Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie Recipe — Zesty, Crisp Graham Crust

This gluten-free key lime pie is easy to make with just a few ingredients and always a crowd-pleaser. It features a tender gluten-free graham cracker crust and a bright, creamy lime filling. Finish with a scoop of fresh whipped cream and a little lime zest for a refreshing dessert that guests won’t suspect is gluten-free.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).

Key lime pie can be made many ways — baked or no-bake, with whole eggs or only yolks, and sometimes with sour cream or yogurt. This version is a baked pie using sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks for a silky, tangy filling that holds up beautifully in a gluten-free crust.

If you’re short on time, a store-bought gluten-free graham cracker crust works perfectly and cuts prep time to minutes. Of course, you can also make your own crust by substituting gluten-free graham crackers into any standard graham cracker crust recipe.

Why this recipe works

This recipe is a favorite because it’s simple, reliable and crowd-friendly.

• Easy and quick to prepare — the filling comes together in minutes and bakes in under 20 minutes.
• Deceptively gluten-free — the texture and flavor are what people expect from a classic key lime pie.
• Minimal ingredients deliver maximum flavor, making it a great option for gatherings or a simple family dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) prepared gluten-free graham cracker pie crust
• 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 cup freshly squeezed key lime or regular lime juice (about 10 key limes or 5 full-size limes, depending on size)
• 1–2 tbsp freshly grated lime zest
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1–2 cups whipped cream (optional, for topping)

How to make gluten-free key lime pie

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash and zest the limes; set the zest aside.
3. Squeeze the limes to measure 1 cup of fresh juice and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime zest and vanilla until smooth.
5. Slowly add the lime juice, a little at a time (about 1/4 cup increments), whisking until fully combined and the mixture slightly thickens.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared gluten-free graham cracker crust.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 30 minutes.
9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. You can also freeze the pie if desired.
10. Top with whipped cream and garnish with thin lime slices or extra zest, if using.

Is key lime pie gluten-free?

The filling itself is typically gluten-free, but the crust is where gluten is most often found. Use a certified gluten-free graham cracker crust or make a crust from gluten-free graham crackers to keep the entire pie gluten-free.

Can you substitute regular limes for key limes?

Yes. Regular limes work well and are often more readily available. Key limes are smaller with a slightly floral note and a bit less acidity, but the sweetened condensed milk balances regular limes nicely, so either will yield a delicious pie.

How to make a homemade gluten-free graham cracker crust

To make your own crust, pulse gluten-free graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Combine crumbs with melted unsalted butter (and a bit of sugar, if desired), press into a 9-inch pie pan, and chill or blind-bake briefly before adding the filling. Adjust sweetness based on your preference, since the filling is already sweet.

FAQ and expert tips

Looking for other easy desserts?

• Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies
• No-Bake Coconut Rum Balls
• Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
• Soft Gingerbread Cookies
• Tamarindo Candy

Hungry for more? Subscribe to the email newsletter and follow on social media for more recipes and updates. Feedback is always welcome — if you try the recipe, a five-star rating is appreciated!