Key Lime Pie Recipe Vegan That Tastes Just Like Classic

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Key lime pie is a classic dessert beloved for its tangy, refreshing flavor and creamy texture. But if you’re vegan or simply looking to avoid animal products, traditional recipes can feel off-limits due to eggs and dairy.

Luckily, this vegan key lime pie recipe brings all the bright citrus goodness and lusciousness you crave, without any animal-derived ingredients. Using wholesome, plant-based alternatives, this pie is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a zesty treat.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding. It features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a silky lime filling made from simple pantry staples, and an optional coconut whipped cream topping that elevates the dessert to restaurant-quality.

Plus, it’s naturally free from eggs, dairy, and refined sugars, making it a healthier indulgence for everyone.

So grab your blender and prepare to whip up a pie that everyone will love — vegan or not!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan key lime pie is a delightful balance of tart and sweet with a creamy texture that rivals traditional pies. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Simple ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items, just pantry staples with fresh lime juice.
  • Easy to prepare: No baking needed for the filling, making it a quick and fuss-free dessert.
  • Perfectly creamy: Thanks to silken tofu and coconut milk, the filling is smooth and rich without dairy.
  • Crunchy, flavorful crust: Made with vegan graham crackers and coconut oil for the perfect base.
  • Customizable toppings: Add coconut whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flair.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress guests or treat yourself while sticking to a vegan lifestyle.

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
    • 1 ½ cups vegan graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
    • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
    • 3 tablespoons organic maple syrup or agave nectar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the filling:
    • 1 package (12 oz) silken tofu, drained
    • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
    • 1 tablespoon lime zest (optional for extra zing)
    • ¾ cup organic powdered sugar or coconut sugar
    • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of turmeric for color (optional)
  • For the topping (optional):
    • 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
    • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Food processor or blender
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Electric mixer or whisk (for coconut whipped cream)
  • Zester or fine grater

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the vegan graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the crust: Transfer the crust mixture into the pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it evenly along the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  3. Make the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine silken tofu, fresh lime juice, lime zest, powdered sugar, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of turmeric. Blend until the filling is silky smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
  4. Pour filling into crust: Pour the creamy lime filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  5. Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Prepare coconut whipped cream (optional): Scoop out the solid part of the chilled coconut milk into a bowl, leaving the liquid behind. Using an electric mixer, beat the coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  7. Serve: Garnish the pie with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest or thin lime slices for a stunning presentation.

Tips & Variations

For the best coconut whipped cream, chill the can of coconut milk overnight and only use the solid cream that rises to the top.

  • If you can’t find key limes, fresh regular limes work perfectly fine.
  • For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free vegan graham crackers or substitute with crushed nuts and dates.
  • Add a splash of aquafaba (chickpea liquid) to the filling for extra fluffiness.
  • Try swapping the crust sweetener to brown rice syrup or date syrup for a different flavor profile.
  • Make mini key lime tarts using muffin tins for individual servings.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/8 pie)
Calories 280
Fat 16g
Saturated Fat 12g
Carbohydrates 30g
Sugar 16g
Protein 4g
Fiber 2g
Vitamin C 25% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan key lime pie is delicious served chilled straight from the fridge. For an extra special touch, try these serving ideas:

  • Top with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to add color and contrast.
  • Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped pistachios on top for added texture.
  • Pair with a cup of herbal tea or vegan iced coffee for a refreshing dessert experience.
  • Serve alongside Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced summer meal.

Conclusion

Creating a vegan key lime pie that tastes just as decadent as the traditional version is easier than you might think. This recipe harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients like silken tofu and coconut milk to deliver a luscious, tangy filling that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

The crisp vegan graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, while optional coconut whipped cream topping adds a touch of indulgence.

Not only is this pie a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a healthier alternative that fits seamlessly into vegan and dairy-free diets. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a holiday treat, or simply to enjoy at home, this pie will impress everyone at the table.

For more delicious plant-based recipes, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your vegan dessert repertoire.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Key Lime Pie Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy and tangy vegan key lime pie made with a cashew-based filling and a crunchy almond crust. Perfect for a refreshing dessert that's dairy-free and delicious.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT3H

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
  • 1/3 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Process almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
  3. Add maple syrup and melted coconut oil to almonds and mix until combined.
  4. Press crust mixture into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
  5. Drain soaked cashews and blend with key lime juice, coconut cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  6. Pour filling over cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 18g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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