Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe
These Mini Key Lime Pies feature a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a tangy, creamy key lime filling. Perfectly portioned into individual servings and topped with whipped cream and lime zest, these pies are a refreshing dessert ideal for summer gatherings or any time you crave a citrusy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
- Yield: 16 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Additional lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a standard muffin pan with 16 cupcake liners to prepare for baking the mini pies.
- Combine crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles coarse, wet sand. Add a bit more butter if the mixture needs to be more cohesive.
- Bake crusts: Press about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture firmly into each muffin liner, ensuring the crust is compact. Bake the crusts for 6 minutes to set.
- Mix filling: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing. Gradually pour in the sweetened condensed milk, then stir in lime zest, a pinch of kosher salt, and key lime juice until fully combined.
- Bake pies: Evenly divide the filling among the pre-baked crusts. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pies are mostly set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
- Chill: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional lime zest for a fresh, decorative touch.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic and vibrant flavor; bottled juice can be used but may alter the taste slightly.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Pressing the crust firmly into the liners helps prevent it from crumbling when removing or eating the pies.
- You can prepare these pies a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and save time on serving day.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and whipped cream with suitable plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: key lime pie, mini pies, dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy lime filling, summer dessert, individual pies
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/mini-key-lime-pies-recipe/
