Description
A refreshing no-bake dessert combining zesty key lime pudding, creamy layers, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for warm days or any occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups whipped topping (divided: 1 cup + 2 cups)
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1/3 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
Zest of 1 lime
Lime zest, slices, or crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. Chill in freezer 10–15 minutes to set.
- Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread evenly over chilled crust.
- Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Add key lime juice and lime zest, stir smooth. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Spread remaining 2 cups whipped topping evenly over pudding layer. Garnish with lime zest, slices, or crushed graham crackers.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavors.
Notes
This dessert serves 12.
Chill time is essential for best texture and flavor.
Can substitute regular lime juice if key lime juice is unavailable.
Use gluten-free graham crackers to make it gluten-free.
Not recommended to freeze due to texture changes.
Variations include adding lime extract, green food coloring, or tropical flavors like coconut and pineapple.
Can use homemade or dairy-free whipped topping as substitutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: approx. 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
