Easy Kiwi Lime Pie (with Gluten-Free Option) Recipe

If you love a dessert that’s both refreshing and a little tropical, then wait until you try my Easy Kiwi Lime Pie (with Gluten-Free Option) Recipe. I absolutely love how this pie balances the tang of fresh lime with the sweet, slightly tart flavor of kiwi, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesecake-like filling. It’s so simple to make—no baking required—plus, you can easily switch to a gluten-free crust without sacrificing any of the texture or flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your summer dessert rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to create a smooth, creamy pie with a buttery crunch from the crust and a fresh, fruity punch from the kiwi and lime. When shopping, look for ripe but firm kiwis—they’ll be juicier and easier to puree without becoming mushy.

• Graham cracker crumbs: Choose gluten-free crumbs if you need to; they hold the crust together with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle molasses note to the crust.
• Butter: Melted butter is key here to bind the crust ingredients and give it richness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash brightens up the base flavor of the crust nicely.
• Powdered gelatin: Helps set the filling without baking, creating that perfect cheesecake texture.
• Cold water: Needed to bloom the gelatin before mixing it into the filling.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to add lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
• Cream cheese (block-style, softened): The creamy backbone of the filling; make sure it’s room temperature for smooth blending.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Brings sweetness and silkiness to the pie filling.
• Pureed kiwi: Adds that amazing fresh fruit flavor—it’s best to puree 3-4 fresh kiwis to get the desired amount.
• Freshly-grated lime zest: Zest makes a huge difference by adding bright citrus oils that lift the whole filling.
• Fresh kiwis (sliced and quartered): For a colorful and tasty garnish on top.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this kiwi lime pie depending on the occasion or ingredients I have on hand. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that small tweaks can really make this pie your own.

• Using Alternative Crusts: I once swapped graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free almond flour crust, which added a lovely nutty flavor and was a hit with my gluten-intolerant guests.
• Adding Fresh Mint: Finely chopped mint mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top gives a fantastic fresh note that pairs beautifully with kiwi and lime.
• Incorporating Coconut: Mixing shredded coconut into the crust or sprinkling toasted coconut on top adds a tropical twist perfect for summer vibes.
• Making Mini Pies: I like preparing this recipe in mini tart pans for parties—serving sizes are perfect, and they look adorable!

How to Make Easy Kiwi Lime Pie (with Gluten-Free Option) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs (or your gluten-free alternative) with the brown sugar in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla, then mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this firmly into your 9-inch pie pan, making sure to pack it tightly along the bottom and up the sides. I find pressing down with the back of a measuring cup works wonders for an even crust. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the filling so it firms up nicely.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom—that’s the magic step for your filling to set perfectly without baking. If you add the gelatin while it’s not bloomed, the texture can turn grainy, so don’t skip this!

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This gives the filling its light, velvety texture, so take your time here. Set aside once done.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat until combined. Warm the bloomed gelatin gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds (just until liquid), then whisk it quickly into the cream cheese mixture. Next, fold in the pureed kiwi and freshly grated lime zest. Finally, gently fold in the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it too much—the filling should look fluffy and luscious.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Pour the filling over your chilled crust and spread it evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until set. It’s worth the wait—the filling firms up to a creamy, sliceable perfection. Right before serving, arrange the sliced and quartered fresh kiwis on top in a pretty pattern. This not only looks gorgeous but adds that fresh bite every pie needs.

How to Serve Easy Kiwi Lime Pie (with Gluten-Free Option) Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pie with extra fresh kiwi slices as recommended, but sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra elegance and burst of flavor. For parties, a few edible flowers can also make your pie look spectacular and festive.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re serving it after a barbecue or a fresh salad-focused meal, the fruity brightness of the pie is a great way to finish on a cooling, sweet note.

Creative Ways to Present

I recently tried serving this pie in individual mason jars layered with whipped cream on top and slices of kiwi around the rim—guests loved the personal touch and it made serving a breeze. You can also drizzle some kiwi or lime syrup over the slices for a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. I find the pie holds up nicely for 3-4 days, and in fact, the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this pie with the fresh kiwi topping, as the texture suffers after thawing. However, you can freeze the pie without the kiwi slices for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh kiwi before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Kiwi Lime Pie (with Gluten-Free Option) Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts when I want something that feels special but isn’t complicated. The fresh kiwi and sharp lime brighten up every bite, and that creamy filling makes it feel indulgent without being heavy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a fun way to treat yourself, this pie is such a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family and friends love it, too!

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