No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups Easy and Refreshing Treat

September 27, 2025 by Rachel

Looking for a delicious, easy dessert? These No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups are the perfect treat! You’ll love how simple it is to make them. With a creamy filling and a crunchy crust, they’re refreshing and fun to eat. Plus, you don’t need to turn on the oven! Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, it’ll be a hit!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups, you will need:

– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

– 1/2 cup sour cream

– 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)

– Zest of 2 key limes

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Whipped cream, for topping

– Lime slices and key lime zest, for garnish

Notes on Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. For example, if you can’t find key limes, regular limes work well too. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still taste great. You can use any brand of sweetened condensed milk. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds a nice tang while cutting calories.

Tips for Choosing Fresh Key Limes

When picking key limes, look for ones that feel heavy for their size. They should be firm but give slightly when you press them. This means they’re juicy! The skin should be smooth and shiny. If you can, smell them; fresh limes have a bright, citrusy scent. Buy them in bulk if you can. You’ll want to zest a couple for that extra flavor in your pie cups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust

First, gather your ingredients for the crust. You will need graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix them well until they look like wet sand. This gives the crust its shape and flavor. Take a heaping tablespoon of this mixture and spoon it into the bottom of each cup. You can use about 6 to 8 cups for this recipe. Press down gently to make a nice layer for the crust.

Mixing the Key Lime Filling

Next, let’s make the filling. In another bowl, whisk together one can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice, and the zest of 2 key limes. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling brings a cool and tangy flavor to your cups.

Assembling the Cups

Now it’s time to put it all together. Pour the creamy lime mixture into each cup, filling them to the top over the crust. Once filled, cover the cups with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set. This step helps the flavors blend and the texture to firm up. After they set, take them out of the fridge. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a pop of color, garnish with lime slices and more zest. Enjoy your refreshing treat!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture

To get that smooth and creamy texture, whisk the filling well. Mix the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla until it is fully blended. This step is key. If you see lumps, your cups won’t be as nice. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix better and gives you a richer filling.

Refrigeration Time: Why It Matters

Refrigeration time is very important for these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups. You need to chill them for at least four hours. This time allows the filling to set properly. If you skip this step, the cups will be too runny. The longer you chill, the firmer they get. If you can, let them sit overnight. They will be even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions for Better Presentation

For a beautiful presentation, serve the cups on a colorful platter. Add fresh lime slices and mint leaves around them. This adds a pop of color. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle extra key lime zest on top. This not only looks great but also enhances the flavor. Enjoy the smiles on your guests’ faces when they see your treat!

Variations

Alternate Flavor Combinations

You can change up the key lime flavor in fun ways. Try using lemon or orange juice for a twist. You can also add a touch of coconut milk for a tropical flair. Mix in fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for extra color and taste. These small swaps keep the recipe fresh and exciting.

Using Different Crust Types

While graham crackers shine, other crusts work well too. Use crushed cookies like Oreos for a chocolate twist. You can also make a nut-based crust with almonds or pecans if you want something gluten-free. Try a shortbread crust for a richer taste. Each type adds its own unique flavor and texture.

Adapting for Special Dietary Needs

You can easily make these cups fit special diets. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Opt for a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to keep it creamy. If you need it vegan, use a plant-based butter and follow the same steps. These simple changes let everyone enjoy this treat.

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

To store your key lime pie cups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors from other foods. You can also use airtight containers if you have them. Just make sure they are sealed well.

How Long Can They Last in the Fridge?

These key lime pie cups can last in the fridge for up to five days. After that, the crust may get soft, and the filling might lose its zest. To enjoy them at their best, eat them within this time frame.

Freezing Options for Key Lime Cups

If you want to freeze your key lime pie cups, I recommend leaving off the whipped cream. You can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each cup in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the whipped cream just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes. The taste will change a bit. Key limes are sweeter and have a unique flavor. If you use regular limes, your cups will still be tasty. Just squeeze the lime juice and zest them. This will keep the fresh lime flavor.

How long does it take for the pie cups to set?

The pie cups need at least 4 hours to set. This time helps the filling firm up. If you can, let them chill overnight. The longer they sit, the better they taste. You want that creamy texture to shine.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the crust ahead of time. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter, then store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a few days. When you are ready, press it into the cups. This makes your prep easier!

This blog post shared key insights on making delicious key lime cups. We covered essential ingredients and how to choose the freshest key limes. You learned step-by-step instructions for the crust and filling. Tips for the best texture and presentation will elevate your cups. Variations allow you to customize based on your taste. Finally, proper storage techniques ensure your treats stay fresh. Enjoy your baking journey and create sweet moments with your key lime cups!

$To make No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups, you will need: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice) - Zest of 2 key limes - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream, for topping - Lime slices and key lime zest, for garnish You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. For example, if you can't find key limes, regular limes work well too. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still taste great. You can use any brand of sweetened condensed milk. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds a nice tang while cutting calories. When picking key limes, look for ones that feel heavy for their size. They should be firm but give slightly when you press them. This means they’re juicy! The skin should be smooth and shiny. If you can, smell them; fresh limes have a bright, citrusy scent. Buy them in bulk if you can. You’ll want to zest a couple for that extra flavor in your pie cups. First, gather your ingredients for the crust. You will need graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Mix them well until they look like wet sand. This gives the crust its shape and flavor. Take a heaping tablespoon of this mixture and spoon it into the bottom of each cup. You can use about 6 to 8 cups for this recipe. Press down gently to make a nice layer for the crust. Next, let’s make the filling. In another bowl, whisk together one can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice, and the zest of 2 key limes. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling brings a cool and tangy flavor to your cups. Now it’s time to put it all together. Pour the creamy lime mixture into each cup, filling them to the top over the crust. Once filled, cover the cups with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set. This step helps the flavors blend and the texture to firm up. After they set, take them out of the fridge. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a pop of color, garnish with lime slices and more zest. Enjoy your refreshing treat! To get that smooth and creamy texture, whisk the filling well. Mix the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla until it is fully blended. This step is key. If you see lumps, your cups won't be as nice. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix better and gives you a richer filling. Refrigeration time is very important for these No Bake Key Lime Pie Cups. You need to chill them for at least four hours. This time allows the filling to set properly. If you skip this step, the cups will be too runny. The longer you chill, the firmer they get. If you can, let them sit overnight. They will be even better the next day! For a beautiful presentation, serve the cups on a colorful platter. Add fresh lime slices and mint leaves around them. This adds a pop of color. Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle extra key lime zest on top. This not only looks great but also enhances the flavor. Enjoy the smiles on your guests' faces when they see your treat! {{image_2}} You can change up the key lime flavor in fun ways. Try using lemon or orange juice for a twist. You can also add a touch of coconut milk for a tropical flair. Mix in fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for extra color and taste. These small swaps keep the recipe fresh and exciting. While graham crackers shine, other crusts work well too. Use crushed cookies like Oreos for a chocolate twist. You can also make a nut-based crust with almonds or pecans if you want something gluten-free. Try a shortbread crust for a richer taste. Each type adds its own unique flavor and texture. You can easily make these cups fit special diets. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Opt for a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to keep it creamy. If you need it vegan, use a plant-based butter and follow the same steps. These simple changes let everyone enjoy this treat. To store your key lime pie cups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors from other foods. You can also use airtight containers if you have them. Just make sure they are sealed well. These key lime pie cups can last in the fridge for up to five days. After that, the crust may get soft, and the filling might lose its zest. To enjoy them at their best, eat them within this time frame. If you want to freeze your key lime pie cups, I recommend leaving off the whipped cream. You can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each cup in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the whipped cream just before serving for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use regular limes. The taste will change a bit. Key limes are sweeter and have a unique flavor. If you use regular limes, your cups will still be tasty. Just squeeze the lime juice and zest them. This will keep the fresh lime flavor. The pie cups need at least 4 hours to set. This time helps the filling firm up. If you can, let them chill overnight. The longer they sit, the better they taste. You want that creamy texture to shine. Yes, you can make the crust ahead of time. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter, then store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a few days. When you are ready, press it into the cups. This makes your prep easier! This blog post shared key insights on making delicious key lime cups. We covered essential ingredients and how to choose the freshest key limes. You learned step-by-step instructions for the crust and filling. Tips for the best texture and presentation will elevate your cups. Variations allow you to customize based on your taste. Finally, proper storage techniques ensure your treats stay fresh. Enjoy your baking journey and create sweet moments with your key lime cups!$