Description
Zesty key lime magic dances through these mini pies, promising a tropical escape with minimal effort. Cool, creamy filling nestled in graham cracker crusts delivers refreshing Florida-inspired flavors that sweep you into sunny culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
Crust Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Additional lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Transform graham crackers into a crumbly foundation by pulverizing them into fine particles, then blend with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Gently press the graham cracker mixture into mini tart pans, creating a uniform layer along the bottom and sides, ensuring a compact and even crust.
- Chill the prepared crusts in the refrigerator for approximately one hour, allowing them to solidify and develop structural integrity.
- Whisk sweetened condensed milk with fresh key lime juice and zesty lime zest in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a silky, vibrant filling with a tangy tropical essence.
- Carefully pour the lime mixture into the chilled crusts, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Using a clean mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into voluminous, stiff peaks that hold their shape confidently.
- Artfully pipe or dollop the whipped cream atop each mini pie, creating elegant swirls or gentle mounds that crown the lime filling.
- Sprinkle additional lime zest over the whipped cream for a burst of color and aromatic citrus accent.
- Return the completed mini pies to the refrigerator and allow them to set for a minimum of two hours, ensuring a perfectly chilled and firm dessert.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicate, crisp texture.
- Freeze mini pies for up to two weeks, wrapping individually in plastic wrap to preserve their fresh, tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
- Use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for a more vibrant, authentic citrus taste that elevates the entire dessert’s brightness.
- Reduce sugar content by using Greek yogurt as a partial substitute for sweetened condensed milk, creating a lighter, less sweet pie with a subtle tang.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg