12 Tasty Recipes That Make Use of Key Limes, Including Pies, Cakes, and More (2024)

Also known as Mexican or West Indian limes, Key limes are prized for their high juice content and intense aroma. Not only does the flavorful citrus make an incredible Key Lime Pie, but it's also great for cookies, cupcakes, co*cktails, and more. Luckily, Key limes are available year-round, which means you can make and enjoy this delightfully tart pie all year long!

Key limes are smaller than the standard Persian limes and have thin, leathery skin. Choose fruit that is heavy for its size, firm, and shiny, and avoid any that have bruises or blemishes. Key limes can be stored on the counter at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer, for up to two weeks.

We'd be remiss if we didn't include a classic Key Lime Pie recipe—each bite will transport you to a tropical oasis. This timeless dessert features a graham cracker pie crust, a rich filling made from egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and Key lime juice. Don't forget the whipped cream topping! Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and lime zest for an irresistible dessert. For a creative spin on another tried-and-true, zesty treat, try our Key Lime Bundt Cake. We use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour in the batter, which keeps it super light and airy. Another trick for creating a moist cake? Brushing the warm, baked treat with simple syrup (a combination of sugar and water); we've taken this version to the next level by swapping the usual water for Key lime juice. The recipes we're sharing are inspired by Key lime pie and are sure to please—and maybe even cause you to pucker up.

Key Lime Bundt Cake

There's Key lime juice in the cake, simple syrup, and glaze of this Key lime pie-inspired dessert. It starts with a cinnamon-graham cracker streusel that takes a cue from the original pie recipe.

No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake

This make-ahead cheesecake tastes just like Key lime pie but comes together in only 35 minutes total. The main layer is made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and vanilla.

Margarita Cheesecake

Take a trip to the tropics with this festive cheesecake. The crust is made with salted pretzels, a fun twist on the usual graham cracker, and the filling features the essential three ingredients needed to make a margarita—orange-flavored liqueur, tequila, and Key lime juice.

Key Lime-Pie Sundaes

Key lime pie deconstructed! Fold homemade Key lime curd into vanilla ice cream, then finish with a brûléed meringue topping and shortbread triangles for a truly unforgettable sundae.

Mango-Key Lime Tart

Mangoes do double duty in this tropical Key lime tart—they're puréed for the creamy filling and diced for the garnish.

Coconut-Key Lime Squares

The secret behind these sensational lime bars? Adding shredded coconut and white chocolate to the buttery shortbread crust.

Key Lime Whoopie Pies

Key lime juice and zest add complexity to the simple cream cheese filling sandwiched between these cinnamon whole-wheat cookies.

Key Lime Pie

A textbook version of the classic—you can't go wrong with Key lime pie! It can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Top with freshly whipped cream and toasted coconut just before serving.

Key Lime Thumbprints

Key lime juice and zest amp up the filling for these cakey vanilla cookies. The recipe can be made from start to finish up to two days ahead. Don't forget to dust with plenty of confectioners' sugar before serving!

Key Lime Cupcakes

Here's a fun, kid-friendly version of Key lime pie. Key lime zest brightens the batter of these special-occasion cupcakes, while more zest and juice jazz up the accompanying cream cheese frosting.

Coconut-Key Lime Pie

Adding coconut milk to the filling elevates a classic Key lime pie. A combination of sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened coconut milk, and seven egg yolks create a rich and decadent filling.

Key-Lime Bars

You need to juice a whopping 20 Key limes for these crowd-pleasing bars inspired by Key lime pie, but the results are so worth the effort. The graham cracker crumb crust is topped with a creamy citrus filling made from lime juice, egg yolks, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk.