Vegan Key Lime Pie

Recently my daughter bought some key limes at the local supermarket to create a key lime pie recipe. I have been making lots of outrageous no-bake pies lately like my, Vegan Banana Cream Pie, Vegan Peanut Butter Pie, and Vegan Strawberry Cream Pie. 

The smell of key lime is incredible, citrusy but distinct. They are much smaller than Persian limes so they produce less juice. If key limes aren’t available in your local area, you can substitute with Nellie & Joes Key Lime Juice for making an authentic key lime pie recipe. 

However, if all else fails and you have regular limes then go ahead and make this recipe because it is the best key lime pie recipe! My family enjoyed it and asked for seconds.

What Is Key Lime Pie?

The traditional American pie made with key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolk, in a pie crust. The dish earned its name after the small tart and aromatic key limes that were grown in the Florida Keys. Learn more about Key Lime here!

However, my recipe is totally vegan with cashews, coconut cream, instead of condensed milk.

When Are Key Limes In Season? 

Here in Florida, they are harvested from June to September, but some fruits are pretty much available year-round.

Where Did Key Lime Pie Originate?

Although the exact origin of the key lime pie is unknown. The first recorded recipe was made by Aunt Sally, the cook of William Curry. He was Key West’s first millionaire, who was a ship salvager. 

Key Lime Pie Ingredients

• Coconut Cream – To make homemade coconut cream, chill 1 (15-ounce) can of coconut milk overnight in the fridge. The next day,  open the can and remove the solid white coconut cream that formed on the top, reserve the remaining clear liquid to add to curries and smoothies later. You can purchase online. 
• Cashews – Raw cashews soaked for at least 1 hour when using a regular blender (not necessary to soak with a high-speed blender)
• Maple Syrup
• Key Lime Juice – Juice of 16 key limes
• Coconut Oil – I used unrefined 
• Key Lime Zest
• Salt
• Graham Cracker Crust

How Many Key Limes To Make A Pie?

For a 1/2 cup of juice, it took 16 key limes. If you use regular limes, the juice of 4 limes will do. I must admit that juicing the key limes was a bit annoying and I was tempted to call it quits and use regular Persian limes instead but I’m happy I didn’t give up. 

The flavor of the pie was worth it and I admit making the filling was easy, I just added the ingredients and blend. For an easy key lime pie, bulk juice your key limes the day before, save the amount you need for your pie and freeze the rest in batches. 

How To Make Key Lime Pie?

To make this homemade key lime pie, make homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust or use storebought. To make the filling, blend coconut cream, cashews, maple syrup, key lime juice, coconut oil, lime zest and salt in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

Pour filling into prepared pie crust. Transfer pie to the freezer for 2 hours, remove and garnish to and lime slices. Serve. 

Can You Freeze Key Lime Pie?

Absolutely, you can freeze your key lime pie for 3 months, leave off the garnishing and add them when you are ready to serve your pie. Wrap key lime pie in a heavy-duty freezer bag. 

Other Lime Desserts To Try

• Avocado Lime Popsicles
• Avocado Lime Mousse
• Coconut Lime Cheesecake