Key Lime Icebox Cups (no bake)

This simple dessert is a twist on the old chocolate wafer icebox/zebra cake and key lime pie. Silky, rich, creamy, DECADENT! Key lime lovers will rave.

OMG – these little dessert cups are exceptional.  Four ingredients. No baking. Amazing taste and texture. And easy to make.

The recipe is a blend of two old familiar ones: the chocolate wafer whipped cream log you see on the box of Mr Christie (Canadian) or Nabisco (American) wafers, around since the early 1900’s; and a key lime pie.  The log is often referred to as an icebox cake (due to no baking) or a zebra cake (because of the striped effect from the wafers alternated with whipped cream).Because the dessert is so rich, 1/4 serving cups do the trick for that sweet craving after dinner. You can, of course, go bigger, say in a pretty tea-cup or a small glass dessert bowl.

The key lime or lime flavor shines through and the chocolate wafer (which softens into cake after being in the fridge for several hours) is a nice addition running through the cups.  The four ingredients in this recipe are key limes/limes, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and chocolate wafers.  TIP: Don’t worry about the exact quantities when you are layering the cookies and filling, but I suggest that you use a bit more filling than cookie as the cookies will expand.

The true key lime filling uses key limes of course.  Key limes are much smaller than limes, are more tart and may be more difficult to find in your grocery store.  I actually prefer and use limes instead.  In fact, I even cheat further by using half fresh lime juice and half lime juice from the bottle (shhh).

One special note for Canadians (and maybe elsewhere)…  most recipes for key lime pie call for a 14 ounce/400 ml can of condensed sweetened milk.  Recently, I can only seem to find 300 ml cans (grrr). You therefore have to break open two cans and use 1 3/4 cups. Oh well. Worth it.

If your guests like key lime anything, this is a guaranteed winner.

Tailor To Your Taste

• Use a pie dish or small casserole instead of making individual portions.
• If you can’t find chocolate wafers, graham crackers should be fine too (or other thin cookie wafers).

Shortcut

• Use bottled lime juice or key lime juice instead of squeezing the limes/key limes – or half fresh limes and half bottled lime juice.

Make Ahead

• Key Lime Icebox cups can be made a day or two ahead and kept wrapped in the fridge (or even frozen for a few weeks).  I suggest adding the topping of cookie crumbs and lime zest near serving time (i.e. refrigerate or freeze without them).

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Key Lime Icebox Cups (no bake) Recipe

This simple dessert is a twist on the old chocolate wafer icebox/zebra cake and key lime pie. Silky, rich, creamy. Key lime lovers will rave.

Prep Time20 mins

Total Time5 hrs 20 mins

Course: Dessert, make ahead

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 1/4-cup size

Author: Cheryl

Ingredients

• zest from 8 key limes (or 4 limes)
• 1/2 cup key lime juice (about 12 key limes) or lime juice (4-6 limes)
• 1 14-ounce/400 ml can sweetened condensed milk (1 3/4 cups)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (35%)
• 1 box thin chocolate wafer cookies e.g. Mr. Christie's (you won't need it all)

Instructions

• MAKE THE FILLING: In a medium mixing bowl, beat key lime (or lime) juice, 2 teaspoons of the lime zest, sweetened condensed milk and cream using an electric mixer or food processor. Beat until thickened, about 4-5 minutes in processor (longer with hand mixer). Mixture will be thick, but not stiff like whipped cream. Refrigerate mixture for an hour or two to firm up a bit more.
• ASSEMBLE THE CUPS: Using small cups (1/4 -1/2 cup size) - even teacups are fine - layer a tablespoon filling, then one wafer - if cups are small, use a bit less than one wafer and break it up. Repeat 2 more times. Add an additional layer if you want to make larger portion sizes. Set the cups on a tray and cover with plastic wrap (or wrap them individually). Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
• DECORATE AND SERVE: Place a few chocolate wafers in a small sealed bag. Crush with a glass or rolling pin into fine crumbs. Sprinkle each cup with a pinch of cookie crumbs and lime zest. Serve and wait for the raves.

Other dessert treats you might like:

Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake get the recipe