Easy Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies

Table of Contents

• Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
• The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert for Busy Hosts
• Key Ingredients That Unlock the Flavor
• Simple Steps to Frozen Perfection
• Serving & Storage Pro-Tips
• Get Creative: Fun Flavor Variations
• Recipe: Ingredients
• Recipe: Instructions
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This recipe is all about achieving an impressive, restaurant-quality dessert with minimal effort. You’ll master the art of creating a no-bake graham cracker crust and a luxuriously creamy, tangy filling that sets up perfectly in the freezer. The individual servings are not only adorable but also incredibly convenient for parties and meal prep. Remember, the quality of your lime juice is the star—fresh is fantastic, but a good bottled key lime juice works wonders too. Most importantly, these pies are the ultimate easy dessert recipes for beating the heat and wowing your guests.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest, sometimes we need easy recipes that look like we spent all day in the kitchen. As someone who loves to entertain but values my time (and sanity!), I created this recipe to be my secret weapon. These Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies are the epitome of a stress-free, make-ahead dessert. They deliver that perfect punch of sweet and tart in every creamy, frozen bite, proving that the best easy recipes don’t require complex techniques or a mountain of dishes.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert for Busy Hosts

If you’ve ever scrambled to put together dessert while your guests are arriving, you’ll appreciate the genius of a freezer-friendly treat. This recipe is designed for the savvy host. You can assemble these pies days in advance, tuck them into the freezer, and forget about them until party time. When you’re ready, simply add a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and a lime garnish—voilà! You have a stunning, chilled dessert that looks meticulously prepared, leaving you free to enjoy your own gathering.

Key Ingredients That Unlock the Flavor

Great easy dessert recipes often rely on a few powerhouse ingredients, and this one is no exception. The magic trio here is sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and fresh zest. The condensed milk provides a rich, sweet base that won’t crystallize in the freezer, while the lime juice and zest deliver that essential vibrant tang. Don’t skip the zest—it’s where the potent, aromatic oils live, giving your filling an authentic, bakery-fresh flavor that bottled juice alone can’t achieve.

Simple Steps to Frozen Perfection

The process couldn’t be more straightforward, making it one of my favorite sweet easy recipes to recommend. A buttery graham cracker crust gets pressed into jars, a creamy lime filling gets whipped up in minutes, and then the freezer does all the hard work. There’s no baking, no tempering eggs, and no fancy equipment needed—just a couple of bowls and a mixer. This quick and easy dessert recipe is foolproof, which is why it’s a staple in my collection at Betty Cooks.

Serving & Storage Pro-Tips

Presentation is everything! I love serving these in clear mason jars or elegant glass coupes so everyone can admire the layers. Let the pies sit at room temperature for just 5-7 minutes before serving to slightly soften the filling for the perfect creamy texture. For storage, keep them tightly covered in the freezer for up to two weeks. Add the fresh whipped cream topping only when you’re ready to serve to maintain its perfect texture. For a fun twist, try a frozen pina colada easy recipe version by blending in some coconut cream and crushed pineapple with the lime filling!

Get Creative: Fun Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic, the flavor world is your oyster. Think of this base as a canvas for easy recipes for dinner parties that need a sweet ending. Swirl in some raspberry puree for a “Pink Limeade” version, or add a layer of dark chocolate ganache under the filling for a decadent twist. For a tropical flair, mix in toasted coconut into the crust. The beauty of these individual desserts is how easy it is to create a few different variations to please every palate at your table.

Notes & Tips

• Lime Juice: Fresh key lime juice is ideal, but a high-quality bottled version is a perfect and convenient substitute.
• Freezing Time: Don’t rush the freezing process. A full 4 hours ensures the perfect sliceable-yet-creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead: These pies can be made and stored (without topping) in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• No Oven Needed: This is a true no bake easy cheesecake recipes alternative, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Easy Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies

Craving a cool, tangy, and easy dessert? These Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies are the perfect sweet easy recipe for summer! With a no-bake graham cracker crust and a creamy frozen pina colada easy recipe-inspired filling (but with key lime!), they’re a quick and easy dessert recipe ideal for easy recipes for dinner parties or a simple no bake easy cheesecake recipes alternative. Just mix, freeze, and enjoy!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy recipe, frozen dessert, individual dessert, key lime pie, No-Bake Dessert, summer recipe

Servings: 6 pies

Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

• 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
• Zest of 3 key limes (or regular limes)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
2. Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir until all crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among 6 (8 oz) mason jars, ramekins, or dessert cups. Press firmly into the bottom to create an even crust layer.

Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
2. In a separate chilled bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the key lime mixture until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the cream.

Assemble and Freeze

1. Spoon or pipe the key lime filling over the crust in each jar, dividing it evenly.
2. Smooth the tops with a spoon or offset spatula.
3. Cover each jar tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm.

Add Topping and Serve

1. When ready to serve, make the whipped cream topping: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium-stiff peaks form.
2. Remove the pies from the freezer. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
3. Garnish with a lime slice or zest if desired. Serve immediately while frozen.

Notes

For a stronger lime flavor, add an extra tablespoon of zest. You can use regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable. Ensure the pies are frozen solid (at least 4 hours) before adding the whipped cream topping if you are not serving them immediately. Store leftovers covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.