Need more healthy pie recipes? Try my healthy apple pie, lemon meringue pie, and healthy pumpkin pie next. I still remember my first bite of key lime pie. It was during my first trip to America, and ever since then, I’ve been dying to re-create it. Traditional key lime pie is made with sweetened condensed milk, which, while delicious, isn’t exactly ‘healthy.’ So, I swapped a few ingredients to keep the light, delicate custard texture, and buttery cookie crust, just with a fraction of the fat and calories.
Why I love this recipe
It doesn’t taste ‘healthy.’ I kept the key flavors (sorry, pun intended!) of the dessert and swapped a few others with equally flavorful dupes. Deceptively easy. Even if you’ve never made–or tasted–a key lime before, I guarantee you’ll have no trouble with my recipe. Perfect to make ahead. I’ve never made a key lime pie the day of. I always make it at least 1-2 days before I need it, and the flavor is always terrific.
Ingredients needed
Crust:
Cookie crumbs. Use any low-calorie sugar cookie (I like Annie’s or Back to Nature), or if you can find some, use low-calorie graham crackers. Sweetener. Any calorie-free sweetener is great. Light butter. I like Smart Balance light butter.
Filling:
Greek yogurt. To substitute some of the cream cheese. I used non-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Cream cheese. Use any low-fat or non-fat cream cheese. I prefer the kind from a block instead of a tub, as the latter contains added water. Eggs. Room temperature eggs are best. Lime juice. Gives a subtle but delicious lime flavor. Traditional key lime pie is made with key limes sourced from the Florida Keys, but regular limes work just as well. Sweetener. I used allulose, but monk fruit sweetener would work. Of course, sugar (white or brown) is also fine. All purpose flour. Holds the filling together. Salt. Balances the sweet ingredients. Lime extract. Gives a more pronounced lime flavor.
Topping:
Coconut milk. Use full-fat coconut milk from a can, not a carton. You’ll only use the top cream portion, so save the liquid for coconut smoothies! Powdered sweetener. I used homemade powdered sweetener, but you can use a store-bought version. Lime extract. Optional, but recommended.
How to make healthy key lime pie
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Prep work. Preheat the oven to 170C/325F and lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan. Step 2- Make the pie crust. In a bowl, combine the crust ingredients. Transfer to the pie dish and press into place. Step 3- Make the filling. Add the filling ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour the pie filling into the crust and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the middle is set. Step 4- Chill. Let the pie cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Step 5- Add the whipped topping. Scoop out the coconut cream portion of the canned coconut milk and add it to a mixing bowl. Add the sweetener and extract, and beat until soft peaks form. Spread over the pie, slice, and serve.
Arman’s recipe tips
Not concerned about a few extra calories? Feel free to use full-fat dairy and regular sugar instead of the sugar substitutes. The lime extract is optional. I like to add it because it enhances the lime flavor of the pie, but you can swap it for equal portions of vanilla extract instead. Add lime zest. For a fresher, brighter flavor, I like to add the zest of 1-2 limes. It also makes a nice garnish. Make healthy key lime pie bars. This recipe will also fit a 6-inch square baking dish, so if you’d rather make bars, give that a go!
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze: Place pie slices in a freezer-safe container and freeze for three months.
Frequently asked questions
More healthy desserts you’ll enjoy
Strawberry crisp Healthy carrot cake Healthy cheesecake Healthy peach cobbler Or any of these healthy desserts
