Bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, these Key Lime Pie Tartlets are sunshine in a bite-sized treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy key lime filling that’s luscious without being heavy, they’re the ultimate make-ahead dessert for summer gatherings, celebrations, or just a little weeknight pick-me-up. Each tartlet is topped with a luxurious dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime, making them as irresistible to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just need something refreshing and decadent, Key Lime Pie Tartlets are about to become your new favorite way to indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These tartlets rely on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, creating that signature sweet-tart flavor, silky texture, and gorgeous color that makes Key Lime Pie Tartlets absolutely unforgettable.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation for that classic, crispy crust everyone loves in a pie.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust, balancing the tart lime perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumbs together and adds that luscious, buttery flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The rich, creamy base that gives the filling its plush texture and sweetness.
- Large egg yolks: Essential for making the filling set and adding a gorgeous yellow hue.
- Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient! Provides that iconic tartness and zing.
- Key lime zest: Adds pops of citrusy aroma and an extra kick of lime flavor.
- Whipped cream for topping: Fluffy, cool, and subtly sweet—totally dreamy on top.
- Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional): Makes each tartlet look extra fresh and inviting.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Tartlets
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until every crumb looks slightly damp and clumpy. This mixture should feel like wet sand. Scoop the mixture into a mini tartlet pan or a muffin tin lined with paper or silicone liners, then use your fingers or the bottom of a small glass to press it down firmly into the bottoms and partway up the sides. This helps create that sturdy little shell for the filling. Bake the crusts for 5 to 6 minutes—just long enough to set and become beautifully golden—then take them out and let them cool slightly while you prep the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Key Lime Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest. Whisk until well blended and the filling is smooth, pale, and creamy. At this stage, it might smell so good you’re tempted to sneak a taste, but hold off—the real magic happens after baking!
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Tartlets
Pour the key lime filling into the cooled crusts, filling each about three-quarters of the way full. Carefully transfer the tray back to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly if you nudge the pan. Trust the process—the residual heat will finish setting them as they cool.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Let the tartlets cool at room temperature until they’re no longer hot to the touch, then move them to the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours. This wait is worth it! The cold sets the filling perfectly and intensifies the flavors. Just before serving, top each tartlet with a swirl of whipped cream and garnish with a little freshly grated lime zest or a delicate lime slice for a burst of color and zing.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Tartlets
Garnishes
For a stunning (and delicious) finishing touch, crown each tartlet with whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra key lime zest, and a thin slice of lime. The fresh green color wakes up the platter, signaling the zesty flavors inside. If you want to get a little fancy, you can even zest a bit of dark chocolate over the top for a subtle contrast!
Side Dishes
These Key Lime Pie Tartlets are wonderful with light, fresh sides. Consider serving them with a bowl of mixed berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the tartlets’ sweetness. If you’re hosting a gathering, offer iced coffee, sweet tea, or a citrusy sparkling drink on the side to keep the vibe cool and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Arrange your tartlets on a bright, colorful platter or tiered dessert stand for a festive look. You can also slip each tartlet into a decorative cupcake wrapper or add a mini flag for parties and showers. If you’re serving them buffet-style, set up a toppings bar with candied ginger, extra lime wedges, and a variety of whipped creams for guests to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Key Lime Pie Tartlets store beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They keep their shape and flavor wonderfully, so you can sneak one whenever the mood strikes.
Freezing
Need to store them longer? These tartlets freeze surprisingly well! Arrange them un-garnished on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container layered with parchment. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before adding whipped cream and serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Key Lime Pie Tartlets are meant to be enjoyed chilled! However, if you prefer them closer to room temperature, let them sit out for about 20 minutes before serving. Just add garnishes right before enjoying to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes offer a slightly more floral, tart flavor, regular (Persian) limes are a great substitute and will still give you deliciously zesty Key Lime Pie Tartlets.
Do I need a special tartlet pan?
Not at all. A muffin tin lined with cupcake papers or silicone liners works perfectly if you don’t have a mini tart pan on hand. It makes removing the tartlets easy and keeps them looking neat.
How do I know when the tartlets are set?
The tartlets are set when the centers are just barely jiggly if you gently shake the pan. They will continue to firm up as they cool and chill, so don’t worry if they look a little soft straight from the oven.
Can I make Key Lime Pie Tartlets ahead of time?
Yes! These tartlets are a host’s dream dessert since they can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just add toppings fresh for best texture.
What’s the best way to zest limes for this recipe?
Use a fine microplane or zester to only remove the colorful outer peel—this is where all the fragrant oils live. Avoid the white pith beneath, as it can be bitter. Zest before you cut and juice the limes for the easiest handling.
Final Thoughts
Key Lime Pie Tartlets look like little rays of sunshine and taste even better! They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to end your meal on a high note. Next time you need a dessert that’s both impressive and fuss-free, treat yourself (and your lucky guests) to these adorable tartlets—you might find yourself keeping a batch in the fridge all summer long.
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Key Lime Pie Tartlets Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 tartlets 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Key Lime Pie Tartlets are mini bites of tangy-sweet goodness that are perfect for any dessert spread. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, zesty filling, these tartlets are a delightful treat for citrus lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tsp key lime zest
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into mini tartlet pan. Bake for 5–6 minutes and cool.
- Make Filling: Whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Pour into crusts.
- Bake: Bake tartlets for 12–15 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, garnish with lime zest or slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Regular limes can be substituted for key limes.
- Tartlets can be made ahead and chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
