If you’re craving sunshine on a plate, nothing delivers quite like Key Lime Pie Lush! This delightfully creamy, chilled dessert layers a buttery graham cracker crust under a cloud of tangy, sweet key lime filling and billowy whipped topping. It’s a refreshingly simple, no-bake treat perfect for sharing at summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. No matter the occasion, Key Lime Pie Lush is a surefire crowd-pleaser guaranteed to add zing to your dessert table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this vibrant dessert truly couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient brings its own special flair to the finished Key Lime Pie Lush. From the salty crunch of the crust to the citrusy burst in every bite, you’ll love how these staples come together.

Graham cracker crumbs: These create the classic sandy-sweet foundation, holding everything together and adding that familiar pie crunch.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness teams up with the graham crumbs for a perfect balance in the crust.
Unsalted butter (melted): Rich, melted butter binds the crust and deepens its flavor with a luxurious finish.
Cream cheese (softened): The secret to silkiness! It gives the filling its trademark creamy tang.
Powdered sugar: This blends seamlessly into the filling for smooth, gentle sweetness without any graininess.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds lush, velvety sweetness and gives the filling the right set once chilled.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient provides tartness that makes this lush unmistakably limey.
Lime zest: Finely grated lime zest amps up the citrusy aroma and adds beautiful flecks of green throughout the dessert.
Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): A dollop folded in gives the filling its airy, mousse-like texture.
Additional whipped topping, lime slices, and zest: For that show-stopping, fresh-from-the-bakery look right before serving.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Lush

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together in a medium bowl. Stir until every crumb looks lightly drenched, then pour the mixture into your 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down with the bottom of a glass or your hands for a solid, even layer. Pop the dish into your fridge for 15 minutes so the crust can set up nicely — it’ll make a big difference later!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Key Lime Filling

While the crust chills, grab a new bowl and blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and inviting. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, then beat again until the mixture is velvety and thoroughly combined. The scent alone is enough to make your mouth water at this point!

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula. This step transforms your thick filling into something light, airy, and positively dreamy. Keep folding until there are no streaks—your filling should look fluffy and smooth, ready to be spread.

Step 4: Assemble the Lush Layers

Dollop the entire filling mixture over your chilled crust, smoothing it all the way to the edges in an even layer. Top this off with a generous blanket of whipped topping, spreading it right to the corners for a stunning finish. Every layer should feel like an upgrade over the last!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For best results, let your Key Lime Pie Lush chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably longer if you can stand to wait. The chilling step is crucial: it lets everything firm up to sliceable perfection. Just before serving, add lime slices and extra zest for a pop of color and zing—then watch it disappear slice by slice!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Lush

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with extra swirls of whipped topping, a scattering of fresh lime slices, and a sprinkle of extra zest over the top. These simple garnishes make your Key Lime Pie Lush truly eye-catching and create a zesty aroma that makes every bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your lush with fresh berries, a fruit salad, or even a side of crisp coconut cookies. These light additions won’t overpower the dessert but instead sweeten your table and complement the tangy lime flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Key Lime Pie Lush the star of your next party by cutting it into small bars for a dessert platter, layering individual servings in mini mason jars, or topping each portion with a different flavor of fresh fruit. It looks gorgeous served in clear glass cups to show off those beautiful layers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare and happy problem), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Your Key Lime Pie Lush will stay fresh and delightful in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Key Lime Pie Lush actually freezes surprisingly well. Place individual bars between sheets of parchment and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture. The crust and filling both hold up beautifully!

Reheating

This is one dessert you’ll never need to reheat, as its creamy, cool texture is the main event. If you’ve frozen portions, simply let them thaw slowly in the fridge until they’re soft enough to slice and serve.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a unique floral-tart flavor, regular limes work beautifully and are much easier to find in most grocery stores. Your Key Lime Pie Lush will still be deliciously tangy and refreshing.

Is there a substitute for whipped topping?

If you prefer a homemade touch, you can whip up your own sweetened whipped cream. Just be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form to ensure your filling stays light and holds its shape.

Can I make Key Lime Pie Lush gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out regular graham crackers for a gluten-free version. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for everyone at the table.

How long does it need to chill?

For the best texture and cleanest slices, let your Key Lime Pie Lush chill for at least four hours. Overnight chilling is ideal for maximum set and flavor meld.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even thin slices of kiwi add beautiful pops of color and extra flavor on top. Sprinkle them as a garnish just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you love an easy, crowd-wowing dessert with plenty of citrus zing, you owe it to yourself to try Key Lime Pie Lush! It’s a guaranteed hit at any table, and you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before you know it. Go ahead—add some sunshine to your day and share the love with everyone around you!

Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing and creamy delight of Key Lime Pie Lush, a no-bake summer dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This luscious layered treat features a zesty key lime filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a hint of citrus zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Key Lime Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Garnish:

Additional whipped topping
Lime slices
Zest for garnish

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Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
Key Lime Filling: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Fold in whipped topping until fluffy. Spread over chilled crust.
Chill: Top with more whipped topping, smooth the surface, and chill for at least 4 hours until set.
Garnish: Add lime slices and zest before serving.