Zesty Key Lime Pie Jars Recipe: Tangy Bliss in Every Spoonful

Creamy key lime pie jars blend tropical zest with smooth, dreamy textures that dance across your palate.

Dessert enthusiasts know this treat brings sunshine to any gathering.

Layers of tangy citrus and silky cream create a magical experience in compact glass containers.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Graham cracker bases provide delightful crunch against velvety lime filling.

Chilled and refreshing, these individual desserts look stunning when served.

Whip up these jars and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Key Lime Pie Jars With Tangy Creamy Goodness

• Crack-Proof Dessert Design: Baking in individual jars prevents cracking and ensures perfect texture every single time, making each serving look professionally crafted.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these key lime pie jars with different toppings like fresh berries, toasted coconut, or extra lime zest, creating a unique dessert experience for any gathering.
• Portable Party Pleaser: Compact jar format makes these treats super transportable for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinner parties, allowing guests to enjoy their own perfectly portioned dessert without messy cutting.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples like condensed milk, graham crackers, and fresh lime juice, allowing home bakers to create a gourmet-style dessert with minimal special shopping.

Ingredients Included in Key Lime Pie Jars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to enhance the crust's flavor.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers a rich, creamy base with a smooth sweetness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a velvety texture to the filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Provides the signature tart and zesty flavor of the pie.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds bright flavor notes.
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to enhance the visual appeal of the filling.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and fluffy topping with a luxurious texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the whipped cream.
• Fresh Lime: Provides a decorative and flavorful garnish for the pie jars.

Instructions to Prepare Key Lime Pie Jars

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles damp beach sand.

Gently press 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture into the bottom of each jar, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing it for the delicious transformation ahead.

Step 3: Whip Up the Silky Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Sour cream
• Key lime juice
• Lime zest

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. For an extra pop of color, drop in a bit of green gel food coloring if you’re feeling playful.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Carefully spoon the lime filling over the graham cracker crust in each jar, creating even layers of tangy delight.

Step 5: Create a Steamy Bath

Place the jars in a baking dish and pour hot water around them, creating a cozy water bath.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the centers are set but still have a slight wobble.

Step 6: Chill and Relax

Remove the jars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature.

Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up and develop maximum flavor.

Step 7: Whip Up Some Cloud-Like Topping

Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms beautiful, stiff peaks.

Step 8: Finish with Flair

Once the jars are completely chilled, crown them with swirling clouds of whipped cream. Add a final touch of elegance with a delicate lime twist or a thin lime wheel garnish.

Serve and watch faces light up with this zesty, creamy tropical escape!

Tips to Make Key Lime Pie Jars Creamy

• Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly pack graham cracker mixture, ensuring an even, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Grate lime zest directly into filling for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the green skin.
• Wrap jar exteriors in foil to prevent water from seeping inside during baking, protecting the delicate graham cracker crust from getting soggy.
• Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff, stable peaks faster and maintain its structure longer.
• Allow pies to rest in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, letting flavors meld and texture set perfectly before serving for optimal taste and presentation.

Variations That Brighten Key Lime Pie Jars

• Tropical Paradise Pie Jars: Replace key lime juice with passion fruit juice for an exotic, vibrant flavor profile that transports you to a beachy getaway.
• Coconut Lover's Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the whipped cream for a rich, nutty experience.
• Strawberry Lime Fusion: Swirl fresh strawberry puree into the lime filling and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful color contrast and fruity undertone.
• No-Bake Citrus Sensation: Skip the baking process and chill the jars directly in the refrigerator, creating a lighter, more refreshing summer dessert option.

Best Pairings With Key Lime Pie Jars

• Boost Zesty Flavor Companions: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the pie's tangy lime notes, cutting through the creamy richness with bright, citrusy undertones.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Sparkling prosecco adds effervescent lightness, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience that enhances the dessert's creamy texture.
• Refresh Tropical Pairing: Coconut sorbet serves as a cool, smooth accompaniment that echoes the key lime's tropical essence while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.
• Amplify Citrus Profile: Candied lime peel as a garnish intensifies the pie's zesty character, adding a delicate crunch and concentrated citrus burst that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Proper Storage Tips for Key Lime Pie Jars

Seal the key lime pie jars with airtight lids or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.

Wrap each jar individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

These jars are best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the texture of the creamy filling and graham cracker crust. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

Add fresh whipped cream just before serving to prevent sogginess. If stored with whipped cream, the topping may deflate or become watery.

FAQs

• What are key limes, and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more intense in flavor compared to Persian limes. They have a distinctively tart and aromatic taste that gives key lime pie its signature tanginess.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice for the most authentic flavor. Fresh juice is ideal, but bottled is a convenient alternative.

• Why use a water bath when baking these pie jars?

A water bath helps the filling cook evenly and prevents cracking. The gentle, consistent heat ensures a smooth, creamy texture without drying out the delicate filling.

Key Lime Pie Jars Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Key lime pie jars bring tropical zest to classic dessert lovers, combining creamy graham cracker layers with tangy lime custard. Sweet and refreshing, these portable treats will transport you to sunny Florida beaches with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Crust Ingredients:

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

Garnish and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops of green gel food coloring (optional)
• Thin lime slices or curls for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a crumbly foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp beach sand. Distribute 2-3 tablespoons into each jar, firmly pressing to create a solid base layer.
2. Configure the oven to 350F (175C), preparing for baking.
3. Generate a silky filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until completely uniform. Optionally introduce green gel food coloring for enhanced visual appeal.
4. Carefully distribute the filling across jars, gently layering over the prepared crust.
5. Position jars within a baking dish, surrounding them with approximately 1 inch of hot water to create a gentle water bath. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until centers stabilize with a slight tremor.
6. Extract from oven and allow natural cooling to room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator, chilling for a minimum of 2 hours to set completely.
7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla, incorporating air until achieving stiff, voluminous peaks.
8. Finish by adorning chilled jars with elegant whipped cream swirls and decorative lime garnishes, transforming each jar into a sophisticated dessert presentation.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use coconut cream instead of dairy whipped cream to create a vegan-friendly dessert that maintains the creamy texture.
• Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly adaptation of the recipe.
• Freeze the prepared jars for an ice cream-like summer treat that intensifies the tangy lime flavor and provides a refreshing dessert option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg