The dairy-free key lime pie recipe is a delicious and tangy dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. It is known for its tart and citrus-forward flavour, making it a refreshing treat on hot summer days. Dairy-free foodies will not feel left out this summer because we will share with you a dairy-free key lime pie recipe that you will most likely be hooked on for the entire season.
For those who adore the classic key lime pie’s tangy sweetness but avoid dairy, this moment might seem like a distant fantasy. But fear not, dessert lovers! With the growing popularity of delicious and versatile dairy-free alternatives, you can now create this iconic treat and indulge in its refreshing, guilt-free goodness.
This easy, vegan-friendly recipe utilises the magic of creamy coconut milk and the zesty punch of key limes to deliver a satisfying and light dessert. And the best part? You can choose between whipping up a homemade crust from scratch or taking advantage of the convenience of a store-bought option – the choice is yours!
So, get ready to embrace a taste of sunshine and citrusy bliss with this incredible dairy-free key lime pie recipe!
The magic behind our dairy-free key lime pie recipe lies in a powerful plant-based ingredient: coconut milk. This creamy, versatile liquid extracted from mature coconuts offers the perfect substitute for dairy in this recipe, allowing everyone to relish the refreshing tang of key lime pie without compromise.
Coconut milk boasts a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavour that complements the zesty lime perfectly. Unlike some dairy alternatives, it maintains a rich and creamy texture, crucial for achieving the signature filling of a key lime pie. Additionally, coconut milk is naturally lactose-free and vegan-friendly, making it ideal for various dietary needs.
When selecting coconut milk for this recipe, you’ll encounter two main types: full-fat and light coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk, with its thicker consistency and higher fat content (around 25%), is ideal for achieving the desired creamy texture in our pie filling.
Light coconut milk, containing around 5% fat, offers a thinner consistency and slightly lower calorie content. While both options can work, full-fat coconut milk will deliver a more authentic and decadent experience that closely resembles the traditional key lime pie texture.
While indulging in this delicious pie is certainly encouraged, it’s worth noting that coconut milk also offers some potential health benefits. It’s a good source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed and used by the body for energy.
Additionally, coconut milk is a natural source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, contributing to overall well-being. Remember, moderation is key, and consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended for personalised dietary advice.
Now that we’ve explored the wonders of coconut milk, it’s time to unleash your inner baker and create a masterpiece! This recipe is designed to be simple to follow, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this key lime pie will surely become a new favourite.
For the Crust (Optional):
For the Filling:
If you prefer a homemade crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted vegan butter, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before filling.
Alternatively, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust for a quicker and easier option.
Whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, lime zest, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble.
This process typically takes 5-7 minutes. Be sure to avoid boiling, as it can cause the egg yolks to cook unevenly.
Once the filling has thickened, remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the filling into the prepared (and cooled) crust. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until the filling is completely set.
Now that you have made this delicious dairy-free key lime pie, it’s time to learn how to serve and store it properly. Find out the best ways to enjoy this refreshing dessert!
When serving your dairy-free key lime pie, here are some delicious and creative ideas to make it even more enjoyable:
As you embark on your dairy-free key lime pie journey, you might have some lingering questions. Here, we address some of the most common inquiries to ensure you bake with confidence:
While key limes offer a unique, slightly floral and less acidic flavour than regular limes, you can certainly substitute them in this recipe if unavailable. However, keep in mind that the pie’s flavour profile might be slightly different. To compensate for the potential decrease in acidity, you can:
Start with the same quantity of regular lime juice as the recipe calls, and taste the filling after it thickens. You can add an additional tablespoon of lime juice gradually, tasting along the way, until you reach your desired tartness.
A small amount of lemon juice, roughly 1-2 teaspoons, can complement the regular lime juice and add a touch of additional brightness to the filling.
No worries! While a stand mixer can certainly expedite the process, you can still achieve a delicious filling using a whisk and some elbow grease. Simply whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined.
Then, slowly whisk in the heated coconut milk mixture until fully incorporated. Continue whisking over medium heat until the filling thickens and bubbles, following the same instructions as with a stand mixer.
Your dairy-free key lime pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keeping it covered with plastic wrap is important to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and the filling from absorbing any unwanted odours.
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a nut-free option, you can easily substitute the vegan butter in the crust for another dairy-free alternative like vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Both options will work well in achieving a crumbly and delicious crust.
Discover gluten-free options, flavour variations, and ingredient substitutions to create your own unique and delicious dairy-free key lime pie.
Get creative in the kitchen with these exciting twists on a classic dessert.
You can try plenty of alternatives if you’re looking for gluten-free options for your dairy-free key lime pie. Here are some ideas to consider:
If you love experimenting with different flavours in my dairy-free key lime pie, then you will love some of the variations we have for you.
Here are some delicious variations you can try:
If you can’t have certain ingredients or you want to try something different, here are some ingredient substitutions for dairy-free key lime pie:
This dairy-free key lime pie recipe is a delicious and refreshing dessert option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. With its creamy custard filling and crumbly graham cracker crust, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a lighter version of the classic key lime pie, this recipe is a must-try! So go ahead and indulge in this tangy and citrusy treat without any worries about dairy or gluten.
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