Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe: 5 Layers of Heaven (No-Bake!)

Key lime pie lush – those three little words that instantly transport me back to my first summer working in a Florida beachside café. I’ll never forget the moment a regular customer took her first bite of our signature dessert and literally closed her eyes in pure bliss. “This,” she said, “is what summer tastes like.”

Hey there! I’m Emeli, and if you’re tired of complicated desserts that require hours of baking and precise timing, this Key Lime Pie Lush is about to become your new obsession. This dreamy, no-bake layered dessert delivers all the tangy, creamy goodness of traditional key lime pie but with half the effort and twice the wow factor.

As someone who’s spent years perfecting desserts in professional kitchens and traveling to taste authentic flavors around the world, I’ve learned that the most memorable treats often come from the simplest techniques. During my time exploring the Florida Keys, I discovered that the secret to exceptional key lime desserts isn’t just the lime juice – it’s the perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and that cloud-like texture that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know: from selecting the perfect limes to creating those Instagram-worthy layers, plus my favorite serving suggestions and troubleshooting tips that’ll make you look like a dessert wizard.

Why This Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe Works

This isn’t just another dessert – it’s your ticket to effortless entertaining and pure summer joy. Here’s what makes this Key Lime Pie Lush absolutely irresistible:

• No-bake convenience: Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels impossible • Make-ahead friendly: Actually gets better overnight, making it ideal for party planning • Crowd-pleaser layers: Each bite delivers the perfect ratio of creamy filling, tangy lime, and crunchy Oreo texture • Foolproof technique: Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results • Budget-friendly indulgence: Uses accessible ingredients to create an impressive dessert that feeds a crowd

Choosing the Right Key Lime Pie Lush Ingredients

The magic of this Key Lime Pie Lush lies in selecting quality ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Let me walk you through what makes each component essential.

Best Lime Choices for This Recipe

Fresh key limes are the gold standard, but don’t let their scarcity stop you from making this dessert. Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and pack a more intense flavor than regular Persian limes. However, if you can’t find fresh key limes, bottled key lime juice is a fantastic alternative – just make sure it’s 100% key lime juice without added sugars or preservatives.

For fresh limes, you’ll need about 15-20 key limes to get 1 cup of juice. Pro tip: roll them on the counter while pressing firmly before cutting to maximize juice extraction.

Cookie Crust Essentials

Double-stuffed Golden Oreos are non-negotiable here. The extra cream filling adds richness to the crust, while the golden cookie provides a flavor that complements lime beautifully without competing with it. The family-sized package ensures you have enough crumbs for both the base and the decorative topping.

Cream and Texture Components

The combination of cream cheese, instant vanilla pudding, and heavy whipping cream creates layers of texture that make this dessert special. The cream cheese provides tangy richness, the pudding adds stability and sweetness, while the whipped cream brings that signature “lush” lightness.

Ingredients & Prep for Key Lime Pie Lush

Essential Prep Steps

For the Oreo Crust:

• 20 ounces double stuffed Golden Oreos (family sized package)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Pie Lush Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (2 packages of 3.4 oz each)
• 5½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lime

Make-Ahead Tips

The beauty of this Key Lime Pie Lush is in the preparation. Soften your cream cheese at room temperature for at least 2 hours before starting – this prevents lumps and ensures smooth mixing. You can also prepare the Oreo crumbs up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container.

Equipment Essentials

A food processor makes quick work of the Oreo crumbs, while a stand mixer with both paddle and whisk attachments ensures perfectly smooth layers. A 9×13 baking dish provides the ideal surface area for beautiful layering and easy serving.

Step-by-Step Key Lime Pie Lush Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Key Lime Pie Lush

Begin by processing your Golden Oreos in batches until they form fine, even crumbs. Reserve 1½ cups of these crumbs for the final topping – this creates that signature layered look and adds textural contrast to each bite. Mix the remaining crumbs with melted butter until they hold together when pressed, then firmly pack this mixture into your 9×13 dish to form an even base.

Creating the Key Lime Pie Lush Base Layer

Using your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial – any lumps now will show up in your final dessert. Gradually add the pudding mix, then slowly incorporate 2 cups of heavy cream, one cup at a time. The key lime juice goes in last, mixed on slow speed to prevent curdling.

Building the Key Lime Pie Lush Layers

Reserve ⅔ cup of your cream cheese mixture before spreading the rest over your Oreo crust. Sprinkle those reserved cookie crumbs evenly over this layer – they’ll provide a delightful crunch that breaks up the creamy textures above.

Perfecting the Key Lime Pie Lush Topping

Whip the remaining 3½ cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar until medium peaks form. Divide this whipped cream: fold one portion into your reserved cream cheese mixture along with fresh lime zest, creating a lighter, fluffier layer. Use the remaining whipped cream as your final decorative topping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Key Lime Pie Lush

Avoiding Common Key Lime Pie Lush Mistakes

Temperature control is everything in this recipe. Cold cream cheese creates lumps, while over-whipped cream becomes grainy. Mix your cream cheese layer on low speeds only, and watch your whipped cream carefully – stop at medium peaks for the perfect texture.

Tool Recommendations for Key Lime Pie Lush Success

Invest in a good stand mixer if you make desserts regularly. For this recipe specifically, having both paddle and whisk attachments makes the process seamless. A large offset spatula helps create smooth, even layers.

Storage & Make-Ahead Magic for Key Lime Pie Lush

This dessert actually improves with time. The minimum chilling time is 6 hours, but overnight is even better – the flavors meld and the layers set perfectly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days.

Flavor Variations for Key Lime Pie Lush

Tropical Twist Key Lime Pie Lush

Fold ½ cup of toasted coconut flakes into your whipped cream layer and substitute coconut extract for half the vanilla in your pudding mixture. This creates a piña colada-inspired version that’s perfect for summer entertaining.

Chocolate Lover’s Key Lime Pie Lush

Use regular chocolate Oreos instead of Golden ones, and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to your whipped cream layer. The chocolate-lime combination is surprisingly sophisticated.

Lighter Key Lime Pie Lush Options

Serving Suggestions for Key Lime Pie Lush

Presentation is key with this showstopper dessert. Serve squares on chilled plates with a dollop of additional whipped cream and a thin lime wheel garnish. The contrast of the bright green lime against the creamy white layers is absolutely stunning.

For beverages, consider pairing with champagne or prosecco for special occasions, or iced coffee for a casual afternoon treat. The effervescence cuts through the richness beautifully, while coffee’s slight bitterness balances the sweet-tart profile.

Fresh berries – especially strawberries or blackberries – make gorgeous garnishes and add a pop of color that photographs beautifully for your social media posts.

FAQs About Key Lime Pie Lush

Can I make Key Lime Pie Lush without a stand mixer? Absolutely! Use a hand mixer for the cream cheese mixture, working in smaller batches. For the whipped cream, a hand mixer works perfectly – just be patient and watch for those medium peaks.

How do I fix lumpy Key Lime Pie Lush filling? If your cream cheese layer has lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before spreading. Prevention is better: always use fully softened cream cheese and mix on low speed.

Can I freeze Key Lime Pie Lush? While possible, freezing changes the texture of the whipped cream layers. If you must freeze, do so before adding the final whipped cream topping, then add fresh whipped cream when ready to serve.

What if I can’t find key lime juice? Regular lime juice works, though the flavor will be less intense. You can also use a combination of lime and lemon juice for complexity. Start with ¾ cup and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about creating a dessert that looks this impressive but comes together so simply. This Key Lime Pie Lush has become my go-to for everything from backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties, and I know it’ll become yours too.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in how it brings people together. Every time I serve this, I watch faces light up with that first bite – that perfect balance of tangy lime, creamy richness, and satisfying crunch that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment.

Ready to create your own summer sensation? Grab those Golden Oreos and fresh limes, and let’s make something unforgettable together! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your beautiful creation and share it with our FoodFansy community.

Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve fallen in love with this recipe! For more no-bake desserts and summer entertaining ideas, check out our [Ultimate Summer Dessert Collection] and [5-Minute Fruit Tarts Guide] – because life’s too short for complicated desserts when simple ones taste this incredible.

What’s your favorite way to serve Key Lime Pie Lush? Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other with creative presentation ideas!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Key Lime Pie Lush Recipe: 5 Layers of Heaven (No-Bake!)

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 25mins

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Description

Key Lime Pie Lush is tart and sweet and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for summer entertaining, this 5 layer dessert is refreshingly delicious and can be served chilled or frozen.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

• 20 ounces double stuffed Golden Oreos family sized package

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted

For the filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese softened

• 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix (2) 3.4 ounce packages

• 5 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream divided

• 1 cup key lime juice fresh or bottled

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• zest of 1 lime

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Instructions

Oreo Crust

1. Place the oreos in a food processor and pulse to form crumbs. Reserve 1 and ½ cups of the cookie crumbs, set aside.

2. Mix the remaining crumbs with the melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, set aside.

Filling

 

1. Place the cream cheese in the body of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until smooth with no lumps. Add in the pudding mix and mix to combine.

2. Add 1 cup of the cream and mix on slow speed until combined. Add 1 more cup of heavy cream, mix on slow to combine. Add in the key lime juice, mix on slow speed until combined and smooth, scrape down the sides as needed. Reserve ⅔ cup of this mixture.

3. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture on top of the cookie crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Evenly spread the remaining cookie crumbs on top.

4. In the body of a stand mixer add the remaining 3 & ½ cups of the heavy cream and the powdered sugar. Using the whisk attachment, whip the cream and sugar starting on low speed and gradually increasing in speed to medium to form medium peaks. Take out about ⅓ of the whipped cream and set aside.

5. Fold the remaining whipped cream into the remaining ⅔ cup of the cream cheese mixture along with the lime zest. Pour this on top of the cookie crumbs in the baking dish, smooth out the top.

6. Top the whole thing with the remaining whipped cream. You can smooth it over the top or pipe a decoration on top like seen in the photos. Let it set in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or up to overnight.

Notes

This Key Lime Pie Lush can also be frozen, cut and served for an even more refreshing treat!

Alternatively, you could make a Nilla wafer crust or the graham cracker crust I use for my key lime pie recipe. You will need to double the crust recipes.

• Prep Time: 25minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desssert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 648kcal
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 323mg
• Fat: 51g
• Saturated Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 153mg

Keywords: Key Lime Pie Lush