Easy Key Lime Pie Bites
Key Lime Pie Bites are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in a bite-sized treat. These adorable mini pies feature a crisp, golden crust filled with a creamy lime gelatin mixture and topped with fresh lime zest for a zesty finish. They’re a crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a pop of citrusy flavor.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerating the filling for at least an hour before piping into the crusts ensures it’s set and easier to handle.
- Perforation Caution: Handle the mini pie crusts gently at the perforations to avoid tearing.
- Whipped Topping: Keep your whipped topping cold but thawed to ensure it blends smoothly with the gelatin.
Ingredients
- 14.1 oz package Pillsbury refrigerated mini pie crusts
These convenient mini crusts make the base for your Key Lime Pie Bites. Allow them to come to room temperature for easier handling. - 3 oz lime gelatin package
Lime gelatin brings the tangy lime flavor and vibrant green color to these treats. Choose a brand with bright, bold lime flavor for the best results. - ½ cup water, divided
The water is used to dissolve the gelatin, ensuring a smooth and creamy filling. - 8 oz whipped topping, thawed but cold
Whipped topping creates a light and fluffy filling that pairs beautifully with the zesty lime flavor. - Fresh lime zest
Lime zest adds a burst of citrus aroma and flavor while enhancing the visual appeal.
Substitutions
- Pie Crusts: Use homemade mini pie crusts if you prefer a made-from-scratch approach.
- Lime Gelatin Alternative: For a natural twist, use unflavored gelatin and fresh lime juice sweetened with a bit of sugar.
- Whipped Topping: Substitute whipped cream for a more homemade feel.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll the pie crusts and gently separate them at the perforations. Place one pie crust into each of the 12 muffin tin cavities, pressing them gently to fit the bottom and sides. Use a fork to poke small holes in the bottom to prevent puffing. Discard the extra crusts or save for another use. - Bake the Crusts
Bake the mini pie crusts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
While the crusts are baking, bring ¼ cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add the lime gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of cold water, whisking for 2 minutes to cool and combine. - Refrigerate the Filling
Transfer the gelatin mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to thicken slightly. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined, then refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes. - Zest the Lime
While the filling chills, zest a fresh lime to use as garnish.
- Assemble the Pie Bites
Once the filling is set, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a 1M frosting tip (or use a spoon for a rustic look). Pipe or spoon the filling into the cooled pie crusts. - Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle the tops with fresh lime zest for a burst of citrus flavor. Refrigerate the assembled Key Lime Pie Bites for at least 1 hour before serving.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store Key Lime Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bites without garnish for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the pie crusts and filling the day before, storing them separately. Assemble and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No problem! Use a spoon to fill the crusts, or transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag and snip off a corner to pipe.
Can I use a regular pie crust?
If mini crusts aren’t available, cut a regular pie crust into circles large enough to fit your muffin tin cavities.
Key Lime Pie Bites are a fun, tangy treat that’s as easy to make as they are to eat. Perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests and brighten your dessert table!
Easy Key Lime Pie Bites
Key Lime Pie Bites are a fun, tangy treat that’s as easy to make as they are to eat. Perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests and brighten your dessert table!
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Large bowl
- whisk
- muffin tin
- cheese grater
- piping bag
- 1M frosting tip (optional)
Ingredients
- 14.1 oz package Pillsbury refrigerated mini pie crusts room temperature
- 3 oz lime gelatin package
- ½ cup water divided
- 8 oz whipped topping thawed but cold
- Fresh lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Unroll the pie crusts, and gently break them apart at the perforations.
- Set one pie crust into each of the 12 muffin tin cavities, and press to the bottom and sides. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork. Discard the remaining two pie crusts.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crusts are golden. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for 1 hour.
- While the pie crusts are baking, boil ¼ cup of water in a saucepan over high heat. Add the gelatin, and stir with a whisk until dissolved. Add the remaining ¼ cup of water, and stir for 2 minutes.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the whipped topping. Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes.
- Zest the lime.
- Add mixture to a piping bag fitted with the 1M frosting tip, and pipe mixture into pie crusts. Sprinkle with lime zest.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, then serve.
Notes
It is best to refrigerate the filling for at least an hour before adding to the pie crusts.
Nutrition
Calories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 52mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 14IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.
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