Description
Tropical Florida flavors dance through these mini key lime dream pies, blending tangy citrus with creamy sweetness. Crumbly graham cracker crusts cradle silky lime filling, offering you a perfect bite-sized dessert that whisks senses straight to sunny coastlines.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Crust):
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lime slices or zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a cohesive graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the texture mimics damp beach sand.
- Distribute the crumbly mixture evenly across mini tart pans, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Refrigerate briefly to solidify the crust’s structure.
- Transform cream cheese into a silky canvas by whipping until ultra-smooth, then gradually incorporate sweetened condensed milk, vibrant key lime juice, fragrant zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gently pour the zesty lime filling into the chilled crusts, ensuring a pristine, level surface using a gentle spatula motion.
- Allow the mini pies to rest and set in the refrigerator, transforming into a cool, creamy delicacy over several hours.
- Prepare an ethereal cloud of whipped cream by whisking heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks stand majestically.
- Embellish each miniature pie with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream, accenting with delicate lime zest or a slim lime slice for a visual flourish before presenting.
Notes
- Chilling the crust helps create a sturdy base that won’t crumble when serving these delightful mini pies.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to blend smoothly and prevent lumpy filling.
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant and authentic citrusy flavor that makes these mini pies special.
- Whip cream just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture and prevent deflation.
- Refrigerate pies for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set completely and develop rich, creamy consistency.
- Zest lime directly over the whipped cream topping for an extra burst of bright, aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg