For a fresh twist on a classic, try serving key lime pie upside down. Baked and served in individual ramekins, this custardy key lime filling packs a big flavor punch. After cooling and chilling, top with toasted graham cracker crust crumbs and fresh whipped cream. This is a simple, yet totally impressive and fun dessert to serve!
Typical dessert flavors this time of year: sweet potato, apple, caramel, pumpkin, spice.
What’s key lime doing here?
If you’re up for breaking tradition, consider these upside down key lime pies. The recipe yields only 4-6, which is convenient for smaller gatherings. They’re make-ahead, individually portioned, and just plain FUN. Plus, a light and refreshing dessert especially hits the spot after a heavier meal. Give your rolling pin and pie crust recipe a break. Can we make key lime pie at Thanksgiving a thing?
Tell Me About these Upside Down Key Lime Pies:
We’re essentially baking a full key lime pie, only scaled down to fit a few custard cups. If you like key lime pie, you’ll go nuts for these.
- Texture: The texture is like a full size key lime pie or key lime pie bars—smooth custardy filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, soft whipped cream. Plenty of satisfying texture in each bite.
- Taste: Wham! Full-bodied tangy, yet sweet flavor hits your tastebuds like a windstorm. The tartness of lime is balanced with the sweetness in the crust and whipped cream.
- Ease: Simple. The filling comes together with a mixer and you can break up the graham crackers with your hands. The only tricky part, if we can even call it that, is baking the custard cups in a water bath. Which, really, is just pouring hot water into a baking dish.
- Serving: Serving desserts in individual cups seems fancier—almost like we’re dining at a restaurant. Everyone gets their own portion and you can get creative garnishing each with whipped cream, lime slices, raspberries, chopped nuts, etc. Feels extra special if you ask me.
- Time: The filling comes together in minutes and baking is pretty quick too. The only things testing our patience are the cooling and chilling times. You can serve these once they cool to room temperature (about an hour), but they taste better if you chill them for an additional hour. Compared to other desserts, 2 hours isn’t so bad!
You Only Need 7 Ingredients
10 if you add homemade whipped cream.
- Egg Yolks: Egg yolks stabilize and set up the lime filling. Whip them until pale and thick before adding the other filling ingredients. (Whipped egg yolks pictured below on the right.) Whipped egg yolks create a lighter tasting filling.
- Lime Juice: Key limes are hard to find in certain regions this time of year. You can buy bottled key lime juice in most major grocery stores (I like Nellie & Joe’s brand) or you can just use regular lime juice, bottled or fresh-squeezed. You need about 5 regular limes to yield 2/3 cup juice. In this recipe, you won’t really taste a difference between key lime juice and regular lime juice.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: One 14-ounce can of full-fat sweetened condensed milk (1) sweetens the dessert and (2) provides a smooth texture.
- Lime Zest: Optional, but if you’re juicing your own limes and have a zester, why not add a little extra flavor?!
- Graham Crackers: Make the “crust,” which goes on top after baking the filling, with graham crackers, brown sugar, and butter. Crush graham crackers with your hands or place into a zipped-top bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin. We’ll toast everything together for a few minutes on the stove.
- Brown Sugar: For flavor, add a little brown sugar to the graham crackers.
- Butter: Butter helps the crust crumbles stay together.
Can I Make This with Lemons?
Yes! Swap lime juice for lemon juice and lime zest for lemon zest. Same process, bake time, and cool/chill times.
Whipped Cream or Meringue Topping
You can leave the upside down pies plain or add either of these toppings.
- Homemade whipped cream kicks any dessert up a notch. You need heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Halve my recipe to make just enough. Mixing time remains the same. I used Wilton 8B piping tip to pipe whipped cream in these photos.
- Instead of whipped cream, try marshmallow meringue. How convenient because you can use your 3 leftover egg whites to make it. Though I have a separate post for marshmallow meringue frosting, follow the marshmallow meringue recipe and instructions in my s’mores brownie cupcakes. (That recipe uses 3 egg whites and makes the perfect amount for 4-6 individual key lime pies.)
3 Important Tips
- Individual Ramekins: These key lime pies are baked in individual oven-safe ramekins. I used these (affiliate link) 6 ounce oven-safe pyrex bowls. The recipe yields 2 cups of filling. Divide between 4 ramekins for a satisfying 1/2 cup serving (what’s pictured) or between 6 cups for a smaller 1/3 cup serving.
- Water Bath: Place the ramekins in a large baking/casserole dish or roasting pan, pour the filling evenly into each, then fill the pan with hot water. The water bath is essential because it creates a moist and humid environment, which helps cook the custard evenly and prevents ramekins (of any material) from shattering in the oven. This is how we cook crème brûlée and lemon pudding cakes, too. I have videos in both of those recipes if you want to watch this easy step.
- Bake Time: Be careful not to over-bake these individual key lime pies. Though the water bath prevents burning, the filling will taste rubbery if it’s cooked too long. Bake until the tops look *just about* set. Begin checking at 17 minutes. Though not necessary, you can also check the internal temperature. These are safe to eat when an instant read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
This recipe is part of Sally’s Pie Week, an annual tradition where I share a handful of new recipes that fit into the pie/crisp/tart category. Join the community below!
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Upside Down Key Lime Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These are fun individual servings of cool and custardy key lime pie! Cook the pies in individual custard cups in a water bath.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup (160ml) key lime juice*
- one 14 ounce can full-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- hot water for water bath
Crust
- 2 full sheet graham crackers*
- 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon packed light or dark brown sugar
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream or meringue (see recipe note), lime slices, chopped macadamia nuts or pecans, raspberries, edible florals
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter or nonstick spray. See recipe note about other ramekin sizes. Place in a baking pan or small casserole dish. Four 6-ounce ramekins fit nicely into a 9-inch square bake pan. The pies will bake in a water bath inside the pan.
- For the filling: In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks on medium-high high speed until pale and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and lime zest. Beat on medium speed until combined. You’ll have about 2 cups of filling. Pour evenly into prepared ramekins.
- Add water for water bath: Without splashing into the ramekins, slowly pour hot water into the casserole dish around the ramekins, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins. If it’s easier, you can transfer the casserole dish to the oven first, then carefully pour in the hot water.
- Carefully place the casserole dish/baking pan in the oven. Bake until the top of each is mostly set, about 17-20 minutes. When lightly tapped, the very center should only slightly jiggle. Though not necessary, you can also check the internal temperature. These are safe to eat when an instant read thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
- Using tongs or an oven mitt, remove the pies from the water bath and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or kitchen towel to catch any dripping water. Cool pies for about 1 hour at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before assembling and serving. You can enjoy at room temperature, but they taste better if you chill in the refrigerator.
- Meanwhile, make the crust: As the pies cool, crush up the graham crackers with your hands or place in a zipped-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Place butter in a skillet on the stove over low-medium heat. Add graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Stirring constantly, toast/cook for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Assemble & serve: Sprinkle a couple spoonfuls of crust topping on each cooled pie. Before serving, top with whipped cream, meringue, or any desired topping. I used Wilton 8B piping tip to pipe whipped cream in these photos.
- Cover leftover pies tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions:Â Prepare the individual pies 1-2 days in advance. Bake and cool as directed. Cover each and chill in the refrigerator until ready to garnish and serve. I don’t recommend topping with whipped cream or meringue more than 6-8 hours in advance. (Refrigerate uncovered after topping.) Baked & cooled pies freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 6-ounce Oven-Safe Ramekins | 9-inch Square Baking Pan (or similar small casserole dish) | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Citrus Zester | Cooling Rack | Piping Bag (Reusable or Disposable) | Wilton 8B Piping Tip
- Lime Juice: Key limes are hard to find in certain regions this time of year. You can buy bottled key lime juice in most major grocery stores (I like Nellie & Joe’s brand) or you can just use regular lime juice, bottled or fresh-squeezed. You need about 5 regular limes to yield 2/3 cup juice. In this recipe, you won’t really taste a difference between key lime juice and regular lime juice.
- Ramekin Size & Bake Time: You need oven-safe ramekins to make this recipe. This recipe yields 2 cups filling, which is perfect for four 1/2 cup servings in (affiliate link) 6-ounce oven-safe pyrex bowls or six 1/3 cup servings in 4 ounce oven-safe bowls/ramekins with enough room for toppings. If using 8 ounce bowls/ramekins, only fill with 1/2 cup or 1/3 cup of filling. No matter if each is 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup, the bake time is between 17-20 minutes.
- Graham Crackers/Note on the crust: Want to skip the brown sugar and butter in the “crust” topping? Go ahead! Skip the toasting in step 6 and simply crumble graham crackers over each pie. You need about 1/2 cup (50g) graham cracker crumbs. If you don’t have graham crackers, use any similar cookie. Outside of the US? Use digestive biscuits.
- Whipped Cream or Meringue Topping: Halve my whipped cream to make just enough. Mixing time remains the same. Instead of whipped cream, try marshmallow meringue. How convenient because you can use your 3 leftover egg whites to make it. Though I have a separate post for marshmallow meringue, follow the marshmallow meringue recipe and instructions in my s’mores brownie cupcakes. That recipe uses 3 egg whites and makes the perfect amount for 4-6 individual key lime pies.
I will try this again because it was such a fun recipe and the consistency was wonderful. I will cut down the key lime juice…maybe even to half. It was far too strong but like I say I will try it again.
Mmm, these sound great! I would probably use 8 oz mason jars and when cool, just pop the tops on.
would it be possible to fill cupcakes using this recipe
Hi Katy! You would want a no-bake filling to pipe into baked cupcakes. We would use the filling from our no bake cheesecake jars, replacing the lemon juice with lime and adding key lime zest to taste.
Another great recipe! Loved the ease of these. That extra step of toasting the Graham crackers was worth it.
I’m making these for the second time; I’ve been using leftover Girl Scout shortbread cookies in place of the graham crackers. Great substitution for a delicious treat.
I made these as an alternative to the turnovers for the July baking challenge. It’s too hot and humid for keeping butter cold enough but I will try again when the hot rain finally stops!
This recipe is delicious! Nothing like a chilled dessert for a hot day. The filling recipe is very tart, it really does pack that ‘punch’ as described.
I opted for the marshmallow meringue because I have very little experience with homemade meringue. I don’t care much for the store bought stuff and whipping egg whites to the correct stages has always been a challenge for me.
The instructions directed to in this recipe (s’mores cupcakes) are simple to follow and I even hopped over to your marshmallow meringue recipe to reference the video. My mixer finally hit stiff peaks after about 10 minutes (it’s soooo humid here).
I was worried about the meringue being too sweet but they complimented each other beautifully! Just the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
Thank you for your recipes and all your hard work on this site. From the instructions to the video tutorials, everything is well thought out and easy to follow. I look forward to trying the turnovers soon!
We’re so glad you enjoyed this alternate challenge recipe, Samantha!
Hi Sally,
You’re the best! I have made this recipe twice before to perfection. This time I will try the merengue topping. My pies have been in the fridge overnight. I made my topping this morning. I made the merengue at noon. It is now in a sealed plastic bag I use for piping (with a corner cut for the tip to stick out). I plan to serve them tonight around 9p. Can I assemble the pies and torch the merengue right before I serve? Can the merengue hang out on the counter till then? Your thoughts?
Jim
Hi Jim, My apologies, I’m just seeing your question. You may have already found this information in the recipe notes for the Homemade Marshmallow Creme (Meringue Frosting). If you ever make this again, the marshmallow meringue can be left at room temperature for up to 6-8 hours either in the piping bag or on top of your desserts. After that, it’s best to refrigerate. You can torch it right before serving.
Can you please advise what the cracker weight is, I plan to use ready-made crumbs. Thank you.
50g
Can you increase this recipe so there is 1/2 cup each for 6 ramekins
These were so delicious! I juiced regular limes and made the marshmallow meringue as the topping. I was really surprised at how easy the whole process was. The taste was amazing too, especially the next day. Will definitely save this recipe for the future!
So glad this recipe was a success for you, Ruth!
I made these this week and they were fantastic! I just used regular lime juice, but next time will get some limes because I think the zest would elevate it that much more. The marshmallow topping might be my favourite part, but the whole pie was delightful and so smooth and creamy. Delightful!
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed these, Thomas! Isn’t the marshmallow meringue topping an incredible pair to the key lime flavor? Thank you for giving this recipe a go!
I’m excited to try these using GF graham crackers for my daughter-in- law who has an allergy. Thanks for posting! For the lady who has the honey allergy, what if you try using Ritz crackers instead of graham crackers. Could also bake small circles of pie crust that would fit on the top of the baked key lime pies?
Using Ritz crackers is an awesome idea, thank you for sharing!
These look so yummy! I’m happy to find another use for my ramekins, too. I bought a bunch when I made your lemon pudding cakes for my mom’s birthday earlier this year and haven’t used them since.
Sounds like a perfect plan, Sera – let me know how these turn out for you!
Hi, Sally!
Yay! A new recipe! I am super excited for your Pie Week this year! I wish I could make all of them!
Thank you so much for all that you do to get these recipes out! I always look forward to reading them!
I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy in these troubling times!
Have a great day!
Thanks so much for the sweet note 🙂 Happy Pie Week!
Happy Pie Week! 😀
Hey Sally!
Question, Would this pie taste good with any other crust?
Maybe Nilla Wafers or biscoff cookies? I also love crushed gingersnap cookies with key lime pie. Awesome contrast of flavors that surprisingly work well together.
Crushed, toasted pecans or other nut would be a delicious substitute, and make the dessert gluten free!
Possibly Graham crackers made for babies might omit honey in the ingredients. For anyone with a honey allergy that may be worth pursuing.
Would it be possible to double this recipe, or would you suggest making two batches separately? I previously made your lemon pudding cakes which were amazing, I can’t wait to try these!
Hi Brianna, doubling shouldn’t be an issue. Extend the whip time for the egg yolks, possibly to 5 or 6 minutes since you’re working with more.
Sally, hi, I’ve missed you. Hope your family is doing well and be sure to share some baby and big sister photos with us soon!
Could you suggest a replacement for graham crackers in the crust. I have a honey allergy and can never find graham crackers made without honey any more. Thanks!
Hi Judy! Maybe crushed Nilla Wafers, biscoff cookies, or gingersnaps work? Unsure if those contain honey. Any crunchy cookie you’re able to eat would work!
I’ll try vanilla wafers. The recipe sounds great.
Would this still work with a regular pie plate or springform pan?
Hi Martha! Here is my full size key lime pie made in a pie dish.
This is a cute idea. My grandson loves your Key Lime Pie recipe, I am anxious to make this one for him!
I hope your grandson loves this version just as much, Marilyn!
This looks like a delicious pie recipe! By any chance is there a substitute for SCM?
Hi Emily, none that I’ve successfully tested. I would be cautious using an unsweetened thick milk/cream and adding granulated sugar, which would create a grainy tasting filling. Let me know if you test anything.
These were so delicious! Easy too!
I have used sweetened condensed coconut milk and a dairy-free “butter” for the crust for a dairy-free dessert. Not vegan, because there are eggs, but for a dairy allergy, this works really well.