Description
Delightful mini key lime pies showcase Florida’s zesty citrus heritage in a perfectly portioned dessert. Creamy filling nestled in graham cracker crusts delivers refreshing tartness that will charm guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish and Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Create a crumbly foundation by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl until the texture resembles damp sand.
- Carefully press the crust mixture into mini tart pan cavities, ensuring an even distribution across bottom and sides. Chill in refrigerator for 60 minutes to solidify the base.
- Prepare the vibrant lime filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk with fresh key lime juice and zesty lime zest until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gently transfer the lime filling into the chilled crusts, using a spatula to create a perfectly level surface on each mini pie.
- Craft a light and airy whipped cream topping by beating heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff, billowy peaks emerge.
- Elegantly decorate each mini pie by piping or dolloping the whipped cream using a pastry bag or spoon.
- Sprinkle additional lime zest across the whipped cream for a burst of citrusy brightness and visual appeal.
- Allow the mini pies to rest in the refrigerator for 120 minutes, enabling the filling to set and flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly without crumbling.
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that truly makes these mini pies sing with tangy brightness.
- Chill the tart pan before pressing the crust mixture to help it set faster and create a more stable base for the creamy filling.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg