the graham crackers. You can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they turn into fine crumbs.
In a bowl, mix together half of the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice mixture until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla until medium peaks form. Then fold 1 cup of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture to make the filling light and fluffy.
Set out 8 clear dessert cups. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of each cup. Spoon or pipe in the key lime filling until each cup is about halfway full. Add another 1 1/2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs, then top with more key lime filling almost to the top.
Transfer the remaining whipped cream to a piping bag or piping tool and pipe a swirl onto each cup. Finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, a little lime zest, and a half-moon slice of fresh lime.
Chill until ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Tips
These key lime pie dessert cups are such a good make-ahead dessert because they can be assembled in advance and kept chilled until you need them. I especially love using dessert cups with lids because you can cover them, stack them in the fridge, and bring them right to a party.
They’re perfect for:
- Mother’s Day brunch
- baby showers
- bridal showers
- summer parties
- backyard cookouts
- picnics
- beach days, as long as they stay chilled in a cooler
Storage
Store these no bake key lime pie cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, they’re especially good within the first 1 to 2 days. Because they contain dairy, they should not sit out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if it’s very hot outside.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Pie Cups
- Use cold heavy cream so it whips up properly.
- Don’t over-whip the cream.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the key lime mixture to keep it light.
- Dessert cups with lids make these much easier to transport.
- Add the lime slice right before serving if you want the freshest look.
FAQ
Can I make no bake key lime pie cups ahead of time?
Yes. These are a great make-ahead dessert because they can be assembled ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
How long do key lime pie cups last in the fridge?
They should be stored covered in the fridge and are best within 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, enjoy them sooner.
Are these good for parties and showers?
Yes. These individual dessert cups are perfect for parties, showers, and brunches because they’re easy to serve and easy to transport.
Can I bring these to the beach or a picnic?
Yes, but keep them chilled in a cooler or insulated bag since they are dairy-based desserts.
No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
Description
These no bake key lime pie cups are creamy, tangy, and perfect for parties, showers, Mother’s Day, picnics, and summer entertaining. Made with graham cracker crumbs, fluffy key lime filling, and whipped cream, they’re easy to make ahead and transport in dessert cups with lids.
Ingredients
For the key lime filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 tablespoons lime juice
For the whipped cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembly
- 2 sleeves graham crackers, crushed
- lime zest, for topping
- 4 lime slices, cut into half moons
- 8 clear dessert cups
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the graham crackers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin until they form fine crumbs.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice until smooth and blended.
- In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Fold 1 cup of the whipped cream into the key lime mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Set out 8 clear dessert cups. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers to the bottom of each cup.
- Spoon or pipe the key lime filling into each cup until halfway full.
- Add another 1 1/2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs to each cup.
- Top with more key lime filling almost to the top.
- Transfer the remaining whipped cream to a piping bag or piping tool and pipe a swirl onto each cup.
- Sprinkle with a little extra graham cracker crumbs and lime zest, then top each cup with a half slice of fresh lime.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- These dessert cups are perfect for making ahead.
- Dessert cups with lids make them easy to store and transport.
- Keep chilled until serving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- For the best texture, enjoy within 1 to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 25
- Chill Time: 120
- Category: dessert
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: american
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