The best gluten-free key lime pie with a homemade buttery graham cracker crust and creamy tart and sweet filling made from limes, Greek yogurt, and low-fat cream cheese; the perfect healthy summer treat!
The best healthy gluten-free key lime pie
Key lime pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts! It screams summertime and is one that everyone will rave about. I am typically not a “pie person,” but this is no ordinary pie. You’ll also love these mini protein cheesecakes!
This key lime pie has a buttery and crisp graham cracker crust filled with a smooth and creamy lime filling that is sweet and tart. It’s made gluten-free and healthier by adding Greek yogurt and cream cheese to the filling rather than extra condensed milk.
Homemade key lime pie is easy to make. You’ll never be able to tell it is healthy because it tastes better than the real thing but is made with Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese!
Everyone will love this easy key lime pie recipe. Grab some limes, and let’s get baking. Just serve it chilled with some whipped cream and lime slices.
Why you’ll love this gluten-free recipe:
- You can’t tell this key lime pie is gluten-free.
- It is easy to make.
- It has a smooth, creamy, rich filling.
- The graham cracker crust is buttery and sweet.
- The perfect Summer and Spring dessert.
- High in protein.
- Made with Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese.
- This is a healthy key lime pie recipe.
- Easy to make a day in advance for a party
- Use gluten-free or regular graham crackers
- Try these high-protein mini cheesecakes next!
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This healthy key lime pie calls for simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, eggs, low-fat cream cheese, and gluten-free graham crackers. It’s sweet, rich, healthier, and high in protein. Here is a list of ingredients so you have everything prepared:
Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust:
- Graham Crackers: First up, you’ll need about 12 – 14 whole crackers (which is 2 cups of crumbs) for the base of the crust. If you are not gluten-free, you can use regular graham crackers.
- Sugar: Plus some regular granulated sugar or coconut sugar for the perfect amount of sweetness. You can also use light brown sugar.
- Butter: Finally, you’ll need unsalted butter, which makes the graham cracker crust so delicious. If needed, you can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Healthy Key Lime Custard Filling:
- Cream Cheese: This first ingredient in the key lime filling is 4 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature. Once whipped with an electric mixture, this secret ingredient makes the filling silky smooth, and creamy.
- Egg Yolks: Next up, you’ll need egg yolks for the perfect texture and to help the pie set.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Most key lime pie recipes call for two cans of sweetened condensed milk, but we lighten this one up by only using 1 (14-ounce) can. There is no need to add any extra sugar to the filling!
- Greek Yogurt: Then, for extra protein and the smoothest texture. I used 0% non-fat Greek yogurt – this is my secret ingredient to making this key lime pie recipe healthy.
- Limes: Finally, grab around 5 – 7 limes. We need lime juice and lime zest for the most authentic key lime taste.
Kitchen tools required
You’ll need a few kitchen utensils to make this gluten-free key lime pie – don’t worry, I bet you have all of them already!
- Electric Handheld Mixer
- Spatula
- Pie Dish
- Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make the best gluten-free key lime pie
Making gluten-free key lime pie is easy! We start by making the graham crack crust; then the sweet-and-tart filling; and, finally, bake and chill the pie. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level baker:
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, add graham crackers to a plastic back and pound with a rolling pin until they are crumbs. You can also use a food processor and pulse them until they are crumbs.
Step 2:
Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, salt, coconut sugar, and melted butter. Add the mixture to a 9-inch pie dish and firmly press it down into an even layer across the bottom and sides of the dish. The crust should be at least ¼-inch thick.
Tip: Press the crust with the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
Bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven, and then let cool for 20 – 30 minutes.
Step 3:
While the crust cools, add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth. Then, add egg yolks, condensed milk, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and lime zest. On the lowest setting, mix again until smooth for 30 – 60 seconds.
Step 4:
After that, pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and use a spatula to make the top smooth. Bake for 26 – 30 minutes until the filling has a few bubbles and is just set – it should jiggle but should not be “wet.”
Step 5:
Finally, remove the key lime pie from the oven, let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight, if possible. Top the cooled pie with whipped cream, lime slices, and a little zest. Enjoy!
Expert baking tips for key lime pie:
This key lime pie is incredibly delicious and easy to make. Here are a few home-baking tips that will ensure the perfect pie:
- Don’t overbake the filling. Make sure you pull the pie out of the oven when it has tiny bubbles on top, and there is still a slight wobble. It should be firm to the touch but still look a little “wet.” If you overbake it, it will not be as creamy and will be more spongy.
- Let the crust cool before adding the filling. Letting the crust cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the filling is essential. This ensures that it sets and does not flash-bake the filling when added.
- Let the pie set for at least 3 hours in the fridge (overnight is better). You MUST let the pie set in the fridge before serving – if not, it will be warm and too liquidy. It is best to make the key lime pie the day before and allow it to chill overnight.
- Pack the graham cracker crust. I like to press the crust into the pie dish with the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use regular limes for key lime pie?
Yes! You can certainly use regular limes or key limes for this key lime pie recipe. I use regular limes often, and it tastes the same.
What is the best type of graham crackers for the pie crust?
If you are strictly gluten-free, make sure you buy gluten-free graham crackers. I like Annie’s Organic Honey Graham Crackers. If not, regular graham crackers work too!
Is key lime pie gluten-free?
Not all key lime pies are gluten-free. This recipe is 100% gluten-free because we use gluten-free graham crackers.
What’s the best substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can also use vanilla yogurt.
Can I make key lime pie in advance?
Yes, it is best to make the key lime pie the day before and allow it to set in the refrigerator overnight. You can make it up to 3 days in advance.
What’s the best substitute for cream cheese?
If necessary, I recommend substituting the cream cheese in this key lime pie recipe with mascarpone.
Why is my key lime pie filling loose and runny?
If your key lime pie filling is too loose and liquidy, then it did not set properly. The pie is either underbaked or needs to rest in the refrigerator longer.
How do you know when a key lime pie is done baking?
The filling should be firm to the touch but still a little jiggly with small bubbles on top. This recipe takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake.
Can key lime pie be left out at room temperature?
Key lime pie can sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Make sure to put it back into the refrigerator after serving.
Can you freeze key lime pie?
Yes, you can freeze the entire key lime pie or individual slices. Just wrap it in plastic wrap (it must be airtight) and freeze it for up to 1 month.
How to store key lime pie:
Store leftovers by covering the original baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 1 month – just wrap the pie in airtight plastic wrap.
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
- Mini Protein Cheesecakes
- Mixed Berry Orange Crisp
- Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars
- Gluten Free Apple Pie Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Gluten Free Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
The Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, gluten-free or regular (about 12 – 14 full crackers)
- ¼ cup sugar, coconut or granulated
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
The Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3 egg yolks
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt, I used Chobani
- ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, around 5 – 7 limes
- 1 tbsp lime zest, about 2 limes
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add graham crackers to a plastic bag and pound with a rolling pin until they are crumbs. You can also use a food processor and pulse until they are crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, salt, coconut sugar, and melted butter. Add mixture to a 9-inch pie dish and firmly press it down into an even layer across the bottom and sides of the dish. The crust should be at least ¼-inch thick. Tip: use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove from oven and then let cool for 20 – 30 minutes.
Make the Pie:
- While the crust cools, add cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth.
- Add egg yolks, condensed milk, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and lime zest. On the lowest setting, mix again until smooth for 30 – 60 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and use a spatula to make the top smooth. Bake for 26 – 30 minutes, until the filling has a few bubbles and is just set – it should jiggle but should not be “wet.”
- Remove from oven, let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight, if possible.
- Top the cooled pie with whipped cream, lime slices, and a little zest. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Jessie says
10/10 key lime pie!! I just loved the crust and also the fact that it has Greek yogurt in it. How fun and creative. This was perfect for brunch party and I will make it again.
Christine says
The crust is to die for. This was a fantastic recipe and I will be making again all summer long. It was easy and set very nicely. I like the yogurt in it and the reduced condensed milk. Better than most recipes.
Beth says
The best gluten free version of a key lime pie I have ever eaten! Wow
Molly says
This was so good! I loved this recipe. It is creamy and tart but still sweet enough like a real (not healthy) pie. Love it
Ashley says
Best key lime pie ever!!
Andrea says
This was the best key lime pie I have every eaten. It was light, sweet, and so so so good!
Anna says
Is there anything I can sub for cream cheese? I have all the other ingredients and this recipe is just what I’ve been looking for!
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi Anna! I have not tested this recipe without cream cheese – it is important for the texture of the key lime pie. You can try Mascarpone, vegan cream cheese, or thick strained yogurt. Let me know if you try and how it turns out.
Jamie says
Made this recipe for Easter, it was a HIT 😋 10/10 most delicious Key Lime Pie ever and super easy to make! Highly recommend you won’t be dissapointed, new family favorite and staple!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you so much for this review, Jamie!! I am so happy to hear this 🙂 one of my absolute favorites too!
Priscilla says
LOVE! The taste and texture is everything. It’s refreshing and the lime isn’t overpowering or too tart, every bite is perfect and consistent. We’ve all been getting slice after slice this weekend! Will be a repeat recipe!
The recipe is easy to ready and follow. The ingredients are simple and great, love that it’s a Greek yogurt recipe too. All in all, LOVE LOVE LOVE!