A creamy and tart treat packed with flavor!
I have a friend who has a kid with what seems like an allergy to every major food. Eggs and dairy aren’t options for her, but she still wants to make delicious food for her family that everyone can eat! Vegan recipes are great, and what better choice than a vegan key lime pie?
I live in South Florida, and visit the Florida Keys regularly. Each time, I make sure to stop by a local grocery store to stock up on a few bottles of key lime juice for cooking. My dad loves key lime pie, so it’s mandatory for family gatherings. This vegan version is a winner that satisfies not just guests with dietary restrictions but also a key lime pie enthusiast!
Many people might think it’s impossible to capture that creamy dairy texture of traditional key lime pie without using dairy. But this recipe proves you can! The vegan condensed milk and coconut cream used here deliver a texture that is so mousse-like and creamy, it will put a smile on the face of any key lime pie lover.
Why Key Limes Are Better Than Limes
You might think that there isn’t a big difference between key limes and the more commonly found larger limes. But there is! There’s a much higher acidity to key limes, all condensed into a much smaller fruit. This tartness and high acidity are perfect for blending with sweet ingredients for a delicious treat that will dance on your taste buds. You can use regular limes if you don’t have key limes or bottled key lime juice available, but just know that you would be making a vegan lime pie, not a vegan KEY lime pie.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store This Pie?
It’s easy to store your vegan key lime pie! Just put it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or you can cover the whole thing in plastic wrap. You need to let the pie set a bit before serving it, which makes it a great option to prep a day or two ahead of time.
Tip: Smooth Moves
You want your pie to be creamy and smooth, not full of awkward grainy bits, so blend, blend, blend, and blend! The best way to blend is with a blender, of course! Use a high-speed blender or a food processor to get that perfect silky-smooth texture that key lime pie is known for, and don’t hesitate to hold down that ‘blend’ button a little while longer.
Can It Be Gluten-Free?
You can absolutely make this vegan recipe gluten-free to cater to all! My pie crusts always need to be gluten-free, so making them vegan as well isn’t a stretch. There are some pre-made crusts you can buy, but making your own is preferred because you can customize the flavors. For example, a date and walnut crust brings a far more interesting flavor than graham crackers!
Serving Suggestions
Once your vegan key lime pie is set and ready to eat, add some garnish! Key lime zest or key lime slices look beautiful with their bright green color, but you can also add macadamia nuts, Vegan Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream.
For more vegan-friendly desserts, why not try out this Vegan Flan, this Vegan Chocolate Cake or these irresistible Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes?
Vegan Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegan graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup vegan butter melted
- 1 cup key lime juice freshly squeezed
- 14 ounces vegan sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream chilled
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest for garnish
- Vegan whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Combine vegan graham cracker crumbs with melted vegan butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Pre-bake the crust at 350°F for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
- In a blender, mix key lime juice, vegan sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Pour the thickened filling into the pre-baked crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set.
- Top the pie with vegan whipped cream and sprinkle with key lime zest before serving.
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