This Vegan Key Lime Pie is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and offers the classic tangy flavor of traditional key lime pie without any dairy or eggs.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 4–5 tablespoons melted vegan butter
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
- 1 cup water (plus more for soaking)
- 1¼ cups cane sugar (ensure it’s organic for vegan-friendly)
- 1½ tablespoons key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
- ¾ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted vegan butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, smoothing it out evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- Make the Filling:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, cane sugar, lime zest, lime juice, cornstarch, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk constantly until it begins to boil and thickens, about 4–7 minutes.
- Stir in the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
- Serve:
- Once set, slice your Vegan Key Lime Pie and serve chilled. Optionally, top with vegan whipped cream and additional lime zest for garnish.
Tips for Success
- Cashew Soaking: Make sure to soak your cashews for at least 4 hours or overnight for a smoother filling.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Taste your filling before pouring it into the crust; you can adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This Vegan Key Lime Pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy this delightful dessert that captures all the flavors of a classic key lime pie!
