If you love the tangy, citrusy flavor of key lime pie but want something bite-sized and indulgent, Key Lime Pie Truffles are the perfect treat. These little bursts of creamy, zesty goodness are made with crushed graham crackers, rich cream cheese, and fresh key lime juice, all coated in a smooth white chocolate shell. They deliver the same refreshing tartness as a traditional key lime pie but in an easy-to-eat, no-bake truffle form.
Perfect for parties, gifting, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these truffles are a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy with a hint of crunch from the graham crackers. Best of all, they require no baking, making them an effortless yet elegant dessert that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just looking for a unique treat to impress your guests, these truffles will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Pie Truffles
- No-Bake & Easy to Make – No need to turn on the oven, making them perfect for warm weather or quick dessert prep.
- Zesty & Refreshing – The bright flavor of fresh key limes balances the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer party, holiday treat, or homemade gift, these truffles are a hit.
- Customizable – Add a crunchy topping, drizzle with dark chocolate, or mix in coconut for a tropical twist.
- Great for Make-Ahead Treats – They store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 20 truffles
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10g
Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Truffles
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz white chocolate (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs and lime zest (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Key Lime Pie Truffles
Step 1: Make the Truffle Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined. Fold in the crushed graham crackers until a thick dough forms.
Step 2: Roll into Truffle Balls
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the truffles are shaped, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add a ½ teaspoon of coconut oil if needed for a smoother consistency.
Step 4: Coat the Truffles
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the truffle back onto the parchment paper.
Step 5: Garnish and Set
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with graham cracker crumbs and key lime zest. Let the truffles sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until the coating is set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once set, transfer the truffles to a serving plate or an airtight container for storage. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in Key Lime Pie Truffles plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these truffles so irresistible.
Key Limes: The Star of the Show
Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, with a slightly sweeter and more floral flavor. Their tartness gives the truffles their signature zing, making them taste just like a classic key lime pie. Fresh key lime juice is best for the brightest, freshest flavor, but if you can’t find key limes, regular limes will work in a pinch.
Graham Crackers: The Crunchy Element
Graham crackers mimic the crust of a traditional key lime pie, adding a subtle cinnamon-honey flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. Crushed into fine crumbs, they also help bind the truffle dough together, giving it a perfect balance of soft and slightly crumbly texture.
White Chocolate: The Sweet Coating
White chocolate provides a sweet, creamy contrast to the tart lime filling. Because it’s naturally rich, it complements the tangy citrus without overpowering it. Using high-quality white chocolate ensures a smooth, even coating. Adding a little coconut oil helps the chocolate melt more fluidly, making it easier to dip the truffles.
Cream Cheese: The Creamy Base
Cream cheese is essential for achieving that smooth, cheesecake-like texture. It adds richness, slight tanginess, and a luscious mouthfeel that makes these truffles so satisfying. For the best consistency, always use full-fat cream cheese and let it soften before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
Technique Tips for Key Lime Pie Truffles
Perfecting these truffles is easy with a few pro tips to ensure they have the best texture, flavor, and appearance.
Crushing the Graham Crackers for the Perfect Texture
For a smooth and uniform filling, make sure to finely crush the graham crackers. You can do this by pulsing them in a food processor or placing them in a sealed zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your truffle mixture will be.
Chilling the Dough for Easy Rolling
Because the truffle mixture is soft, chilling it before rolling into balls helps firm up the consistency, making it easier to handle. If the dough is still too sticky, refrigerate it for an extra 15-20 minutes or dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar when rolling.
Getting a Smooth, Even Chocolate Coating
To avoid clumpy chocolate, melt the white chocolate slowly in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. If it seems too thick, add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Using a fork or toothpick to dip the truffles helps coat them evenly while letting excess chocolate drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
These truffles are already stunning, but you can take them to the next level with creative presentation ideas.
Drizzle with Dark Chocolate for Contrast
If you love the combination of sweet and bitter flavors, drizzle the truffles with melted dark chocolate. The deep cocoa notes balance out the sweetness of the white chocolate while adding a beautiful two-tone effect.
Roll in Crushed Graham Crackers Instead of Chocolate
For a lighter version, skip the chocolate coating and roll the truffles in crushed graham crackers or even toasted coconut. This creates a more rustic, pie-like presentation while keeping the flavors true to the classic dessert.
Serve in Mini Cupcake Liners for a Party-Ready Look
Placing each truffle in a mini cupcake liner makes them look elegant and perfect for serving at gatherings. Choose pastel-colored liners for a springtime theme or gold liners for a sophisticated touch.
Freezing and Storing Key Lime Pie Truffles
These truffles store well, making them a great make-ahead treat for parties, gifts, or just to have on hand for when a sweet craving strikes.
Refrigerating for Short-Term Storage
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste best when served slightly chilled, as the white chocolate stays crisp while the filling remains creamy.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, place the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Best Way to Reheat or Soften if Needed
If the truffles are too firm straight from the fridge or freezer, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating for the best texture.
Healthier Twist Ideas
If you’re looking for a lighter version of these truffles without sacrificing flavor, here are some simple swaps.
Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cream Cheese
For a lower-fat, higher-protein option, substitute half of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt. This will still give the filling a creamy texture while reducing overall fat content.
Replace White Chocolate with Dark Chocolate
Using 70% dark chocolate instead of white chocolate lowers the sugar content while adding antioxidants. Dark chocolate also pairs beautifully with citrus flavors.
Opt for Almond Flour Instead of Graham Crackers
For a gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crumbs with finely ground almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. This keeps the texture while making the truffles suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions for Events
These truffles are versatile and can be served for various occasions, making them a great party treat or edible gift.
Bridal Showers and Afternoon Teas
The elegant, citrusy flavor of these truffles makes them perfect for bridal showers or afternoon tea gatherings. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand alongside macarons and petit fours for a sophisticated touch.
Holiday Dessert Trays
Add these truffles to a holiday dessert platter alongside chocolate truffles, peanut butter balls, and homemade cookies. The light, refreshing lime flavor is a great contrast to richer holiday treats.
DIY Gift Boxes
For a homemade gift, place a dozen truffles in a decorative tin or a small box lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a personalized tag for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh key lime juice?
Fresh key lime juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars. -
What’s the difference between key limes and regular limes?
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and slightly sweeter than Persian limes. They give a more authentic key lime pie flavor. -
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free white chocolate for a completely vegan version. -
How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?
Melt it slowly and stir frequently. If it seizes, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to smooth it out. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These truffles store well and actually taste better after chilling for a few hours. -
Why are my truffles too soft?
If they’re too soft to roll, refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 more minutes until firm. -
Can I use another citrus fruit?
Yes! Try lemon or orange juice for a fun twist on this recipe. -
What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?
Use a food processor or a rolling pin and a zip-top bag for fine crumbs. -
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese, they should be kept in the fridge until ready to serve. -
How can I make them extra festive?
Add sprinkles, colored chocolate drizzles, or edible glitter for a fun presentation.
Conclusion
Key Lime Pie Truffles are the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them as a personal indulgence, these truffles bring a refreshing, tropical twist to classic no-bake desserts.
Print
Key Lime Pie Truffles
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 20 truffles 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons key lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz white chocolate (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs and lime zest (for garnish)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined. Fold in the crushed graham crackers until a thick dough forms.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the truffles are shaped, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm up.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add a ½ teaspoon of coconut oil if needed for a smoother consistency.
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the truffle back onto the parchment paper.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with graham cracker crumbs and key lime zest. Let the truffles sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until the coating is set.
Once set, transfer the truffles to a serving plate or an airtight container for storage. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g