Vegan Key Lime Pies (df, rsf)
Vegan Key Lime Pies
These easy at home vegan key lime pies are both dairy free and refined sugar free! And you don’t even need fresh key limes to make these.
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Few desserts scream SUMMER quite like key lime pie. Growing up in Florida, key lime pie is a staple dessert that’s served in many restaurants as a way to end a tasty meal. And, yes–you can make key lime pie at home, and you can make it vegan and refined sugar free, too!
The key to key lime pie (pun intended) is obviously key limes, however key limes can be hard to find nationwide, and especially when they aren’t in season. No worries though, I’ll unveil a secret ingredient below that allows you to have key lime juice all year round, and thus key lime pie whenever you want it!
Can key lime pie be made with regular limes?
The short answer is–sure, you can make key lime pie with regular limes, but they won’t have that quintessential fresh, floral, fruity taste that makes key lime pie so unique. The reason why key limes and regular limes are different is that key limes are generally much smaller, and have a more tart and distinctly floral flavor that’s missing in traditional limes.
Why is key lime pie called key lime pie, you may ask? It’s because key limes are grown and associated with Key West, Florida! And key limes are a key ingredient in key lime pie.
Want to know how to make key lime pie without key limes?
Here’s my little secret… fresh key limes can be hard to find nationwide and year round. So, when I’m in the mood for key lime pie but can’t find key limes, I use Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice! I’ll include a photo of it here.
I found my bottle in juice section of my local Ralphs, close to the cocktail mixes. This stuff is essentially key lime juice in a bottle, and it’s perfect for making key lime pie without needing actual key limes!
Does key lime pie have dairy?
Yes, the recipe for traditional key lime pie contains condensed milk and whipped cream, which are delicious but not friendly for the vegan or lactose-intolerant crowd.
This vegan key lime pie recipe, however, is dairy free! We use raw, soaked cashews in place of condensed milk, and coconut milk in place of whipped cream.
Is key lime pie baked?
Yes, this vegan key lime pie recipe is baked. Traditional key lime pie is baked, too.
Once the pie is finished baking, it will need to set in the fridge for at least 8 hours before serving.
Does key lime pie need to be refrigerated?
Yup! This key lime pie recipe will need to be stored in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a few days.
Vegan Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs (about 1.5 sleeves)
- 1/4 c vegan butter, melted
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 c raw cashews, soaked in water overnight (or in boiling water for 1 hr)
- 1 c coconut cream
- 1/2 c lime juice
- 1/2 c maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- zest of a lime
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Line an 8" baking pan (square or round) with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Drain the cashews.
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth.
- Pour the filling on top of the graham cracker crust. Spread it so it's even.
- Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, until the sides are a little dry but the center is still a little bit "jiggly".
- Remove from oven and cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to the fridge to chill overnight, uncovered.
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!