Mini Key Lime Pies

Serve these Mini Key Lime Pies at any spring or summer gathering, and watch them vanish before your eyes. The sweet yet tart filling is perfectly complemented with a swirl of whipped cream and fresh berries.

Mini Key Lime Pies

When it's hot outside, I prefer to make no-bake desserts to avoid using the oven. Some of our favorites are fruit parfaits and pina colada fruit dip.

I usually make mini strawberry pies in the warmer months because they're my husband's favorite. However, I discovered an extra package of pie crusts and bottled key lime juice this week in our pantry. So, I decided to switch things up and make tart, mini pies for dessert.

Did you know that even though the peels are green, key lime juice is actually yellow? That's why an authentic key lime pie is yellow, not green. Whether you call it yellow or green, you'll agree that this creamy citrus dessert is perfect for your next holiday or picnic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

• The tart lime curd is easy to make on the stovetop with just a few ingredients.
• Using a store-bought crust saves time and energy. You pour the filling into it and let it chill.
• A swirl of Cool Whip, fresh fruit, and mint leaves make the miniature key lime pies so pretty. They will definitely be the first dessert chosen at parties and picnics.

Main Ingredients 

You can easily prepare individual key lime pies for dessert using just a few simple ingredients. Whipped cream and fresh fruit make the little pies so pretty.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the tart filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Our favorite is Nellie & Joe's Key West Juice, which can be found in most grocery stores in the juice aisle.
• Large Eggs: This key lime curd recipe calls for whole eggs. There is no need to separate the egg yolks or waste ingredients.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the curd.
• Graham Cracker Crusts: To save time, buy a package of ready-made crusts. You can also make this buttery graham cracker crust and press it in cupcake liners or small tart pans.
• Toppings: Cool Whip, fresh raspberries, fruit slices, and mint leaves make this mini dessert extra pretty. You can also use this homemade whipped topping instead.

BruCrew Tip: Use leftover juice to make ​key lime cheesecake.

How To Make Key Lime Tarts

Classic key lime pie is a timeless summer treat that you can enjoy at any time of the year. This mini version is easy to prepare on the stovetop with minimal effort.

1. Whisk the eggs, sugar, and juice in a heat-proof medium bowl until well blended.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water, and steam should not escape around the sides of the bowl. Cook and stir the mixture for 5-8 minutes, until it thickens and reaches 180°.
3. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Butter makes it so silky and creamy.
4. Spoon or pour the hot, creamy filling into your mini pie crusts. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the warm curd surface and let it come to room temperature. Then, place the mini pie crusts in the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

BruCrew Tip: Use a piping bag and icing tip 1M to swirl homemade whipped cream on top of each mini pie. Then top with a fresh raspberry, lime slice, and mint leaf.

Storage Recommendations

Cover the mini pies lightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Tips and Tricks

• Make an Oreo cookie crust in a pie pan using golden Oreos.
• You can buy frozen mini phyllo shells at the grocery store. Thaw them out, and then add the filling and toppings.
• Can't find key limes? Use equal portions of lemon and lime juice and lime zest instead.
• You can prepare these mini pies one day ahead, so you won't have to worry about dessert on the day of your event.
• Don't feel like making pies? Serve the filling with yogurt or vanilla ice cream, or layer it with no-bake cheesecake in parfaits.

FAQs

More Key Lime Desserts

• Key Lime Coconut Patties
• Key Lime Bars
• Coconut Lime Cake
• Key Lime Puff Pastry
• Key Lime Pound Cake

Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life? 

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This post was first published in June 2019. It was updated and then republished in June 2024.