Fluffy Key Lime Pie Recipe – American Special
This fluffy key lime pie is the perfect no-bake dessert—featuring an airy lime filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream or meringue, all nestled in a buttery graham crust. It’s a refreshing summer treat that balances tartness with light sweetness and sets beautifully in just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Total Time40 min
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest (if using). Beat until fully combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream too much. The filling should be light and fluffy.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the fluffy lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and chill.
Serve:
Before serving, garnish with lime slices or lime zest for a fresh touch.
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing, creamy goodness of your homemade Fluffy Key Lime Pie!
Recipe Notes :
A delicious make-ahead dessert—assemble and refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor melding.
The cream-cheese filling is key to the light, luscious texture—ensure the cream cheese is well softened before mixing for smooth consistency.
Chill-to-set tip: refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to allow the airy filling to firm up properly before serving.
