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Mini Key Lime Pies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

These Mini Key Lime Pies are a delightful and tangy treat with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, zesty filling made from key lime juice, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect as an individual-sized dessert, they are easy to prepare and bake, then chilled to achieve a luscious texture. Garnished with whipped cream and lime zest, they offer a refreshing finish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest (plus more for garnish)
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice

Garnish

  • Whipped cream
  • Additional lime zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a standard muffin pan with 16 cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Combine crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture has a coarse, wet sand-like texture. Add a little more melted butter if needed to help it bind.
  3. Form and bake crusts: Press about 1 tablespoon of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin liner to form the crust. Bake these crusts for 6 minutes to set and lightly toast them.
  4. Mix the filling: Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the egg yolks, then the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, pinch of kosher salt, and key lime juice. Mix until the filling is fully combined and smooth.
  5. Assemble and bake pies: Evenly pour the filling over each pre-baked crust to fill the liners. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the pies are mostly set but the centers still have a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool and chill: Remove from oven and allow the pies to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set and chill the pies.
  7. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lime zest for a fresh, decorative touch.

Notes

  • If the crust mixture feels too dry, add a bit more melted butter to help it hold together.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Use fresh key lime juice for the best authentic flavor; bottled juice can be a substitute but is less vibrant.
  • Allow the pies to chill thoroughly for at least two hours for the best texture and flavor.
  • These pies can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • For an extra zest of flavor, garnish with lime slices or additional whipped cream as desired.

Keywords: Mini Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Dessert, Miniature Pies, Summer Dessert, Citrus Pie, Individual Pies, Graham Cracker Crust

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/mini-key-lime-pies-recipe/