Say hello to your new favorite summer treat: Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry. With their vibrant citrusy filling, sweet-tart blackberries, and crunchy graham cracker crusts, these little pies pack big flavor into every bite. They’re stunning to look at, a breeze to assemble, and perfectly portioned for parties or weekday pick-me-ups. Whether you’re a long-time key lime lover or simply in the mood for a bakery-worthy dessert that won’t tie you up in the kitchen for hours, these mini beauties promise to delight everyone lucky enough to snag one off the platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of ingredients transform into something so memorable. Every ingredient in these Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry plays a special role, bringing color, texture, or richness that makes each bite pop—so let’s get to know our lineup!
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the deliciously crisp and buttery crust, classic for mini pies and loved for their subtle sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch goes into the crust to add sweetness that balances the lime’s zing.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds everything together, giving that irresistible, golden-brown crunch.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creamy and rich, this is the backbone of your luscious pie filling, ensuring extra smoothness.
- Large egg yolks: Egg yolks not only add color but help set the filling so it slices cleanly and holds its shape.
- Key lime juice: The star ingredient! Key lime juice brings a signature tang and aroma you just can’t fake.
- Lime zest: Don’t skip it—zest adds aromatic oils and makes the pies irresistible both in taste and appearance.
- Blackberries (fresh): Their tart-sweet juiciness is the perfect foil for the creamy citrus, and they look beautiful nestled in each mini pie.
- Whipped cream (for topping): A fluffy cloud on top mellows out the tartness and doubles as a pretty garnish.
- Additional lime zest and blackberries (for garnish): These turn your pies into showstoppers with a simple sprinkle and scatter before serving.
How to Make Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—your kitchen is about to smell amazing! In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is moistened and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottoms and up the sides of a greased muffin tin or mini tart pans. Packing it down helps the crust holds its shape, so don’t be shy! Slide the crusts into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, just until set and lightly golden. Let them cool while you prepare that dreamy lime filling.
Step 2: Mix Up the Citrus Filling
Grab a clean bowl and whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant—if your mouth is watering, you’re on the right track. This blend is what gives Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry their silky, custardy texture and zingy kick.
Step 3: Assemble and Add the Blackberries
Divide the luscious filling between your cooled crusts, filling each about three-quarters of the way full. Here comes the magic: gently press 2 to 3 blackberries into the center of each mini pie. They’ll peek out just a bit after baking and lend bursts of color and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the muffin tin or mini tart pans to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the centers are just set—they should jiggle ever so slightly when you wiggle the tray. Don’t overbake! Let the pies cool to room temperature right in the pan, then transfer them to the fridge for at least 2 hours so the filling can chill and firm up beautifully.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Just before serving, pop each mini pie from the tin and top with a fluffy swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra lime zest, and a few more fresh blackberries. Admire your handiwork—your Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry
Garnishes
Nothing pops quite like a generous swoop of whipped cream on these minis—it’s as light as a cloud and the perfect contrast to the tart filling. A fresh blackberry perched on top with a sparkle of lime zest makes each pie look like it came from an upscale bakery. For a little extra flair, consider thin slices of key lime or a candied lime curl. Trust me, these finishing touches are effortless and make the Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these pies with something just as refreshing! I love to serve them with an icy glass of unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with a wedge of lime to echo those citrus notes. For a fancier spread, arrange a fruit salad of strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple alongside—something light and colorful will complement the creamy, bright flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, display the pies on a tiered stand or pretty platter for maximum impact—the vibrant berries and lime zest make them decor all on their own! For a picnic vibe, pack each pie in a parchment cupcake wrapper and tuck into a bento box. Or, set up a DIY topping bar with bowls of whipped cream, extra berries, and citrus zest so each guest can garnish their Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra pies covered in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you’ve already garnished with whipped cream, know that it might deflate a bit, but the flavor will still be dreamy. For best results, add fresh whipped cream and extra blackberries just before serving leftover pies.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry—just hold off on the garnishes. Place cooled pies (still in their muffin tin or individually wrapped) in the freezer, then transfer to an airtight container once solid. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then garnish and serve as usual for a quick dessert solution on busy days.
Reheating
These mini pies are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them closer to room temperature, simply let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving, as this can affect the silky texture of the filling and make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a distinctive floral zing, regular limes work perfectly well and will still provide that classic tartness. If using Persian limes, you might want to increase the zest slightly for an extra bright flavor.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy—just substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. The filling and toppings are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Fresh blackberries yield the juiciest bursts and prettiest color, but frozen will work in a pinch. Thaw and pat them dry before adding to avoid excess moisture in your pies.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can bake the Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry one day ahead. Simply store them covered in the fridge and wait to add whipped cream and fresh fruit until just before serving for the very best look and taste.
Do I need special pans for this recipe?
Not at all! A standard 12-cup muffin tin works beautifully for individual pies. If you have mini tart pans, feel free to use those for an even more elegant presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing homemade treats like Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry—they feel special but don’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve them at a party or whip up a batch to brighten an ordinary day, these minis are bound to earn rave reviews and plenty of smiles. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Print
Mini Key Lime Pies with Blackberry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Mini Key Lime Pies with a twist of fresh blackberries. These individual-sized treats are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making them a refreshing dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Key Lime Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup blackberries, fresh
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Additional lime zest and blackberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into muffin tin, then bake.
- Make the filling: Combine condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest. Pour into crusts.
- Add blackberries: Press blackberries into each pie.
- Bake: Bake until set, then cool and chill.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, blackberries, and lime zest before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
- These mini pies can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
