Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
Key Lime Cream Cheese Filling:
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 whole egg
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the mini key lime pies.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and hold together.
- Form Crusts: Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Add about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into each liner. Use a shot glass or your fingers to firmly press down and form a compact crust at the base of each liner.
- Blend Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, and sugar. Using a hand mixer, whip these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Pour in the key lime juice, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract, then blend again until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs: Mix in the egg yolk and whole egg. Continue blending until the batter becomes slightly fluffy, usually about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Fill Crusts: Carefully pour the cream cheese filling into each prepared crust-lined cupcake liner, filling almost to the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes. The cheesecake centers should be mostly set with a slight jiggle remaining.
- Cool in Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the mini pies sit in the oven for 5 minutes to gradually cool and prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate: Remove the pies from the oven and transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes to fully set the filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally top each mini pie with whipped cream, a fresh mint leaf, and a lime wedge before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using a shot glass or similar object helps press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling.
- Be careful not to overbake the pies; slight jiggle in the center is ideal.
- For best flavor, chill the pies for at least 30 minutes; longer refrigeration enhances texture.
- These mini pies can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Substitute regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, but key lime juice provides an authentic tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian