Mini Key Lime Pies

Summer’s favorite citrus pie made mini! These key lime pies bring the classic creamy sweet tang with a dairy-free filling and crumbly gluten-free oat crust.

SPONSORED BY SUNBUTTER

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We might be on the tail end of summer but summer it still technically is, and there is no more summery dessert in my mind than key lime pie (ice cream doesn’t count because ice cream is not a dessert its a food group). Never mind the fact that I am from Florida and it’s taken me six years of blogging to bring you a key lime pie recipe…details, embarrassing details. But I tested these muffin cup pie minis four times to make absolutely sure they are worth the wait!

Limes vs. Key Limes

There is one more small detail I need to disclose up top – I did not use key limes for this recipe. *GASP* But that’s because:

1. They are small and yield little juice so you will need 278 of them
2. They are very seasonal, so not around long
3. Also not easy to find everywhere
4. And more expensive
5. And the flavor difference is slight

So what I’m trying to say is REGULAR LIMES WORK TOO. We are not five-star pastry chefs, we are just average everyday humans who enjoy an occasional lime dessert in the summertime and aren’t too bothered if our limes are a smidge less aromatic.

I’m not denying there is a difference. But once you mix it with the cream and bake it with the crust and eat it with your hands because mini individual pies allow for that, it’s hardly noticeable. And please for the love of all things citrus, do not use bottled juice. I will cry and it will be awkward for all of us.

Key Lime Crust

The creaminess of key lime is best complimented by a crumbly salty-sweet crust, of course the traditional being graham cracker based. But in the name of gluten-free and healthier options, we are using oats instead of crackers and SunButter instead of butter butter. A little sugar and salt boost the flavor, and processing the oats before mixing makes for the perfect not-flour-but-not-oatmeal crumble consistency.

Key Lime Filling

In the name of keeping these nut-free, I opted to not use raw cashews like so many vegan key lime recipes do. So coconut was the best creamy alternative. I experimented quite a bit here, and ended up with a coconut cream + nondairy yogurt filling combination that I love. You can use all coconut cream if you prefer, but I like the added tang from the yogurt. If you want to try it with all yogurt, I recommend Greek yogurt (dairy or nondairy) for the best rich texture.

How To Make Mini Key Lime Pies

1. Make the crust, and par-bake for 15 minutes. This gives it time to get a little toasty on its own and prevents sogginess later.
2. Make the filling. I tested a stovetop version of the filling, but I preferred the consistency with baking the filling as well. Plus less cleanup and arm work.
3. Bake both together, another 20 minutes or so but at a lower temperature.
4. Chill overnight. Or you can freeze them to speed this up, but they need to be completely cold to set properly.

Whipped cream would be delicious on top, but as you can see I didn’t have any and I also didn’t have any trouble devouring them without.

So in the name of embracing the remainder of summer and making fall treats wait their turn, I hope you make these Mini Key Lime Pies your end-of-August own!

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