OMG guys, I’m seriously OBSESSED with this key lime pie lasagna right now! Just made it last weekend for my sister’s pool party and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It’s got all those tangy key lime flavors we love about the classic pie but in these amazing creamy layers that just melt in your mouth. The combo of the crunchy graham cracker crust with that smooth key lime filling is seriously to die for. And the best part? No oven needed! Keep reading to find out how to make this amazing dessert that’ll be your go-to all summer long!
Why You’ll Totally Love This Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Listen, we’ve all been there – you need a dessert that’ll impress but don’t wanna spend hours in a hot kitchen. That’s exactly why I came up with this key lime pie lasagna recipe! Last summer during that crazy heatwave, I refused to turn on my oven but had promised to bring dessert to my neighbor’s BBQ. This recipe totally saved me.
What makes this dessert so amazing is how versatile it is. You can make it ahead of time (actually, it’s better that way!), and you can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand. The layers look super impressive when you cut into it, but it’s actually super simple to put together. Trust me, this will become your secret weapon for potlucks and family gatherings!
What You’ll Need for Key Lime Pie Lasagna
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs – These form the foundation of our key lime pie lasagna. The honey notes in the crackers complement the tangy lime perfectly. You could sub in vanilla wafers if that’s what you’ve got.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps bind everything together. Use salted butter if that’s all you have, just reduce any added salt.
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness. Brown sugar works too and adds a nice caramel note.
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Gotta be room temp or you’ll get lumps! Low-fat works but full-fat gives the best texture in this key lime pie lasagna.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates that smooth texture we want. Don’t sub granulated here, it’ll be grainy.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – This gets whipped up for lightness. No substitutes here if you want the right texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering.
For the Key Lime Layer:
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding – Acts as the stabilizer for our key lime pie lasagna. White chocolate pudding works great too!
- 3 cups cold milk – Whole milk makes it creamier, but 2% works fine too.
- 1/2 cup key lime juice – THE star ingredient! Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- 2 tbsp lime zest – Don’t skip this! It’s where all that aromatic lime flavor comes from.
- 1/4 cup sour cream – Secret ingredient that adds tang and creaminess. Greek yogurt can work as a substitute.
- Green food coloring (optional) – Just a drop or two for that pretty pale green color.
For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip) – Can use homemade whipped cream instead if preferred.
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs – For that perfect finishing touch.
- Lime slices and additional zest for garnish – Makes it look totally professional!
How to Make This Amazing Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. The back of a measuring cup works great for this!
- Refrigerate while preparing the next layer. You want it firm before adding more layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2 mins).
- In separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate it!
- Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Use an offset spatula for the smoothest finish.
- Refrigerate for about 20 mins to set up a bit.
Step 3: Create the Key Lime Layer
- In large bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 mins until it starts to thicken.
- Add key lime juice, zest, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- If using food coloring, add 1-2 drops now for that signature pale green color.
- Pour over cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. This is where the key lime pie lasagna gets its amazing flavor!
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set properly.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Spread whipped topping over the set key lime layer.
- Sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs.
- Garnish with lime slices and additional zest right before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the completed key lime pie lasagna for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best!
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
Tasty Variations of Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Coconut Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Add 1/2 cup toasted coconut to the crust and sprinkle more on top for a tropical twist that’ll transport you straight to the beach!
Strawberry Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Layer sliced fresh strawberries between the cream cheese and key lime layers. The combo of strawberry and lime is seriously amazing!
Mango Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Add 1 cup of finely diced mango to the key lime layer for a tropical fusion that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Chocolate Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Use chocolate graham crackers for the crust instead of regular ones. The chocolate-lime combo is unexpected but totally delicious!
Individual Key Lime Pie Lasagna Cups
Make in clear plastic cups for portable single servings – perfect for picnics or backyard parties!
No-Bake Key Lime Pie Lasagna
Equipment
- 9×13 inch dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Offset spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Key Lime Layer:
- 2 packages 3.4 oz each instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Green food coloring optional
- For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping like Cool Whip
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Lime slices and additional zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand.
- Press into a 9×13 inch dish and refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread over the chilled crust and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
- Create the Key Lime Layer:
- Whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add key lime juice, lime zest, and sour cream, and mix until smooth.
- If using, add food coloring and pour over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Add the Topping:
- Spread whipped topping over the set key lime layer.
- Sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs and garnish with lime slices and zest.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the finished lasagna for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
Key Lime Pie Lasagna FAQs
What’s the difference between a key lime pie and a lime pie?
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and more tart than regular Persian limes. Key lime pie specifically uses juice from these special limes, which gives it that distinctive tangy flavor that’s slightly different from desserts made with regular limes. In this key lime pie lasagna, key limes give it that authentic flavor, but regular limes can work in a pinch.
What are the ingredients for a key lime pie?
Traditional key lime pie typically contains key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream or meringue. Our key lime pie lasagna incorporates these flavors but transforms them into delicious layers with cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping for a no-bake version that’s perfect for summer.
What does key lime pie pair well with?
Key lime pie lasagna pairs beautifully with fresh berries, especially strawberries or raspberries. Coffee or tea makes a great beverage pairing, and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can be amazing too! For a more decadent treat, try it with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce. I love serving it after seafood meals or summer BBQs.
Why add sour cream to key lime pie?
Sour cream adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang that enhances the lime flavor in this key lime pie lasagna. It also helps create a smoother, richer texture in the lime layer. That extra bit of tanginess really makes the lime flavor pop without adding more acidity from additional lime juice.
What can I use instead of sour cream for pie?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is the best substitute for this key lime pie lasagna recipe. You could also use crème fraîche for an even richer result, or in a pinch, cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk and a squeeze of lemon juice. Each will change the flavor profile slightly but will still give you that creamy tanginess needed.
Make This Key Lime Pie Lasagna Your Own!
I still remember bringing this key lime pie lasagna to my mom’s birthday last year. She’s super picky about desserts and has always been a key lime pie purist. I was honestly nervous! But after one bite, she looked at me and said, “OK, I might like this even better than the original.” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
What I love most about this dessert is how it balances that perfect key lime tartness with just enough sweetness. It feels fancy enough for special occasions but is easy enough for anytime cravings. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twists, I hope this key lime pie lasagna brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine!
If you’re a fan of layered desserts, you might also love my Mississippi Mud Pie or these adorable Oatmeal Cream Pies. And for another tropical treat, don’t miss my Samoa Pie that’s been super popular lately!