No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar Recipe

The Perfect No-Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar Recipe – Zesty & Easy

Key lime pie in a jar refines a traditional dessert into a playful, portable delight that captures summer’s essence.

Zesty citrus notes dance with smooth, velvety textures in this compact culinary creation.

Crisp graham cracker layers provide a satisfying crunch against the silky filling’s vibrant profile.

The dessert balances sweet and tart sensations with remarkable precision, inviting sensory exploration.

Compact portions make this treat ideal for gatherings, picnics, or personal indulgence.

Minimal preparation and zero baking requirements ensure anyone can craft this impressive dessert with confidence.

Grab a spoon and prepare for a refreshing, creamy adventure that promises delightful complexity.

Tips for Perfecting No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar

  • Crumble Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs for a consistent base texture.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact layer that won't get mushy.
  • Achieve Silky Filling: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to blend smoothly without lumps.
  • Enhance Lime Flavor: Use fresh key lime juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste compared to bottled juice.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate jars for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and filling to set completely.

Keeping No Bake Key Lime Pie Fresh for Later Enjoyment

  • Refrigerate leftovers in sealed jars for up to 3-4 days. Cover each jar tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Freeze individual jars for longer storage by wrapping them securely with plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen desserts can last up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Thaw frozen key lime pie jars in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Gently stir the contents to restore smooth texture, and add fresh whipped topping if the original garnish looks less appealing after freezing.

What to Serve with No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar

  • Pair with Crisp Tropical Cocktail: Complement the tangy key lime pie's zesty flavor with a refreshing mojito or margarita. The citrusy notes will enhance the dessert's bright, tropical essence.
  • Match with Light White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy texture and cut through the richness of the dessert. These wines share similar citrus undertones with the key lime pie.
  • Serve with Fresh Berry Garnish: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries alongside the jar for a burst of color and complementary fruity flavor. The berries will provide a natural sweetness that contrasts with the pie's tangy profile.
  • Accompany with Cold Brew Coffee: A smooth, chilled cold brew coffee creates a delightful counterpoint to the sweet and creamy dessert. The coffee's slight bitterness will beautifully offset the pie's rich, smooth texture.

Creative Variations of No Bake Key Lime Pie

  • Tropical Coconut Crunch: Swap graham crackers with toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut between layers for extra tropical flavor.
  • Berry Bliss Jar: Replace key lime juice with fresh raspberry or strawberry puree, creating a vibrant pink-hued dessert with a fruity punch.
  • Chocolate Zesty Fusion: Mix cocoa powder into the graham cracker base and add a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache on top for a rich, decadent version.
  • Nutty Lime Sensation: Incorporate crushed almonds or pistachios into the graham cracker base and garnish with toasted nut fragments for added crunch and depth.

No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar: Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Summer

  • Craft a Hassle-Free Dessert: Whip up this no-bake key lime pie without turning on the oven, making it perfect for busy days or when you want a quick sweet treat.
  • Enjoy Layered Texture Delight: Savor the creamy key lime filling nestled on a crunchy graham cracker base, creating a mouthwatering contrast that delights your taste buds with every spoonful.
  • Showcase Portable Party Perfection: Serve these individual jars at gatherings, picnics, or summer parties, allowing guests to grab their own personal dessert without any messy cutting or serving.
  • Create Zesty Flavor Explosion: Experience the tangy key lime juice balanced with sweet condensed milk and rich cream cheese, delivering a refreshing and indulgent flavor profile that screams summer happiness.

What You Need to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar

Crust Base:
  • Graham Crackers, Butter: Classic base with rich, buttery crunch that provides delightful texture and foundation for the dessert.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy ingredient that creates rich and creamy texture for the pie filling.
  • Condensed Milk: Sweet, thick milk that adds richness and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Greek Yogurt: Provides tanginess and smooth consistency to the pie mixture.
  • Key Lime Juice: Signature citrus flavor that gives the pie its distinctive, bright taste profile.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Whipped Topping: Light and airy layer that adds creamy sweetness to the dessert.
  • Lime Slices: Fresh garnish that enhances visual appeal and provides a hint of fresh citrus aroma.

How to Make Quick and Creamy No Bake Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Crumble Graham Cracker Base

Grab a rolling pin or food processor to crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with cracker crumbs until they stick together like sandy beach soil. Set mixture aside for layering.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Lime Filling

In a stand mixer, blend these ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Condensed milk
  • Greek yogurt
  • Fresh key lime juice

Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely combined. Refrigerate mixture for 10 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 3: Create Layered Jar Foundations

Sprinkle a generous layer of graham cracker mixture into each jar. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down and create a compact bottom layer.

Step 4: Pour Tangy Lime Mixture

Carefully spoon the chilled key lime filling over the graham cracker base. Ensure an even distribution in each jar, leaving some space at the top.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Top each jar with fluffy whipped cream. Accent with thin lime slice or extra graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and texture set.

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No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar Recipe

No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Key Lime Pie in a Jar delivers tropical zesty flavors with creamy graham cracker layers nestled in portable mason jars. Refreshing lime custard and silky whipped cream create an irresistible dessert perfect for summer gatherings or personal indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package graham crackers
  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ can (around 7 ounces/198 grams) condensed milk

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

  • ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Key lime juice to taste
  • Whipped topping (amount depends on jars)

Garnish and Serving:

  • Limes to garnish
  • 4 small glass jars

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, then thoroughly blend with melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand with consistent texture.
  2. In a large electric mixer, combine room temperature cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, full-fat Greek yogurt, and freshly squeezed key lime juice, whipping on medium speed until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous cream (approximately 2-3 minutes).
  3. Refrigerate the creamy key lime mixture for 10-12 minutes to enhance its stability and allow flavors to meld together.
  4. Distribute an even, compact layer of graham cracker mixture across the bottom of each glass jar, gently pressing down with the back of a spoon to create a firm base.
  5. Carefully spoon the chilled key lime filling over the graham cracker foundation, ensuring smooth and even distribution that reaches approximately 3/4 of the jar’s height.
  6. Crown each jar with a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating soft peaks for aesthetic appeal.
  7. Garnish with thin, delicate lime wedges or zest for a vibrant, citrusy accent.
  8. Chill the assembled desserts in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow complete setting and flavor development.

Notes

  • Prepare graham cracker crust ahead of time to save precious minutes during assembly.
  • Chilling the mixture ensures a firmer, more stable texture that holds its shape beautifully in the jar.
  • Layer ingredients carefully to create stunning visual appeal and prevent crumbs from mixing with creamy filling.
  • Use fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant, authentic citrusy flavor that elevates this dessert.
  • Serve chilled directly in the jar for an easy, portable summer treat that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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