Make Ahead

Raw Mini Key Lime Pies

by:
June 30, 2015
4.6
5 Ratings
Raw Mini Key Lime Pies
Photo by Mark Weinberg
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Simple ingredients, simple directions. So refreshing in the hot summer months! The sweet and nutty crust with the creamy, tart lime filling is a match made in heaven. —Natalie

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: Natalie is a nutrition student who lives in Portland, Oregon.
WHAT: A raw, vegan, frozen version of Key lime pie.
HOW: Press a date-coconut-walnut mixture into muffin tins and fill with a tart, creamy avocado-lime filling—then freeze!
WHY WE LOVE IT: The date-walnut-coconut crust is a refreshing change from heavy graham cracker-and-butter crusts, and the avocado lends a uniquely buttery and creamy texture to the "pies." They make for a zesty way to cool down on a hot summer day. —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Crust
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 5 dates, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Filling
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • zest of 2 limes
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey (sub maple syrup to be vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
Directions
  1. Put the crust ingredients into a food processor and pulse until there are no chunks and you are able to mold the mixture in your hands. If it’s not sticking then pulse a few more times or try adding a splash of water. Remove from the food processor and set aside in a bowl. Try not to eat all of it.
  2. For the filling, put all the of ingredients into your food processor and process until smooth. Taste it and decide whether you’d like it more sweet (add honey) or more tart (add more lime juice).
  3. Line a muffin tin with 4 muffin cups. Divide the date mixture evenly among the cups and press to create a mini compact crust. Then spoon the filling on to the crust. If you have extra filling then just pour it into another muffin cup for a crustless version… or just eat it right then and there with a spoon. Top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and some lime zest, if desired.
  4. Place in the freezer for at least a couple of hours or until solid. I like to let them sit out for 10 minutes to soften up a bit, but they are also good straight from the freezer.
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31 Reviews

D Z.
D Z. August 15, 2017
These are LIME pies. Key Lime is completely different.
 
terya
terya July 29, 2016
What can be substituted for the dates?
 
Karen M.
Karen M. November 16, 2015
Guess you have been reading My New Roots as this recipe seems to be familiar...
 
Abbie C.
Abbie C. August 3, 2015
I made this for a dinner party this weekend, and tripled the recipe to make it as a 9" pie, and it worked out wonderfully! It was very refreshing, and was a fun and interesting dessert to serve to our friends.
 
Natalie
Natalie August 3, 2015
Oh my gosh yum!! That's great to know it works as a pie, thanks for sharing :)
 
Mary C.
Mary C. July 28, 2015
I just made these, and I must confess: the crust nor the key-lime mixture made it to the muffin tins because my partner and I ate it all out of the food processor bowl before I could assemble these little pies. Separately, the crust and the filling were that delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 30, 2015
Umm been there done that. Imagine how good they are together :)
 
Sharlene
Sharlene July 26, 2015
These were delicious! Do you think the avocado-lime mixture could be made into an ice cream/sorbet?
 
Natalie
Natalie July 27, 2015
Thank you! Aren't they so yummy? I made them over the weekend and they disappeared very quickly. I'm not sure about the ice cream/sorbet, but I'd love to hear how it goes if you do try it.
 
Foodiewithalife
Foodiewithalife July 26, 2015
Key lime is pretty much my favorite thing in the world... I'll be trying this variation asap!

Christina
www.foodiewithalife.com
 
Natalie
Natalie July 26, 2015
I know me to, especially in the hot summer months. Let me know how it goes. Love your blog!
 
Tim B.
Tim B. July 26, 2015
no dairy = less farts. This is fantastic!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 26, 2015
Amen
 
Smaug
Smaug July 24, 2015
Interesting recipe, though it has no relation whatever to traditional Key Lime Pie. I should think it would at least be made with key lime juice.
 
Natalie
Natalie July 26, 2015
I understand where you're coming from but it's more of a play on the traditional key lime pie - similar flavor profile. Give it a try :)
 
Smaug
Smaug July 29, 2015
I tried it (with key lime juice, by the way); as I say, interesting. I actually don't like key lime pie much; the filling is much too sweet for me (which your filling was not), and you can't really adjust it because the condensed milk is essential structurally. Also, most people nowadays make it with graham cracker crust (though the dish actually predates graham crackers) and I think the cinnamon and ginger in the crackers is a bad mix with the key lime flavor.
 
judy
judy August 3, 2017
I don't like the cinnamon either-but i do like he ginger. I don't use graham crackers. Usually I make shortbread, and then grind up and make my crust from that.
 
EmilyC
EmilyC July 24, 2015
Congrats Natalie! I'm honored to have my sorbet in the finals with these beauties! They look and sound SO delicious.
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Congrats to you to Emily! Your sorbet sounds divine and perfect for the abundance of juicy cherries we have here in Oregon!
 
anka
anka July 24, 2015
Congratulations on being the finalist.
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thank you Anka!
 
Annika K.
Annika K. July 23, 2015
I made these and was immediately obsessed! So simple, fresh, healthy, and completely satisfies my key lime craving- thank you for this life changer =) and CONGRATS!!!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thanks for the wonderful review :)
 
cookinginvictoria
cookinginvictoria July 23, 2015
This is such a creative, wonderful looking recipe. It is on my list of summer recipes to make. Congratulations on the finalist nod!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thank you! Let me know how they turn out when you make them
 
Midge
Midge July 23, 2015
Sounds delish. Congrats!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thank you!
 
AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames July 23, 2015
Amazing. Congrats! ;o)
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thank you, I'm so thrilled!
 
QueenSashy
QueenSashy July 23, 2015
What an unusual combination of ingredients, I am very excited about trying it out! Congratulations on being the finalist!
 
Natalie
Natalie July 24, 2015
Thank you! Report back with your results :)