Key Lime Pie Icebox Cups

Ingredients

For the Graham Layers

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch of fine salt

For the Key Lime Cream

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime or regular lime juice
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cold heavy cream

For Garnish

• 1 cup lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Lime slices or wedges
• Additional lime zest

Substitutions

• Use lemon juice and zest for lemon icebox cups while keeping the same proportions.
• Replace graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or gluten-free graham-style cookies.
• Use a thick dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipping cream; chilling time may need to be longer.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crumbs

Stir graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until evenly moistened. Reserve a few tablespoons for garnish.

Step 3: Lighten the filling

Whip the heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks, then fold it into the lime mixture in three additions.

Step 4: Layer the cups

Spoon a crumb layer into six small glasses, add key lime cream, then repeat once more. Smooth the final cream layer.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top. Add reserved crumbs, lime slices, and fresh zest just before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

• Cover the cups individually and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
• Keep the whipped garnish and lime slices separate when preparing more than one day ahead.
• Do not leave dairy dessert cups at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

Serving Leftovers

• Do not reheat. Serve chilled or allow the cups to stand for 5 minutes for a softer texture.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature.
• Return unfinished cups to refrigeration promptly.

Serving Ideas

• Fresh berries
• Iced tea
• Coffee
• A light summer dinner menu

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold cream cheese and leaving lumps in the filling.
• Adding whipped cream before the lime base is smooth.
• Overpacking the crumbs so the spoon cannot pass through the layers.
• Skipping the chill and serving a loose filling.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, ripeness, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions