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Enjoy the refreshing taste of our homemade Key Lime Pie Ice Cream, an easy-to-make dessert that combines the tartness of key limes with the creamy sweetness of ice cream, all accented by a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for hot days, this versatile recipe can be made using an ice cream maker or follow our no-churn instructions for a simple, fuss-free version. With just five ingredients—cream, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and graham crackers—you can experience the beloved flavors of key lime pie in a cool, creamy scoop.
Craving more ice cream recipes? Delight in our rich and creamy single serve Vanilla Ice Cream, ultra-chocolatey Chocolate Ice Cream, refreshing single serve Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, sweet and vibrant Strawberry Ice Cream, indulgent Butter Pecan Ice Cream and nutty Pistachio Ice Cream.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Recipe
- Simple and Easy Preparation: This Key Lime Pie Ice Cream recipe is all about simplicity, making it enjoyable for anyone to try. You can make it with an ice cream maker or follow our no-churn instructions for an easy, no-fuss treat.
- Unique Flavor: The tangy lime paired with sweet cream creates a taste that stands out from typical ice cream flavors, offering a refreshing twist.
- Delightful Texture: The addition of graham cracker pieces adds a lovely crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
- Versatile Dessert: This ice cream is perfect as a summertime treat or a unique dessert for gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of enjoying homemade ice cream, crafted with your own hands.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this lime ice cream recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creamy texture. Consider using leftover sweetened condensed milk in Coconut Ice Cream, a small batch of Fudge, or a mini Mango Lemon Pie. Substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth ice cream base. We use heavy cream in many of our recipes like Vanilla Pudding, Lemon Posset, and a White Cake. A full-fat coconut milk can be used for a vegan alternative.
- Lime Juice: Provides the lime flavor. Fresh juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Leftover lime juice can be added to a Margarita or Cowboy Caviar.
- Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor. Lemon zest can be used for a different citrus note.
- Graham Crackers: Offers a crunchy texture reminiscent of key lime pie crust. Gluten-free graham crackers can be substituted if needed. Got extra graham crackers? Use them to make Peanut Butter Bars, a Lemon Meringue Pie, a Nanaimo Bar, or a Strawberry Icebox Cake.
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Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, this variation is a dream come true. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips after churning for a delightful contrast of tangy lime and rich chocolate.
- Berry Swirl: Adding a swirl of strawberry or raspberry puree, like the one we use in our Knickerbocker Glory recipe creates a fruity, vibrant twist to the classic key lime flavor. It’s a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness.
- Coconut: By mixing in shredded coconut, you transform this dessert into a tropical escape. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and texture that complements the key lime beautifully.
How To Make Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Mixing the Base: In a large bowl, blend together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, lime juice, and lime zest. Make sure to mix thoroughly for an even, consistent flavor.
- Churning the Ice Cream: Carefully pour your ice cream base into the bowl of a 1 1/2 quart electric ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture. Most models take about 25-30 minutes to achieve a creamy and thick consistency.
- Adding Graham Cracker Crumbs: Once your ice cream has reached the desired thickness, gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs, mixing for about 10 seconds to distribute evenly.
- Freezing to Perfection: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours. This step is crucial for transforming your ice cream into a firm, scoopable delight.
- Serving Your Ice Cream: Once it’s reached the perfect consistency, your Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is ready to enjoy. Serve it up as a refreshing treat any time!
To Make Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Without A Machine:
Ingredient Note: You will need to use 2 cups of heavy cream when making this ice cream without an ice cream maker.
- Whip the Cream: Whip 2 cups of heavy cream in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, creating the creamy foundation of your ice cream. This process takes me about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: Pour sweetened condensed milk into a separate large bowl. Whisk in the lime juice and lime zest blending it well with the milk.
- Combine and Fold: Transfer the whipped cream to the bowl with the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice mixture. Gently fold them together until completely mixed, ensuring a smooth and even ice cream base.
- Layer the Ice Cream Base: Pour half of the ice cream mixture into your chosen freezer-safe container. This step begins the layering process for a well-distributed flavor.
- Add the Graham Cracker Pieces: Evenly sprinkle the crackers over the ice cream layer. This adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to every scoop.
- Top with Remaining Mixture: Carefully pour the rest of the ice cream mixture over the graham cracker layer. This step ensures an even distribution of graham crackers throughout the ice cream.
- Swirl in the Graham Crackers: Using a knife, gently swirl the crackers into the ice cream. This technique creates a marbled effect and integrates the crackers into the mixture.
- Freeze to Perfection: Cover the container with plastic wrap to protect the ice cream. Freeze it for at least 6 hours. This allows the ice cream to set properly and develop the perfect creamy texture.
Expert Tips
- Choose High-Fat Dairy: When it comes to ice cream, richness and creaminess are key. Choose dairy products with a high fat content, as low-fat milk won’t freeze as effectively and will lack in flavor depth. Full-fat dairy ensures a luxurious texture and taste.
- Pre-Chill the Ice Cream Maker Bowl: A crucial step for successful ice cream is starting with a very cold ice cream maker bowl. If the bowl isn’t cold enough, your ice cream may struggle to freeze properly, affecting texture and consistency.
- Keep the Ice Cream Base Cold: The temperature of your ice cream base significantly impacts the freezing process. Always use cool or cold ingredients, and avoid letting the mixture reach room temperature. After combining your ingredients, promptly pour the base into the ice cream maker to start churning.
- Churn to Soft Serve Consistency: Churn your ice cream until it reaches a soft serve-like texture. This is the perfect stage to then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for the final freeze. Cover it well to prevent ice crystals.
- Final Freeze for Perfect Consistency: The transformation into the ideal ice cream texture happens in your freezer. After churning, allow sufficient time for the ice cream to firm up to achieve that classic ice cream consistency.
Serving Suggestions
There are numerous delightful ways to enjoy this Key Lime Pie Ice Cream. Here are a few:
- With Whipped Cream: Top your serving with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra luxurious experience.
- In a Cone: Scoop it into a crispy waffle cone for a classic ice cream treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing and colorful dessert.
- As a Milkshake: Blend with a little milk for a delicious key lime pie milkshake.
- With Key Lime Slices: Garnish with thin slices of key lime for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add additional mix-ins to the key lime pie ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, toasted coconut flakes, or even small pieces of key lime pie for an extra flavor punch. Add these in the last few minutes of churning.
How long can I store homemade lime ice cream?
Homemade Key Lime Pie Ice Cream can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
What if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?
If your ice cream becomes too hard in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will soften it to a scoopable consistency.
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Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this key lime pie ice cream or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it
Small Batch Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Whip up our Key Lime Pie Ice Cream with just 5 ingredients for a refreshing treat. Enjoy key lime's tartness and graham cracker crunch in a creamy scoop.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon lime zest
- 3 sheets graham crackers , rough chopped
Instructions
- Mixing the Base: In a large bowl, blend together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, fresh lime juice, and zesty lime zest. Ensure a thorough mix for a consistent flavor.
- Churning the Ice Cream: Carefully pour your ice cream base into the bowl of a 1 1/2 quart electric ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to churn the mixture. Most models take about 25-30 minutes to achieve a creamy and thick consistency.
- Adding Graham Cracker Crumbs: Once your ice cream has reached the desired thickness, gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs, mixing for about 10 seconds to distribute evenly.
- Freezing to Perfection: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for a minimum of 2 hours. This step is crucial for transforming your ice cream into a firm, scoopable delight.
- Serving Your Ice Cream: Once it's reached the perfect consistency, your Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is ready to enjoy. Serve it up as a refreshing treat any time!
Notes
To Make Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Without A Machine:
Ingredient Note: You will need to use 2 cups of heavy cream when making this ice cream without an ice cream maker.
- Whip the Cream: Whip 2 cups of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, creating the creamy foundation of your ice cream. This process takes me about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: Pour sweetened condensed milk into a separate large bowl. Whisk in the lime juice and lime zest blending it well with the milk.
- Combine and Fold: Transfer the whipped cream to the bowl with the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice mixture. Gently fold them together until completely mixed, ensuring a smooth and even ice cream base.
- Layer the Ice Cream Base: Pour half of the ice cream mixture into your chosen freezer-safe container. This step begins the layering process for a well-distributed flavor.
- Add the Graham Cracker Pieces: Evenly sprinkle the crackers over the ice cream layer. This adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to every scoop.
- Top with Remaining Mixture: Carefully pour the rest of the ice cream mixture over the graham cracker layer. This step ensures an even distribution of graham crackers throughout the ice cream.
- Swirl in the Graham Crackers: Using a knife, gently swirl the crackers into the ice cream. This technique creates a marbled effect and integrates the crackers into the mixture.
- Freeze to Perfection: Cover the container with plastic wrap to protect the ice cream. Freeze it for at least 6 hours. This allows the ice cream to set properly and develop the perfect creamy texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 337kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 126mg, Potassium: 77mg, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 600IU, Vitamin C: 9.3mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 0.3mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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one of my favorite flavors. yum!
Oh, mine too Dina. I’ve been mildly obsessed with key limes lately.