Meet your new go-to summer dessert: Key Lime Pie Lush. This creamy, dreamy, no-bake treat layers everything you love about classic key lime pie—tangy citrus, rich cream cheese, and a buttery graham cracker crust—into one irresistibly easy-to-make slice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a backyard barbecue or just treating yourself to something special on a warm evening, this lush is both refreshing and decadent, with every bite delivering a burst of bright lime and silky sweetness. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Pie Lush is its simplicity—each ingredient shines and plays a vital role in creating those luscious layers. From the crisp crust to the zesty filling and pillowy topping, every component is easy to find and easy to love.

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the classic, slightly salty-sweet base that holds everything together.
Melted butter: Butter binds the crumbs and adds that rich, buttery flavor you expect in a great pie crust.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch sweetens the crust and balances the tartness of the filling.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the filling, adding tang, body, and pure decadence.
Sweetened condensed milk: This gives the dessert its signature silky sweetness and smooth texture.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star of the show! Fresh is fantastic, but bottled works beautifully too.
Lime zest: Adds an extra pop of citrus oil and a gorgeous green fleck throughout the filling.
Whipped topping (thawed): Lightens the layers and gives a cloud-like finish—don’t skip it!
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Builds the creamy, dreamy second layer and helps the dessert set up nicely.
Cold milk: Brings the pudding to life and adds a fresh, clean taste to the lush.
Extra whipped topping and lime slices (optional): For finishing touches that make the dessert as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Lush

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start with the foundation: in a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed and packed down for a sturdy base. Pop the dish into the fridge while you get the rest of your layers ready—this helps the crust set and keeps things crisp.

Step 2: Make the Key Lime Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, and beat again until silky and creamy. This layer is where the magic happens: the tangy lime and rich cream cheese combine to deliver that classic key lime pie flavor. Spread this mixture gently over the chilled crust, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pudding Layer

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens and sets up nicely. Now, gently fold in half of the whipped topping—you want to keep it light and airy. Once blended, spread this pudding layer on top of the key lime layer, using a spatula to smooth it out and seal in all that luscious filling.

Step 4: Top It Off and Chill

Finish by spreading the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a soft, billowy finish. If you want those perfect swirls, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you’re planning ahead). This chill time is crucial—it lets all the flavors meld and the layers set for the ultimate Key Lime Pie Lush experience.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Lush

Garnishes

Take your Key Lime Pie Lush to the next level by garnishing it with extra whipped topping, thin slices of lime, or a sprinkle of lime zest. These little touches add a burst of color and an extra punch of citrus aroma, making every slice look as tempting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is so bright and creamy, it pairs beautifully with fresh summer berries or a bowl of mixed fruit. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider offering iced tea, lemonade, or even a tangy citrus cocktail alongside for a truly refreshing treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can assemble Key Lime Pie Lush in individual cups or jars for a picnic-friendly dessert, or cut it into small squares and serve on a platter for a party. A scattering of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top can also add a fun twist and extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Storing Key Lime Pie Lush is easy—simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though you might find it disappears much sooner!

Freezing

If you want to make this dessert well in advance, you can freeze it. Assemble the lush as directed, but wait to add garnishes. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and garnish just before slicing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Key Lime Pie Lush—this dessert is meant to be served chilled! If it’s been in the freezer, just allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a unique flavor that’s a bit more floral and tart, regular limes will give you a delicious result. The key is using fresh juice for the brightest taste.

What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?

You can substitute with instant cheesecake pudding or even lemon pudding for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s an instant mix so the layer sets up properly without baking.

Is it possible to make Key Lime Pie Lush gluten-free?

Yes, just swap out the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free alternative and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be safe!

Can I make Key Lime Pie Lush ahead of time?

This dessert is actually better made ahead! The flavors develop and the layers set beautifully when chilled overnight, making it the perfect make-ahead treat for entertaining.

How do I get clean slices when serving?

For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the dish thoroughly before slicing also helps the layers hold their shape for picture-perfect servings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy, and utterly delicious dessert, Key Lime Pie Lush is a must-try. Its mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet layers is pure summer bliss in every bite. Gather your ingredients and share this treat with friends or family—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe

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4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy key lime filling, graham cracker crust, and whipped topping, perfect for summer and easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Key Lime Layer

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon lime zest

Pudding Layer

1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed (divided)

Garnish (Optional)

Extra whipped topping
Lime slices

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust. Refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
Make the key lime layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, continuing to beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk briskly for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the layers: Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the key lime layer in the baking dish. Then, top with the remaining whipped topping and smooth the surface for a clean finish.
Chill and garnish: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and fresh lime slices or zest if desired.

Notes

For a stronger citrus flavor, add a few drops of lime extract to the key lime layer.
Try using crushed vanilla wafers or golden Oreos as a crust alternative for a different twist.
This dessert tastes best when made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld and the layers to firm up perfectly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American