Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe
Key Lime Pie Lush is a no-bake, creamy layered dessert combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, tangy Key lime custard, and fluffy whipped cream topping. This refreshing pie is perfect for any occasion, especially during warm weather, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a luscious texture.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Key Lime Layer
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 2 tablespoons Key lime zest
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar together in a bowl until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Prepare the whipped cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese layer to lighten the texture and make the filling fluffy.
- Make the lime layer: In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix thoroughly, then spread this lime custard evenly over the cream cheese and whipped cream layer.
- Top with whipped cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the lime layer to create a smooth, fluffy topping. Garnish the top with additional lime zest for an attractive finish and extra citrus aroma.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. For best results, chill overnight before serving.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the Key Lime Pie Lush into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed Key lime juice for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be substituted if needed.
- You can substitute regular lime zest if Key limes are unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- For a firmer crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly and chill thoroughly before layering.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make ahead, prepare all layers a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Key Lime Pie Lush, no-bake dessert, Key lime pie, layered dessert, cream cheese dessert, summer dessert, easy key lime pie