Description
Mini key lime dream pies bring zesty Florida citrus magic to classic dessert traditions. Rich graham cracker crusts cradle silky lime filling, offering refreshing tropical pleasure with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsps powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Lime slices or zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Crust Formation: Pulverize graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, creating a cohesive mixture resembling moist terrain, then firmly press into mini tart pans to establish a sturdy foundation.
- Filling Preparation: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually blending sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract into a harmonious, tangy mixture.
- Filling Distribution: Pour the vibrant lime cream evenly across prepared crusts, using a spatula to smooth the surface and eliminate any potential air pockets.
- Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the assembled mini pies for several hours, allowing the filling to solidify and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Topping Creation: Whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, creating a luxurious, airy crown for the dessert.
- Final Presentation: Adorn each mini pie with an elegant swirl of whipped cream, garnishing with a delicate lime zest or slim citrus slice to enhance visual appeal and provide a fresh, zesty accent.
Notes
- Crust Consistency Check: Aim for a sandy, slightly moist texture when mixing graham cracker crumbs – too dry means crumbly crust, too wet leads to dense base.
- Chilling Technique: Briefly refrigerate the crust for 10-15 minutes before filling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain structural integrity.
- Filling Smoothness Strategy: Whip cream cheese thoroughly and add ingredients gradually to avoid lumps, creating a silky-smooth lime mixture.
- Garnish Timing Tip: Add whipped cream topping just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture and prevent wilting or absorbing moisture from the pie.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg