Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is a delightful frozen treat that encapsulates the essence of the classic Key Lime Pie in a creamy, refreshing form. It combines the tangy zest of Key lime juice with the sweetness of condensed milk and the rich texture of whipped cream. The addition of crushed biscuits adds a crunchy contrast, reminiscent of the pie's crust. This ice cream is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, offering a unique twist on a beloved dessert. Ideal for enjoying on a hot summer day, it's a taste of the tropics in every scoop!

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

• Heavy whipping cream: The base of the ice cream, giving it a rich, creamy texture and body when whipped to stiff peaks.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and warmth, balancing out the tangy lime.
• Lime zest: Bright and aromatic, the zest infuses the ice cream with the vibrant essence of lime.
• Lime juice (preferably Key lime juice): Tangy and refreshing, the juice brings a burst of citrusy flavor that gives the ice cream its zesty personality.
• Sweetened condensed milk: A rich and sweet ingredient that blends perfectly with the lime, creating the smooth, creamy base for the ice cream.
• Pinch of salt: Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors, making the sweetness pop.
• Crushed Digestive biscuits: These add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy ice cream, with a hint of buttery, biscuit-like flavor.

Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?

Yes, you can absolutely use regular limes instead of Key limes in your Key Lime Pie Ice Cream recipe! While Key limes have a more intense, floral, and slightly more tart flavor, regular (Persian) limes work just fine and will still give you a delicious, tangy ice cream.

The difference is subtle, and unless you're a Key lime purist, most people won’t notice much difference. If you’re using regular limes, you might just want to add a bit more zest or juice to amp up the flavor.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

No, you don’t need an ice cream maker for this recipe! The beauty of this Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is that it’s a no-churn recipe, which means the heavy whipping cream creates the smooth, creamy texture without needing any special equipment.

Once you’ve whipped the cream and folded in the lime mixture, the freezer does all the work. Just transfer the mixture to a container, freeze for a few hours, and you’ll have delicious, homemade ice cream - no machine required!

How To prepare Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

1. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
2. Mix the Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3. Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the lime mixture into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Add Digestive biscuits : Fold in the crushed Digestive biscuits reserving some for garnish if desired.
5. Transfer to Freezer Container: Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or ice cream container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Freeze: Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.
7. Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, garnish with additional crushed biscuits and lime zest if desired and enjoy!
8. Store: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

Each of these variations will bring its own unique twist to the classic Key Lime Pie Ice Cream, while still keeping the core flavors intact. You can mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version too!

• Graham Cracker Swap: Instead of using crushed Digestive biscuits, you can go for a more classic Key Lime Pie flavor by folding in crushed graham crackers. They’ll bring that signature pie crust taste.
• Coconut Twist: For a tropical spin, add some shredded coconut to the mix or substitute some of the cream with coconut milk. This will give the ice cream a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the lime.
• Cream Cheese Addition: To mimic the creamy texture of a classic pie filling, try adding a little cream cheese into the mix. Blend it with the sweetened condensed milk to create a richer, tangier flavor reminiscent of a cheesecake.
• Ginger Biscuit Crunch: For a spicier variation, swap out the Digestive biscuits with crushed ginger biscuits. The warm, spicy flavor of ginger pairs surprisingly well with the tartness of the lime.
• Chocolate Lime Twist: Add a little indulgence by drizzling in some melted white chocolate or even folding in chocolate chips for a citrus-chocolate flavor combination.
• Boozy Key Lime Pie Ice Cream: For an adult version, add a splash of rum or tequila to the lime mixture. Just be careful not to add too much, as alcohol can affect the freezing process.
• Berry Burst: Add some crushed raspberries or blueberries into the mix for a fruity twist that balances the tart lime with a bit of berry sweetness.