Go Back
To make these Mini Key Lime Pies, gather the following ingredients: - Graham Cracker Crust Components - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - Key Lime Filling Ingredients - 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 2 large egg yolks - Toppings and Garnishes - Whipped cream, for topping - Lime zest, for garnish These ingredients are simple yet essential for a tasty mini pie. The graham cracker crust adds a nice crunch. The key lime filling gives that fresh, tangy flavor. Topping with whipped cream makes each bite delightful. You can find the full recipe in other sections for preparation details. Preheating and Crust Preparation First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for baking. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are coated. Take a mini muffin tin and press the crumb mix into the bottom and up the sides. Use your fingers or a spoon to form a firm crust. Making the Key Lime Filling In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and combined. This filling gives the pies their signature tangy flavor. Assembling the Mini Pies Carefully spoon the lime filling into each cooled graham cracker crust. Fill them about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow while baking. Baking the Crust Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake the crusts for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Baking the Filling After you fill the crusts, return the mini pies to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is set. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Cooling and Chilling Process Let the mini pies cool to room temperature. Once cool, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step makes them fresh and tasty. Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some lime zest on top. Enjoy every bite of your delicious mini key lime pies! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. Adjusting Sweetness Levels You can make your mini key lime pies sweeter or tangier. If you like it sweeter, add more sweetened condensed milk. Start with a tablespoon, then taste. If it's too sweet, add a bit more key lime juice. Balance is key! Selecting Quality Key Limes Use fresh key limes for the best flavor. Look for limes that are firm and heavy. They should feel juicy when you squeeze them. If you can't find key limes, regular limes can work too, but the taste will vary. Ensuring a Smooth Filling To get a smooth filling, whisk well. Mix the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until no lumps remain. A smooth mixture bakes better and looks nicer. If you see lumps, strain the mixture through a fine mesh before filling the crusts. Presentation Ideas Serve your mini pies on a colorful platter. Add lime slices and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. You can also use small cups instead of a platter for a fun twist. Each mini pie can have its own little cup! Pairing with Beverages These pies pair well with light drinks. Try serving them with iced tea or sparkling water. A refreshing cocktail with lime can also enhance the flavors. Think about what you like to drink to find the perfect match. {{image_2}} When you make mini key lime pies, you can switch things up. This keeps the fun alive. Here are some tasty variations to try. - Gluten-Free Alternatives: You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Look for brands that work well for baking. They taste great and keep the same crunch. - Vegan Options: To make vegan mini pies, use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. Mix it with lime juice and a thickener like cornstarch. This gives you a creamy filling without eggs or dairy. - Adding Coconut: For a tropical twist, mix shredded coconut into the crust. You can also top the pies with toasted coconut flakes. This adds a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness. - Experimenting with Berries: You can add berries to your filling. Try blending in some strawberries or blueberries. This gives your mini key lime pies a new burst of flavor and color. To keep your mini key lime pies fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their creamy texture and bright flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. How long do they last? In the fridge, your mini key lime pies can stay fresh for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to two months. What are the signs they have spoiled? Check for any off smells or changes in texture. If the filling has separated or the crust feels soggy, it's best to toss them. Always trust your senses to ensure a tasty treat! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided earlier. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes? Yes, you can use regular limes. They have a different taste, but they work well. Key limes are smaller and tarter. They add a unique flavor to your pies. If you want the classic taste, use key limes. How can I make a larger version of mini key lime pies? To make a larger pie, simply use a regular pie dish. The filling will need more time to bake. Follow the same mixing and baking steps. Just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a set filling. What are the best toppings for these pies? Whipped cream is the most popular topping. You can also use fresh lime zest for color and flavor. Some people enjoy adding toasted coconut or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Get creative and find what you like best! Can I make the crust ahead of time? Yes, you can make the crust a day before. Just store it in an airtight container. This saves time when you want to bake the filling. Make sure it cools completely before storing. What can I do if my filling doesn’t set properly? If your filling does not set, it may need more baking time. Ensure your oven is set to the right temperature. If it still doesn't set, try adding more egg yolks next time. They help to firm up the filling. In this blog post, we explored the delightful process of making mini key lime pies. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to ensure perfect results. You can adjust sweetness and use quality limes for a smooth filling. Plus, we discussed variations for different diets and flavor options. These mini pies are a fun treat for any occasion. Enjoy making them and impressing your friends and family!

Mini Key Lime Pies

Indulge in the zesty goodness of Mini Key Lime Pies! These bite-sized treats are made with a crunchy graham cracker crust and a creamy key lime filling that's simply irresistible. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, learn how to create this delightful dessert with easy step-by-step instructions. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your friends with these tangy, individual delights! Get ready to savor every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

2 large egg yolks

Whipped cream, for topping

Lime zest, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

      Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a mini muffin tin, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a firm crust.

        Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

          In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.

            Carefully spoon the lime mixture into each cooled graham cracker crust, filling them about 3/4 full.

              Return the mini pies to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the filling is set.

                Allow the pies to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.

                  Before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12 mini pies

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the mini pies on a decorative platter, garnished with lime slices and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant finish.