Looking for a refreshing, tangy, and sweet dessert to wow your guests at your next party? Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies are the answer. These little delights are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with creamy key lime filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust. The best part? They can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer until you're ready to serve.
Photos of Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Recipe
The star of this recipe is the key lime. These small, aromatic citrus fruits are the secret behind the unique taste of key lime pies. Although they can be harder to find than regular limes, many grocery stores and supermarkets do carry them, especially in the baking aisle or in the section with cocktail mixers. If you can't find key limes, regular limes can be used as a substitute.
Key Ingredients for Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy base for your pies.
Butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together to form a solid crust.
Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the crust.
Heavy cream: Used to create a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and the pie filling.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and stability to the filling.
Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture to the pie filling.
Lime zest: Adds an extra punch of lime flavor.
Lime juice: Gives the pie its signature tangy flavor.
Raspberries: Adds a fresh, fruity garnish that complements the tang of the limes.
One reader, Fleming Amador says:
These mini frozen key lime pies are a delightful treat! The creamy texture and zesty lime flavor make them a perfect summer dessert. The individual portions are convenient and the raspberry topping adds a lovely touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a refreshing and delicious dessert.
Techniques Required for Making Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
How to line muffin liners: Place silicone cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin and press them down gently to ensure they are secure.
How to whip cream: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream using an electric hand mixer set on high speed until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue whipping until stiff but not dry peaks form.
How to whip cream cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese with sugar using a mixer set on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
How to fold in whipped cream: Gently combine the whipped cream mixture with the cream cheese mixture by using a folding motion to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.
How to freeze the pies: Cover the filled cups loosely with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer until firm, typically for 3 to 4 hours.
How to whip heavy cream for topping: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream using an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
How to garnish and serve: Remove the frozen pies from the liners, turn them so the crust layer is on the bottom, then pipe whipped cream over the top and garnish each with a raspberry, lime wedge, mint, and lime zest before serving.
How To Make Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
You will be surprised by the burst of flavors in these mini frozen key lime pies. They are sweet, tangy, and creamy; making them the tastiest treats.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupgraham cracker crumbs,about 8 sheets
- 5tbspbutter,diced into 1 tbsp pieces, melted
- 1tbsphoney
- ⅓cupheavy cream
- 2tbspgranulated sugar,divided
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- 14ozsweetened condensed milk,1 can
- 2tsplime zest,plus more for garnish
- ½cuplime juice,fresh
For Topping:
- ¾cupheavy cream
- 1½tbspgranulated sugar
- 12fresh raspberries,fresh mint, sliced and quartered limes, optional
Instructions
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Line a 12-cup muffin liner with silicone cupcake liners. Set aside.
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Pour the graham cracker crumbs into a mixing bowl.
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Mix together the melted butter and honey in a dish.
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Pour the butter mixture over the graham cracker crumbs, then stir to evenly coat. Set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, whip ⅓ cup of heavy cream using an electric hand mixer set on high speed until soft peaks form.
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Add 1 tablespoon of sugar, then whip until stiff but not dry peaks form.
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In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of sugar using a mixer set on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the condensed milk, then blend in the lime zest and lime juice.
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Fold in the whipped cream mixture.
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Divide the mixture among silicone liners, filling each within about ¼ -inch of the top.
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Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture over filled cups to have an even layer over each.
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Cover loosely with plastic wrap, then freeze until firm for 3 to 4 hours.
Topping:
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Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form.
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Add in the sugar, then whip until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
To Serve:
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Take out the cups from the freezer, then remove them from the liners. Turn the pies so the crust layer is on the bottom.
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Pipe whipped cream over top, garnish each with raspberry, lime wedge, mint, and lime zest.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 332.55kcal
- Fat: 23.26g
- Saturated Fat: 13.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.44g
- Carbohydrates: 28.24g
- Fiber: 0.30g
- Sugar: 24.90g
- Protein: 4.59g
- Cholesterol: 74.19mg
- Sodium: 151.61mg
- Calcium: 135.51mg
- Potassium: 187.62mg
- Iron: 0.35mg
- Vitamin A: 222.68µg
- Vitamin C: 4.95mg
Helpful Technique for Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Recipe
When making the graham cracker crust for your mini frozen key lime pies, ensure that the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and honey mixture. This will help the crust to hold together better when frozen. Additionally, when whipping the heavy cream, make sure not to overbeat it. Overbeating can cause the cream to become grainy and lose its smooth texture. Instead, whip just until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the graham cracker crust and the key lime filling a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Chill quickly: Place the mini frozen key lime pies in the freezer for a shorter time by spreading them out on a baking sheet before transferring to the muffin liners.
Easy piping: Use a resealable plastic bag to pipe the whipped cream on top of the pies for a quick and mess-free application.
Freeze efficiently: Freeze the mini pies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container to save space in the freezer.
Simple garnish: Prepare the garnishes in advance and store them in the refrigerator, such as fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and lime wedges, for quick assembly when serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Recipe
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor to graham crackers, making them a suitable substitute for creating the crust.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe to achieve a similar binding and flavor profile.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the recipe as honey.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding richness and creaminess to the filling.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to granulated sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor to the recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to cream cheese, providing a tangy and creamy texture to the filling.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to sweetened condensed milk, adding sweetness and creaminess to the filling.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for lime zest, providing a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the recipe.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a tangy and citrusy flavor to the filling.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream for the topping, providing a creamy and luscious texture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to granulated sugar for the topping, adding a touch of sweetness to the whipped cream.
fresh raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can be used as a substitute for raspberries, providing a similar fruity and vibrant topping for the mini frozen key lime pies.
Presenting Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mini frozen key lime pies, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use clean lines and geometric shapes to showcase the individual pies in an elegant manner.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color to the plate by garnishing with fresh raspberries and mint. These vibrant hues will add visual interest and contrast to the overall presentation.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate elements that add textural contrast, such as a delicate dusting of lime zest or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, to create a multi-dimensional and visually stimulating dessert presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the mini frozen key lime pies to stand out as the focal point. This minimalist approach can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced and symmetrical arrangement of the pies and garnishes on the plate, creating a sense of harmony and precision in the presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the finer details, such as the placement of each raspberry and the precise piping of whipped cream, to demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and artistry in the dessert presentation.
Highlight the crust: Showcase the graham cracker crust by ensuring that it is visible and neatly presented, adding a rustic and inviting element to the overall plating.
Personalized touch: Consider adding a subtle personal touch, such as a delicate edible flower or a unique arrangement style, to infuse the presentation with individuality and creativity.
Essential Tools for Making Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
Food processor: A food processor can be used to crush graham crackers for the crust and to mix the butter and honey for the graham cracker crust.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for whipping the heavy cream and for mixing the cream cheese, sugar, condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice for the filling.
Electric hand mixer: An electric hand mixer is used to whip the heavy cream for the filling and the topping.
Muffin liners: Muffin liners are used to line the muffin tin and hold the frozen key lime pies.
Silicone cupcake liners: Silicone cupcake liners are used to line the muffin liners and hold the frozen key lime pies.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the filled cups before freezing.
Piping bag: A piping bag is used to pipe the whipped cream topping onto the frozen key lime pies.
Small round tip: A small round tip is used to pipe the whipped cream topping onto the frozen key lime pies.
Muffin tin: A muffin tin is used to hold the silicone cupcake liners and freeze the mini key lime pies.
Storing and Freezing Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
- Once the mini key lime pies are completely frozen, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and to maintain their freshness.
- Place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing, so you can easily keep track of how long they've been stored.
- The frozen key lime pies can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to serve, remove the desired number of pies from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until they reach your preferred consistency.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can also let them thaw at room temperature for a shorter period, but be sure to consume them within a few hours to ensure food safety.
- For best results, add the whipped cream topping and garnishes just before serving, as the toppings may not hold up well during the freezing and thawing process.
Interesting Fact About Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
The key lime pie is named after the small key limes that are commonly found throughout the Florida Keys. These limes are known for their distinctive flavor and are a key ingredient in the traditional key lime pie recipe.
Is Making Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mini frozen key lime pies recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. While cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk can be affordable, fresh raspberries and heavy cream may be pricier. Considering the yield and portion size, this recipe may be moderately cost-effective for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mini frozen key lime pie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High in saturated fat due to the heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese
- Significant amount of added sugar from the condensed milk, granulated sugar, and honey
- Lacking in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals
However, there are some ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising too much on taste:
- Replace some of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or silken tofu to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use a low-fat cream cheese or a combination of cream cheese and ricotta for a lighter filling
- Reduce the amount of condensed milk and granulated sugar, or use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia
- Incorporate more lime zest for added flavor without extra calories
- Use a whole-grain graham cracker or a nut-based crust for added fiber and nutrients
- Top the pies with fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for added vitamins and antioxidants
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this mini frozen key lime pie that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and even with these changes, it's best to enjoy this treat in reasonable portions as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies
The mini frozen key lime pies recipe is a delightful and refreshing treat. The combination of tangy lime filling and sweet graham cracker crust is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of whipped cream and fresh raspberries adds a beautiful touch, elevating the presentation and taste. The recipe's simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether served at a summer gathering or as a sweet indulgence at home, these mini frozen key lime pies are sure to impress and satisfy any palate.
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Why trust this Mini Frozen Key Lime Pies Recipe:
This recipe for mini frozen key lime pies is a delightful and refreshing treat that captures the zesty and tangy flavors of lime. The combination of creamy cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious and indulgent filling, while the graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunch. The addition of fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a burst of color and a touch of sweetness. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe promises to be a delightful and satisfying dessert for any occasion.
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