Mini Key Pies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Treat yourself to a delightful twist on a classic dessert with these Mini Key Pies. Perfectly portioned for sharing or enjoying solo, these bite-sized treats combine the zesty flavor of key lime with a creamy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Ideal for any occasion, they add a refreshing touch to your dessert table and are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and adorable presentation.
These Mini Key Pies are a perfect dessert for any gathering, offering a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite.
A Zesty Delight
These Mini Key Pies bring a fresh and zesty flavor to your dessert table, captivating the taste buds of everyone who tries them. The combination of key lime juice and creamy filling provides a delightful contrast that is both refreshing and indulgent. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, making them a perfect choice for hot summer days or any gathering that calls for a light and sweet treat.
With their compact size, these mini pies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly convenient for serving. Guests can easily grab one and enjoy it on the go, making them an ideal dessert for parties, picnics, and barbecues. Their vibrant color and shiny filling also add a pop of brightness to your dessert spread, ensuring they stand out.
Easy to Make
Despite their impressive presentation, Mini Key Pies are surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these charming desserts in no time. The graham cracker crust requires minimal effort to mix and press into the pan, while the filling comes together quickly with a brief whisking. Even novice bakers will find success with this straightforward recipe.
The baking time is short, ensuring that you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. This makes them a great option for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous cravings. Once you master the technique, you can easily customize the recipe, adding unique flavors or toppings to create your own signature version.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Mini Key Pies are versatile enough to suit a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual get-together, or simply want a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner, these pies fit the bill. Their small size makes them suitable for any palate, appealing to both children and adults alike.
With the option to top them with whipped cream and lime wedges, you can easily elevate their appearance and flavor. Consider serving them at holiday parties or summer barbecues to impress your guests without the fuss of traditional desserts.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Key Pies:
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 large egg yolks
- Zest from 1 lime
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Lime wedges for garnish
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Mini Key Pies:
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a mini pie pan.
Make the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest until smooth. Pour the filling into the prepared crusts.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Serve
Top with whipped cream and garnish with lime wedges before serving. Enjoy!
Let the pies cool completely before serving for the best flavor!
Storage Tips
When it comes to storing Mini Key Pies, the best practice is to keep them in the refrigerator. The creamy filling benefits from a cool environment, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious. Place them in an airtight container to avoid drying out and absorbing other odors from your fridge.
If prepared ahead of time, they can last for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the whipped cream and garnishes right before serving to maintain their beautiful presentation and texture.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavors to put a twist on the classic Mini Key Pies. For instance, replacing key lime juice with lemon or orange juice can yield exciting, citrusy variations that are equally delightful. You can also add a hint of coconut to the filling for a tropical flair.
For those looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or a naturally sweetened condensed milk option to make these pies healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To create an elegant dessert display, consider pairing these Mini Key Pies with fresh fruit or a light fruit salad. The addition of berries complements the tartness of the pies beautifully and provides a colorful contrast on the plate.
Another enjoyable serving idea is to create a dessert platter featuring a variety of mini desserts, allowing your guests to sample multiple sweet treats. Including items like mini chocolate mousse cups or fruit tarts alongside the Mini Key Pies will create a wonderful dessert experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these Mini Key Pies can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What if I can't find key lime juice?
You can use regular lime juice as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Mini Key Pies
Treat yourself to a delightful twist on a classic dessert with these Mini Key Pies. Perfectly portioned for sharing or enjoying solo, these bite-sized treats combine the zesty flavor of key lime with a creamy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Ideal for any occasion, they add a refreshing touch to your dessert table and are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and adorable presentation.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 large egg yolks
- Zest from 1 lime
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Lime wedges for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a mini pie pan.
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest until smooth. Pour the filling into the prepared crusts.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with lime wedges before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g