Name: Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; Zest of 2 limes; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh blackberries for topping; Lime slices for garnish

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These individual mini key lime pies topped with fresh blackberries offer a refreshing citrusy dessert with the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Their creamy filling sits on a crunchy graham cracker crust, making for the ultimate bite-sized treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These mini key lime pies are the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the tangy lime filling and sweet juicy blackberries. The individual servings make them ideal for gatherings, as there's no messy cutting or serving required. They're also make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare them well before your event. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make these mini pies an impressive yet surprisingly simple dessert that works for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs form the foundation of our perfectly textured crust. Their honey-sweet flavor provides the ideal base for the tangy filling, and when combined with butter and sugar, they create that classic pie crust experience we all love.

Butter binds the graham cracker crust together while adding rich flavor. Make sure it's fully melted for the best incorporation with the crumbs.

Sugar appears twice in this recipe - a small amount goes into the crust to enhance sweetness, while the sweetened condensed milk provides most of the sweetness for the filling.

Sweetened condensed milk gives these mini pies their signature creamy, silky texture. This ingredient is essential to key lime pie, providing both sweetness and structure to the filling.

Lime juice is the star of the show, providing the bright, tangy flavor that makes key lime pie so refreshing. Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch if you're short on time.

Lime zest contains the aromatic oils that intensify the lime flavor. Don't skip this ingredient, as it adds depth and authentic citrus flavor beyond what juice alone can provide.

Sour cream adds a subtle tang and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of the filling. It balances the sweetness of the condensed milk perfectly.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the filling, rounding out the bright citrus flavors with its sweet, complex notes.

Blackberries provide a beautiful color contrast and their sweet-tart flavor complements the lime filling wonderfully. Their juicy texture adds another dimension to each bite.

Lime slices serve as both garnish and a visual cue to the flavor inside, making these mini desserts as beautiful as they are delicious.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of mini tart pans or a muffin tin to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
Spoon the key lime filling into the cooled crusts, filling them almost to the top.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the filling is set.
Allow the pies to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Before serving, top each mini pie with fresh blackberries and garnish with lime slices.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 mini key lime pies, perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying throughout the week. Each mini pie contains approximately 180 calories.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

Berry Medley Topping: Instead of just blackberries, try a mixture of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful presentation.
Coconut Crust: Add ¼ cup of toasted coconut to the graham cracker mixture for a tropical twist.
Meringue Topping: For a classic pie shop look, top the chilled pies with meringue and briefly broil until golden instead of using berries.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the pies before adding the berries for a decadent chocolate-lime combination.
Ginger Crust: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the crust mixture for a spicy-sweet foundation that complements the lime.
Mini Mason Jar Pies: Layer the ingredients in small mason jars for a portable dessert option.

Storage/Reheating

These mini key lime pies can be stored in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. For the best presentation, add the fresh blackberries and lime garnish just before serving.

If you'd like to make these ahead for an event, you can freeze the pies without the fruit toppings for up to 1 month. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings before serving.

These pies are designed to be enjoyed cold and don't require reheating. In fact, heating would compromise the texture of the filling, so it's best to serve them straight from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes for key limes. Key limes are smaller and have a more intense, aromatic flavor, but regular limes work perfectly fine. You may need fewer regular limes to get the same amount of juice since they're larger.

How do I know when the filling is properly set?

The filling should be just set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools and chills in the refrigerator.

Can I make these pies without a muffin tin?

Absolutely! You can use small tart pans, ramekins, or even small mason jars. Just adjust the baking time accordingly - smaller or shallower containers may need less time in the oven.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free condensed coconut milk, use coconut oil instead of butter for the crust, and dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use graham cracker crumbs from a box, or should I crush my own?

Either option works well. Pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs save time, but crushing your own allows you to control the texture - some people prefer a more rustic crust with varying sized crumbs.

Why did my filling curdle or become lumpy?

This usually happens when the lime juice is added too quickly to the condensed milk. To prevent this, whisk continuously while slowly adding the lime juice to the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe in a regular pie dish instead of individual servings?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted to a 9-inch pie dish. The baking time for the crust will remain about the same, but you'll need to increase the baking time for the filling to about 15-18 minutes.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

These mini pies can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator without the fruit topping, and add the fresh blackberries and lime garnish shortly before serving.

What other fruits pair well with key lime pie?

In addition to blackberries, other complementary fruits include raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, mango, and kiwi. Choose fruits that offer both visual contrast and flavors that enhance the lime.

My crust is crumbly and falls apart. What did I do wrong?

The most common cause of a crumbly crust is not enough butter. Make sure to measure the butter accurately and ensure it's completely melted when mixing with the graham cracker crumbs. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pans also helps create a more cohesive crust.

Conclusion

These Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry bring together the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy in one delightful package. Their individual serving size makes them ideal for entertaining, while the make-ahead nature means you can prepare them without last-minute stress. The contrast between the zesty lime filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and juicy blackberries creates a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, looking for a refreshing end to a family meal, or simply craving something bright and citrusy, these mini pies deliver satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try when you want to impress with minimal effort - your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!