This Key Lime Pie Ice Cream transforms the classic tangy dessert into a creamy, frozen treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Its vibrant lime flavor balanced with sweetened condensed milk creates a perfect harmony of tart and sweet, while the graham cracker pieces add delightful texture.
Beyond its taste, this recipe provides a modest boost of protein and calcium from the milk and cream, while the small amount of fiber from graham crackers contributes to a more satisfying dessert experience.
Quick to prepare with minimal cooking, it’s an everyday-friendly recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Perfect for entertaining, summer treats, or a simple weeknight dessert, it combines convenience with the joy of homemade ice cream.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Ice Cream Maker
Essential for churning the base into a smooth, creamy texture. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for making frozen yogurts, sorbets, and custards at home.
Large Mixing Bowl
Ideal for whisking together liquids and sweetened condensed milk. Multipurpose for mixing batters, marinating, or tossing salads.
Whisk
Helps incorporate air and fully blend ingredients, ensuring a silky ice cream base. Great for sauces, dressings, and baking preparations.
Freezer-Safe Container
Holds the ice cream for final freezing while keeping it airtight. Also useful for storing leftovers or meal-prep portions.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ensures precise ingredient ratios for consistent flavor and texture. Valuable for any cooking or baking task requiring accuracy.
Easy Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Freezer-Safe Container
- 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Dash of salt
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 6 graham crackers coarsely crushed, divided
- Key lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Lime Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole milk, key lime juice, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and sweetened condensed milk. Use a whisk to vigorously blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth, silky, and uniform in texture, ensuring no lumps remain and the flavors are fully incorporated.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the prepared lime mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning. Allow the machine to work its magic, slowly transforming the liquid base into a creamy, thick, and airy ice cream while infusing it with a perfectly balanced tartness from the lime.
- Fold in Graham Crackers: Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, gently stir in about one-third cup of the coarsely crushed graham crackers. Mix evenly but carefully to maintain the light, creamy texture while ensuring every scoop has a delightful crunch from the graham cracker pieces.
- Freeze to Set: Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly and place in the freezer for at least one hour or until firm, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become scoopable yet creamy.
- Serve with Garnish: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, then sprinkle each serving with a teaspoon of remaining graham crackers. Add fresh key lime wedges for a vibrant, visually appealing garnish that enhances the citrus flavor and makes each serving look irresistible.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, add an extra tablespoon of key lime juice.
- Use room temperature milk and cream for a smoother blend.
- Coarsely crush graham crackers rather than finely to retain texture in ice cream.
- Adjust sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk if preferred.
- Let ice cream soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for easier serving.
Chef’s Secrets For Creamy Texture
The key to an ultra-smooth and creamy ice cream lies in proper whisking and churning.
Thoroughly blending the milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk ensures the base is silky before freezing.
Additionally, avoid over-churning, which can make ice cream icy, and gently fold in the graham crackers at the end to preserve their crunch.
Using fresh key lime juice, rather than bottled, enhances natural tartness and aroma, giving your ice cream that authentic, vibrant flavor reminiscent of traditional key lime pie.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Appeal
Serve this ice cream in colorful bowls, waffle cones, or even atop mini graham cracker crusts for an elegant dessert presentation.
Garnishing with lime wedges not only adds visual appeal but also reinforces the citrus flavor.
For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of white chocolate or sprinkle finely grated lime zest on top.
This ice cream also pairs beautifully with fresh berries, toasted coconut, or a light shortbread cookie for a textural contrast that elevates every bite.
Storage Tips For Best Freshness
Store the ice cream in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface to maintain smoothness.
Keep the container at the back of the freezer, where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within two weeks, but it can last up to a month if well-sealed.
When serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, stirring every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals, until it reaches creamy consistency.
2. Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream, though the texture will be slightly less rich and creamy. Adjust sweetness to balance flavor if using coconut cream.
3. How do I prevent the graham crackers from getting soggy?
Add the crackers at the very end of churning or just before freezing. This preserves their crunch while keeping them evenly distributed.
4. Can I prepare this ice cream in advance?
Absolutely. You can make it a day or two ahead, keeping it tightly covered in the freezer. Allow it to soften slightly before serving for perfect scoopable texture.
5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! It’s naturally sweetened with condensed milk and contains no alcohol, making it a kid-friendly dessert. For toddlers, adjust lime juice slightly for milder tartness.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by mybakingaddiction. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
