All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This No-Churn Key Lime Pie Ice Cream captures all the zesty, refreshing charm of a key lime pie in a creamy frozen dessert—without the need for an ice cream machine.
The tangy citrus pairs beautifully with the buttery, toasted graham cracker crumble, giving each bite layers of sweet, tart, and crunchy satisfaction.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how incredibly easy it is to prepare—only 20 minutes of hands-on time and a handful of pantry staples.
While indulgent, this dessert offers 9 grams of protein per serving from cream cheese and condensed milk, and it’s free from eggs and artificial additives.
It’s also a great make-ahead option, ideal for gatherings or to have on hand as a refreshing treat.
Whether you’re meal-prepping desserts or hosting summer guests, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Creaming Made Effortless
This powerhouse mixer effortlessly beats cream cheese to the perfect texture and combines ingredients uniformly, saving you time and energy. It’s a staple for any home baker looking to streamline prep.
Microplane Premium Zester
Zest Without the Bitter Pith
Essential for extracting ultra-fine lime zest, this tool enhances the dessert’s citrus punch without bitterness. It’s also excellent for zesting other citrus fruits, grating cheese, and even spices.
USA Pan 8×4-Inch Loaf Pan
Freeze and Serve in One Dish
The perfect size for no-churn ice cream, this non-stick loaf pan keeps your dessert compact for freezing while making for easy slicing and serving. Also great for quick breads and meatloaf.
Nordic Ware Baking Sheet
Reliable, Even Browning
A heavy-duty baking sheet is key to getting that graham cracker crust golden and crunchy. This one resists warping and ensures even baking for crusts, cookies, or sheet pan meals.
Parchment Paper Sheets (Pre-Cut)
No Stick, No Hassle
Line your baking tray for effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking. These pre-cut sheets save time and ensure consistent results in crust baking and candy making alike.

Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 × Stand mixer (or electric hand mixer)
- 1 × 8-by-4-inch loaf pan
- 1 × Baking sheet
- 1 × Parchment paper sheet
- 1 × Medium mixing bowl
- 1 × Spoon or spatula
- 1 × Microplane zester
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crumble
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs from about 8 whole crackers
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
For the Key Lime Ice Cream Base
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest from ~3 fresh limes
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice from ~3 limes
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a spoon, then use your fingertips to break apart any brown sugar clumps. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in a flat layer, about ¼-inch thick. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool fully, then break into small crumbles using a spoon.
- Make the Ice Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy—this should take about 1 minute. Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat for another 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring the mixture is completely smooth. Next, pour in the heavy cream, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, or just until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Freeze: Take a standard 8-by-4-inch loaf pan (no need to grease it). Sprinkle half of the cooled graham cracker crumble into the bottom of the pan, spreading it out evenly. Pour the lime ice cream mixture over the crust layer and smooth out the top with a spatula. Finish by scattering the remaining crumble evenly over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or overnight, until solid.
Notes
- Lime Options: Fresh key limes provide authentic flavor, but Persian limes work beautifully and are easier to juice. Always use fresh juice for best results—avoid bottled lime juice.
- No-Churn Tip: There’s no need to whip the cream separately in this version. The cream cheese and condensed milk create a naturally rich, smooth texture.
- Graham Cracker Tip: If you don’t have pre-ground graham crumbs, simply pulse whole crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Storage: Keep the ice cream tightly wrapped in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, although it’s best enjoyed within the first few days for ideal texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly for easier serving.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Perfection
The secret to this incredibly creamy, smooth texture lies in using full-fat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk—both contribute to a rich base that mimics churned ice cream.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
Beating the cream cheese first before adding other ingredients is also crucial; this step incorporates air and smooths the texture.
When it comes to lime flavor, fresh is best. Use a Microplane to zest the limes finely, capturing the essential oils without the bitter pith.
Finally, don’t overbake the graham cracker crumble—just golden around the edges is perfect.
Overbaking can lead to a burnt or bitter note.
These small details make a big difference in turning a simple dessert into something truly exceptional.
Serving Ideas to Impress Guests
Serve this no-churn ice cream in small bowls or ramekins garnished with extra lime zest or thin lime slices for a bright, elegant touch.
You can also drizzle a bit of sweetened condensed milk or honey over the top for added richness.
Hosting a dinner party? Scoop it into store-bought mini graham cracker tart shells for individual frozen desserts that look bakery-worthy.
Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling citrus cocktail for a refreshing summer treat.
For added crunch and flavor, try topping with crushed toasted coconut or chopped macadamia nuts.
Its vibrant flavor and smooth texture make it a crowd-pleaser for casual cookouts or refined gatherings alike.
Smart Storage for Best Texture
To preserve the texture and flavor of this no-churn treat, store it in an airtight container tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or a lid.
A loaf pan covered well in plastic works, but transferring to a freezer-safe storage tub with a sealable lid can help prevent freezer burn and odor absorption.
For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 weeks.
When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes—this softens it slightly, making it easier to scoop without compromising its creamy structure.
Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, as this can cause icy patches to form and affect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended. Bottled versions often lack the brightness and can have a metallic aftertaste. Fresh lime juice gives this dessert its signature tangy kick.
2. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A handheld electric mixer works just as well. Just be sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding the remaining ingredients. Avoid whisking by hand, as it’s difficult to achieve the creamy consistency needed.
3. Can I substitute low-fat ingredients?
You can try using reduced-fat cream cheese or light condensed milk, but note that the final texture may be less creamy and more icy. Full-fat ingredients yield the best mouthfeel and flavor.
4. How long does it take to freeze?
Plan for at least 8 hours of freezer time, though overnight is ideal for best firmness. If you’re making it for a party or gathering, prep the day before for stress-free serving.
5. Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Simply prepare it the night before, store it in the freezer, and scoop just before serving. You can even prepare it up to a week in advance.
This recipe is inspired by onceuponachef and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.