Dreamy Key Lime Pie Jars Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Bliss

Creamy, tangy desserts always spark joy at gatherings, and this zesty key lime pie jars recipe delivers pure bliss in every spoonful.

Mason jars turn this classic treat into a portable, irresistible delight.

Layers of graham cracker crust, silky lime custard, and fluffy whipped cream create a dessert that’s both elegant and approachable.

The bright citrus notes dance across your palate, cutting through rich creaminess with perfect balance.

Chilled and refreshing, these individual servings make entertaining a breeze.

Prepare to wow your guests with this simple yet stunning dessert that captures the essence of tropical sweetness.

One bite, and you’ll be transported to a sunny, carefree paradise.

FAQs

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

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more aromatic than regular Persian limes. They have a more intense, tart flavor and are typically grown in the Florida Keys, Mexico, and Caribbean regions.

• Can I substitute bottled key lime juice for fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well if fresh key limes are unavailable. Just ensure it’s 100% pure key lime juice for the most authentic flavor and avoid sweetened or diluted varieties.

• How do I know when the key lime pie jars are properly baked?

The centers should be set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, creating a creamy, smooth texture without cracking or overbaking.

Key Lime Pie Jars That Impress

• Savor Bright Citrus Flavors: These lemon shortbread cookies burst with zesty, refreshing taste that instantly lifts your mood and adds a sunshine-like punch to your day.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Delight: Crafted with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and lemon zest, this recipe proves you can create something extraordinary without complicated shopping lists.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for impromptu gatherings, potlucks, or when you want a simple yet impressive treat that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love and devour in minutes.
• No-Fuss Baking Experience: Requiring basic mixing and slicing techniques, these cookies welcome bakers of all skill levels, making them an ideal recipe for beginners wanting to explore their culinary creativity.

Ingredients For Key Lime Pie Jars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of the pie crust that provides a classic, sweet foundation.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the graham cracker crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, crisp texture.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the key lime pie filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers the signature tart and bright flavor of the pie.
• Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor with intense citrus oils.
• Green Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for adding vibrant color to the filling.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: Create a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Lime Twist or Wheel: Provides a fresh garnish and decorative element for the pie jars.

Making Key Lime Pie Jars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Crunchy Crust Base

Grab a medium bowl and mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like damp beach sand.

Gently spoon the crumb mixture into the bottom of each jar and press down firmly to create a solid foundation.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 3: Create Silky Smooth Filling

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

Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth. For an extra pop of color, add a touch of green food coloring if you’re feeling playful.

Step 4: Fill and Prepare Water Bath

Carefully divide the filling among the jars, spooning it gently over the crust. Place the jars in a baking dish and pour hot water around them, creating a warm water bath that reaches about 1 inch up the sides.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for centers that are set but still have a slight jiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove the jars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Topping

Beat together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff, fluffy peaks form.

Step 8: Finish with Flair

Once the jars are completely chilled, pipe beautiful whipped cream swirls on top.

Garnish each jar with a playful lime twist or a thin lime wheel for that extra touch of elegance.

Tips For Key Lime Pie Jars

• Use the back of a spoon or bottom of a glass to press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly for a compact, stable base.
• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, consistent texture that blends key lime flavors seamlessly.
• Maintain steady oven temperature by adding hot water carefully around jars, preventing water from splashing into the pie mixture.
• Allow pies to refrigerate at least 2 hours to help filling set completely and develop rich, tangy key lime flavor profile.
• Beat heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to create stable, beautiful topping that won't deflate or become grainy.

Flavor Variations For Key Lime Pie Jars

• Tropical Passion Fruit Jar: Replace key lime juice with passion fruit pulp for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that brings a sunny Caribbean twist to the dessert.
• Vegan Coconut Cream Jar: Swap condensed milk with coconut cream, use vegan graham crackers, and top with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative that's rich and creamy.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Jar: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with ground almonds and gluten-free cookie crumbs, creating a nutty base perfect for those avoiding wheat.
• Lemon Lavender Jar: Trade key lime juice for fresh lemon juice and add a subtle lavender extract to create a fragrant, elegant version of the classic dessert.

Presentation Ideas For Key Lime Pie Jars

• Sip Tropical Cocktail Companions: Pair these key lime pie jars with a zesty mojito or a crisp margarita to enhance the citrusy flavor profile and complement the dessert's tangy sweetness.
• Craft Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a sweet Riesling or a sparkling Moscato to balance the pie's tartness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy texture.
• Serve Unexpected Beverage Match: Try a chilled limoncello or a ginger-infused cocktail to add an extra layer of complexity and brightness that harmonizes with the key lime's vibrant notes.
• Create Fresh Mocktail Option: Blend a non-alcoholic lime spritzer with mint and sparkling water to offer a light, zingy alternative that echoes the dessert's citrus essence without overwhelming its delicate flavor.

Storing Key Lime Pie Jars Correctly

• Seal jars tightly with lids and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Ensure whipped cream stays fresh by storing separately if possible.
• Wrap individual jars carefully in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature before covering and transferring to refrigerator. Never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Best enjoyed chilled. If slightly warmed is preferred, microwave each jar for 10-15 seconds at low power. Avoid overheating as it can destroy delicate texture of filling.

Key Lime Pie Jars Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful key lime pie jars bring tropical Florida flavors into miniature glass vessels of creamy, tangy goodness. Sweet graham cracker layers and zesty lime filling create a perfect portable dessert that makes summer memories dance on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• A few drops of green gel food coloring (optional)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 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 texture mimics damp beach sand.
2. Distribute the crumb mixture into individual jars, gently compressing to create a solid base layer.
3. Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), preparing for the baking process.
4. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, tangy sour cream, zesty key lime juice, and fragrant lime zest until the mixture achieves a silky consistency. Optional: Enhance the color with a hint of green food coloring.
5. Delicately spoon the creamy filling over the prepared graham cracker crust in each jar.
6. Arrange the jars within a larger baking dish, surrounding them with hot water to create a gentle steam bath. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the centers set with a subtle wobble.
7. Extract from the oven and allow to cool naturally to room temperature.
8. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal chilling and flavor development.
9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, cloud-like peaks form.
10. Crown each chilled jar with luxurious swirls of whipped cream.
11. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with a delicate lime twist or a thin, elegant lime wheel.

Notes

• Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• Graham cracker crust works best when compressed firmly but gently to maintain a delicate texture.
• Add lime zest gradually and taste to control the tangy intensity of the dessert.
• Refrigerate jars for minimum 4 hours for optimal flavor development and firmer consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 84 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg