Key Lime Pie Balls

When it comes to summer desserts, you can’t ask for much more in a recipe than for it to be easy, portable, poppable and bursting with citrus flavor. Our Key lime pie balls fit that bill perfectly, which is why you’ll probably find yourself toting them to picnics, potlucks, cookouts and gatherings when the weather is hot.

Key lime pie balls are made with just a handful of affordable, accessible ingredients and require less than 30 minutes to prep. This summer dessert requires no baking, which is perfect for when the dog days roll around. If your family loves Key lime desserts like classic Key lime pie or Key lime cupcakes, then Key lime pie balls are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Balls

• Cream cheese: Cream cheese acts as a binding ingredient, helping the balls retain their shape and hold together once rolled and chilled. It also adds richness and tang, just like it does in so many other recipes with cream cheese.
• Vanilla wafers and graham crackers: While you could use just one or the other, we find that a combination of vanilla wafers and graham cracker crumbs creates the perfect blend of buttery richness and subtle warm spices to contrast the bright Key lime flavor. Put the remaining wafers to use in other vanilla wafers recipes like banana pudding or mini cherry cheesecakes.
• Confectioners’ sugar: In this recipe, the balls are not only dusted with confectioners’ sugar (similar to snowball cookies), but the sugar is also mixed into the balls to sweeten them and balance their tartness.
• Lime juice and zest: Both juice and zest are used to infuse the balls with maximum lime flavor. If you have access to real Key limes, go ahead and use them for this recipe. Otherwise, regular limes will also work.
• Salt: A generous pinch of salt tempers the lime’s acidity and balances the confectioners’ sugar’s sweetness, ensuring that all the flavors in these Key lime balls work together in perfect harmony.
• Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds a little warmth and subtle spice to the balls, enhancing their depth of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, crushed vanilla wafers, graham cracker crumbs, 2/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar, lime juice, lime zest, salt and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 2: Roll the balls

Next, use clean hands to shape and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, then refrigerate them until they’re firm, about one hour.

Step 3: Toss them with powdered sugar

Before serving, roll the Key lime balls in the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar. Enjoy them immediately or chill them until you’re ready to serve them.

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Key Lime Pie Balls Variations

• Lemon balls: If you’re not a fan of lime, you can make a lemony version of these balls by swapping the lime juice for an equal amount of lemon juice and zest. It’s basically a ball-shaped version of our favorite no-bake lemon cheesecake.
• Citrus balls: For a citrusy explosion of flavors, swap a portion of the lime juice and zest for lemon, orange, pomelo or grapefruit juice and zest. Just be sure to use around two tablespoons of total juice to ensure the mixture maintains the proper consistency.
• Macadamia nut-crusted Key lime balls: For texture and tropical nuttiness, roll the balls in a combination of confectioners’ sugar mixed with one cup of finely chopped macadamia nuts.
• Add toasted coconut: Drawing inspiration from these coconut-lime thumbprints, try rolling the balls in one cup of toasted shredded coconut.
• White chocolate option: Instead of rolling the balls in confectioners’ sugar, dip or drizzle the Key lime balls in white chocolate. Return them to the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate has set.

How to Store Key Lime Pie Balls

Due to the cream cheese content, Key lime balls should be kept refrigerated. Store the balls between pieces of parchment in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long do Key lime pie balls last?

Key lime pie balls are best enjoyed within a week.

Can you freeze Key lime pie balls?

Like our favorite no-bake cheesecake recipes, this Key lime pie balls recipe freezes like a dream. Store the no-bake balls between pieces of parchment and freeze them for up to three months.

Key Lime Pie Balls Tips

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Can you make gluten-free Key lime pie balls?

Yes! To make Key lime pie balls into a gluten-free dessert, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free graham crackers and vanilla wafers.

Can you make dairy-free Key lime pie balls?

If you want to experiment with a dairy-free dessert version of these Key lime balls, try swapping the cream cheese for your favorite vegan, plant-based cream cheese alternative. You will also want to source vegan alternatives for graham crackers and vanilla wafers since most brands contain honey and/or dairy-derived ingredients.

Can you add protein powder to Key lime balls?

Sure! If you’re looking to sneak a little extra protein into your sweets, you can add one scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the balls. If the mixture appears dry, add a little extra lime juice until the proper consistency is reached.