Refreshing No Bake Key Lime Pie In A Jar Recipe – Zesty Treat
Cool summer nights call for a zesty no bake key lime pie in a jar that bursts with tangy citrus flavor.
These adorable dessert jars pack a punch of refreshing taste in every spoonful.
Creamy, smooth, and utterly irresistible, this no-fuss treat eliminates complicated baking steps.
Graham cracker crumbs form a delightful base that complements the silky lime filling perfectly.
Layers of creamy goodness create a visual and gustatory delight that’s sure to impress.
Each jar offers a compact, portable dessert that screams summer indulgence.
Let’s find out this simple yet spectacular dessert that promises to be your new favorite sweet escape.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time:
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients to Make No Bake Key Lime Pie in a Jar
For Crust Base:
Graham Crackers, Butter: Crumbly foundation that adds a delightful crunch and buttery richness to the pie, creating a classic graham cracker base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
For Creamy Filling:
Cream Cheese, Condensed Milk, Greek Yogurt, Key Lime Juice: Tangy and smooth mixture that brings the signature zesty key lime flavor with a luxurious, velvety texture, balancing sweetness and tartness for a refreshing dessert experience.
For Topping and Garnish:
Whipped Topping, Limes: Light and airy cream crown that adds an extra layer of indulgence, while fresh lime slices provide a bright, citrusy accent and beautiful visual appeal to the dessert.
Tools for Assembling No Bake Key Lime Pie Jars
Stand Mixer: Essential for blending cream cheese, condensed milk, yogurt, and lime juice smoothly.
Mixing Bowl: Helps prepare graham cracker base and hold ingredients.
Glass Jars: Perfect for individual servings and layering ingredients.
Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
Spatula: Helps scrape and spread mixture evenly.
Spoon: Great for layering and serving the dessert.
Knife: Useful for slicing lime garnish.
Layering Instructions for Key Lime Pie in a Jar
Graham Cracker Foundation A crumbly, buttery base that sets the stage for your delightful dessert. Crush the crackers into fine pieces and blend with melted butter to create a solid, tasty bottom layer.
Zesty Lime Cream The heart of your jar dessert – a silky, tangy mixture that brings bright citrus flavor. Blend cream cheese, condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and fresh key lime juice until smooth and perfectly combined.
Layering Magic Carefully distribute the graham cracker mixture as the first layer in each jar, gently pressing to create a compact base that will hold your creamy filling.
Filling Sensation Pour the vibrant lime cream over the graham cracker foundation, ensuring an even distribution that promises a perfect bite every time.
Finishing Touches Crown your jar dessert with a fluffy cloud of whipped topping and a playful garnish of lime slices. Chill thoroughly to let the flavors meld and textures set, creating a refreshing treat that's sure to impress.
Tips for Flavor and Texture in Pie Jars
Try using different cookies like shortbread or gingersnaps for a unique base that adds extra flavor and texture to your no-bake pie jars.
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a Caribbean-inspired variation that brings a delightful nutty crunch to the dessert.
Enhance the lime taste by adding fresh lime zest directly into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling some on top of the whipped cream for an intense citrus punch.
These pie jars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making them perfect for party planning or quick desserts. Store covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, or substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for a vegan-friendly dessert that doesn't compromise on creamy texture.
Serving Ideas for No Bake Key Lime Pie Jars
Tropical Picnic Delight: Pack these charming jars in a cooler for a beachy summer gathering. They're portable, mess-free, and perfect for outdoor adventures with friends and family.
Elegant Dessert Presentation: Use fancy spoons and arrange jars on a decorative tray for an impressive dinner party dessert. Guests will love the individual serving style and cute presentation.
Brunch Companion: Serve these key lime pie jars alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a delightful weekend brunch spread. The tangy, creamy dessert adds a zesty pop to your morning meal.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these jars up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. They're a stress-free dessert option that tastes even better after the flavors meld together.
Chill and Store Lime Pie Jars for Best Results
Jar Stacking Strategy: Layer ingredients carefully to prevent mixing and maintain distinct texture. Stack jars horizontally in refrigerator to keep toppings intact.
Cooling Countdown: Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and filling to set perfectly. Chilling enhances taste and texture.
Freshness Window: Sealed jars with tight lids can stay delicious in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to maintain original flavor profile.
Smart Portability: Individual jars make excellent grab-and-go desserts for picnics, lunch boxes, or weekend gatherings. Transport carefully to prevent topping displacement.
Summer memories flow through this no bake key lime pie in a jar, blending tangy citrus with creamy graham cracker layers. Chilled dessert perfection waits for anyone craving refreshing tropical flavors you can easily enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
4 small glass jars
1 package graham crackers
2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, softened
½ can (around 7 oz/198 g) condensed milk
½ cup (120 ml) plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
key lime juice to taste
whipped topping (amount depends on jars)
limes to garnish
Instructions
Crust Preparation: Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter until mixture resembles moist, compact sand.
Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, and key lime juice in an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, creating a silky, pale green mixture that holds soft peaks.
Layering Foundation: Create a compact base in each glass jar by pressing the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom, ensuring an even, stable foundation.
Filling Distribution: Gently pour the key lime cream over the crust, filling each jar approximately three-quarters full with the luscious, tangy mixture.
Decorative Topping: Crown the desserts with billowy whipped cream peaks, artfully garnishing with delicate lime zest or slender lime wedges for a vibrant, citrusy presentation.
Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the assembled jars for at least one hour, allowing the dessert to firm up and develop a rich, harmonious flavor profile before serving.
Notes
Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a consistent, fine texture to prevent crumbly or uneven crust that might compromise the dessert’s structural integrity.
Whip with Precision: Blend ingredients at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that ensures silky consistency and maximum flavor integration.
Chill for Perfection: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to set the pie, intensify flavors, and create a firm, creamy texture that holds its shape when served.
Garnish Strategically: Add fresh lime zest or thin wedges just before serving to maintain crisp appearance and prevent soggy toppings that could diminish visual appeal.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.