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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Vegan Key Lime Pie (No-Bake & Healthy)

    25th April 2021 by Jamie Raftery Leave a Comment

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    A healthy rendition of the classic key lime pie, with the addition of avocado for creaminess and spirulina for depth of color. This recipe is bursting with the flavors of bright citrus and luscious tropical coconut. A healthy vegan key lime pie recipe that's straight forward to make, no baking required and everyone can enjoy.

    vegan-key-lime-pie-cheesecake-ready-to-slice
    Healthy key lime pie
    Jump to:
    • Key lime pie origins
    • Fun Key Lime Pie Fact!
    • Vegan key lime pie ingredients and substitutes
    • How to make vegan key lime pie
    • Healthy vegan key lime pie
    • More sweet healthy recipes to try
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Healthy cooking classes

    Key lime pie origins

    Key lime pie dates back to the 1930s where it was said to have been invented by the founder of condensed milk as a way to showcase their product. Traditional key lime pie is typically assembled in a graham cracker base. The filling consists of raw egg yolks beaten with key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk. The acid in the lime juice and the proteins in the eggs and milk firm up the filling to a sliceable consistency. 

    In the 1950s Key lime pie was promoted as Florida's "most famous treat", and in 1987 as "the greatest of all regional American desserts."

    The classic recipe gets it's name from the 'key' variety of limes which are much smaller and have a white juice, rather than the more mainstream "Persian' limes green juice. You are more than welcome to use whatever limes are available in your region, or you can even use lemons!

    In my healthy vegan key lime pie recipe, wholefood ingredients take center stage. Ground nuts, pumpkin seeds, date and coconut form the crust. Soaked cashews, avocado, spirulina, lime juice, maple and coconut oil give a rich filling loaded with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. 

    vegan-key-lime-pie-on-a-chopping-board-ready-to-slice

    Fun Key Lime Pie Fact!

    In 1965, Florida State Representative Bernie Papy, Jr. introduced geographical indication legislation. He called for a $100 fine to be levied against anyone advertising Key lime pie not made with Key limes. The bill failed.

    Luckily the bill failed otherwise I would be in trouble with this recipe!

    ingredients laid out for making key lime cheesecake
    Ingredients laid out for making vegan key lime pie

    Vegan key lime pie ingredients and substitutes

    Limes are abundant here in Thailand. They grow on the side of the road and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You can use whatever limes are available, just make sure it's fresh lime! No squeezy bottle pasteurized lime juice please!

    Other ingredients you will need for this healthier rendition

    For the base

    Pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts are the main ingredients for this base. You can use any nuts or seeds you have on hand. Try toasting them before blending for some extra flavor.

    Dates help to hold the base together and give some natural sweetness and nice caramel flavor.

    Spirulina gives a nice green color which I like very much. I use a very good quality spirulina grown in Phuket that has a pleasant flavor. This is an optional ingredient. You may also use matcha or moringa as nice variations.

    Coconut flakes bring a tropical aroma to the mix and helps bind everything together.

    For the pie filling

    Cashews provide the main base for this filling. Soak them in filter water overnight. Strain and rinse well before blending. Macadamias are another nut you can use. If you would like to make a nut free version, I suggest using a soft tofu. Drain the tofu on paper towel before blending to absorb excess liquid.

    Plant milk of choice: You can use pretty much any milk here. I've used cashew, almond, rice, sesame, oat or a light coconut milk.

    Avocado gives a nice creamy base for the raw pie filling. Make sure to select a good ripe avocado.

    Limes are the star ingredient here. Traditionally key limes are used, but you can use whatever limes are available, or even lemons.

    Maple syrup or your sweetener of choice balances the acidity of the limes.

    Pink salt or sea salt give a lift to all the ingredients and helps balance the acidity.

    Coconut oil is another key ingredient here. Select a good quality aromatic oil. The coconut oil needs to be liquid form when you pour it into the blender. If you live in a cold country or keep your coconut oil in the fridge you will need to let the bottle sit on some warm water to melt before using.

    Spirulina is added for a nice color and of course some extra nutrients. Read all about the health benefits of spirulina here

    To garnish

    I used local mango, passion fruit and coconut flakes to garnish this recipe.

    slicing-a-portion-from-key-lime-pie
    Garnish with fresh mango or your favorite local fruits and berries.

    How to make vegan key lime pie

    This really is a straight forward recipe to make. Once you understand the technique for making raw cheesecakes or pies you can make so many exciting variations. Here is my step-by-step guide. Let's get on it!

    For the key lime pie base

    Add the cashews, pumpkin seeds, dates, coconut flakes and coconut oil to blender. Blitz for 20-30 seconds until the mix starts to come together.

    Ingredients-in-a-bowl-for-making-the-base-for-key-lime-pie
    Ingredients in a bowl for making the base

    Transfer the mix to bowl. Add the lime zest and spirulina.

    mixing-the-ingredients-for-lime-pie-base-in-a-mixing-bowl
    Finish mixing the ingredients for the base.

    Mix together with your hands. Have a taste and make sure it is all mixed together evenly.

    key-lime-pie-base-rolled-into-a-ball-to-roll-out
    Vegan key lime pie base rolled into a ball

    Form the base ingredients into a ball. This is now ready to press into a cheesecake or pie tin.

    pie-base-rolled-out-ready-for-the-mix-to-be-added
    Base pressed into cheesecake tin

    Using your hands, press the base mix into the pie tin. Wet your hands a little bit, it will be easier to work it. Smoothen all the edges and sides so that it's all the same thickness. I aim for approximately 1-2cm thickness. Place this base into the freezer to set up while you make the filling

    For the vegan key lime pie filling

    The cashews for the filling will need to be pre-soaked overnight, or for at least two hours in filter water. Drain and rinse the cashew before adding to the rest of the ingredients.

    juiced-limes-and-scooped-avocados-for-making-the-filling
    Juice lime and scooped avocado

    Juice the limes and scoop out the avocado flesh. Good fats and vitamins right here. Avocado providing creaminess and limes giving a zingy tropical citrus flavor.

    ingredients-for-key-lime-pie-filling-in-a-bowl-ready-to-blend
    Ingredients for the filling mixed together

    Weigh the pre-soaked cashews, plant milk, avocado, lime juice, maple, spirulina and pink salt to a bowl. Next, add all these ingredients to high speed blender. Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides until everything is nice and smooth.

    ingredients-blended-until-smooth
    Ingredients for filling blended until super smooth.

    Work quick at this stage so you do not overheat the ingredients. Blend for about 30-40 seconds. Next, add the melted (cooled) coconut oil while the blender is running to get a nice smooth and shiny consistency.

    transfer-the-filling-mix-to-a-bowl
    Blend quickly until smooth and shiny

    Transfer the filling into a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Maybe it needs some extra lime, maple or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

    pouring-the-mix-onto-the-base
    Pouring the filling into the base.

    When you are happy with the final seasoning, pour the mix onto the frozen pie base. Wow, this is my favourite part!

    smoothen-out-the-filling-with-a-spatula
    Smoothen the filling with a spatula or spoon

    The mix will start to set quick when it hits the frozen base. Tap the pie a couple of times on the work surface by dropping it (carefully!) 1-2 inches from the work surface. This knocks out any air pockets and evens out the distribution. Using a spatula or spoon you can smoothen out the filling.

    key-lime-pie-with-the-filling-added-ready-to-chill-and-set
    Key lime pie ready to chill and set

    To garnish the key lime pie

    Ok, well done great work if you made it this far! Time to chill (the pie) and relax (yourself) or wash the dishes! Allow the key lime pie to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours before slicing. You may put in the freezer to speed up the setting.

    key-lime-pie-garnished-with-mango-passion-fruit-and-coconut
    Key lime pie garnished with fresh mango, sesame, coconut and passion fruit

    Time to get creative. I love the color contrast of the yellow mango, white coconut flakes and green key lime pie. It's best to garnish just before serving or shortly before. Feel free to use whatever seasonal fruits and berries are in season in your region.

    cutting-a-slice-of-key-lime-pie
    Cutting a delectable slice of key lime pie

    Healthy vegan key lime pie

    'A little of what you fancy does you good'

    What I love about these kinds of healthy desserts is that we can enjoy them guilt free. You cannot eat the entire pie though, that's breaking the rules. You can have too much of a good thing!

    The 5 star nutritional ingredients in this recipe are:

    • Avocado: Full of good fats, protein and fibers.
    • Cashews: Lots of essential minerals and good source of protein
    • Pumpkin seeds: Balances blood sugar levels
    • Spirulina: The most nutrient dense food on Earth
    • Limes: Lots of vitamins C and antioxidants
    Key-lime-pie-with-a-slice-cut-ready-to-serve
    A little of what you fancy does you good!

    More sweet healthy recipes to try

    • Raw chocolate and orange cheesecake
    • Spirulina energy balls
    • Brazil and cacao energy balls
    • Spiced hazelnut, goji and sesame energy balls
    • Banana and oat bread
    serving-a-slice-of-key-lime-pie
    100% deliciousness. You can't beat the satisfaction of enjoying your own homemade healthy vegan key lime pie

    I hope you enjoy this recipe. Let me know if you make it by tagging #holisticchefacademy and leave a comment below. Happy cooking my friends!

    📋 Recipe

    vegan-key-lime-pie-cheesecake-ready-to-slice

    Vegan Key Lime Pie (No-Bake & Healthy)

    Jamie Raftery
    A healthier rendition of classic key lime pie, with the addition of avocado for creaminess and spirulina for depth of color. This recipe is bursting with the flavors of bright citrus and luscious tropical coconut. A healthy vegan key lime pie recipe that's straight forward to make, no baking required and everyone can enjoy.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Go To My Recipe Collections
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Total Time 6 hrs 30 mins
    Difficulties Intermediate
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 slices
    Calories 369 kcal
    Allergens Gluten free, Soy free, Vegan

    Equipment

    • Weighing scales
    • Blender
    • Mixing bowl
    • Spatula
    • Citrus juicer
    • Cheesecake tin - 20cm
    • Chefs knife

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the base

    • 150 g Pumpkin seeds
    • 50 g Cashew
    • 50 g Dates
    • 25 g Coconut desiccated
    • 3 g Spirulina
    • 1 each Lime zest

    For the filling

    • 200 g Cashew pre-soaked
    • 100 ml Cashew milk
    • 1 each Avocado
    • 4 each Lime and zest
    • 80 ml Maple syrup
    • 3 g Spirulina
    • 1 pinch Pink salt
    • 90 ml Coconut oil

    To garnish

    • 1 each Mango
    • 1 teaspoon Black sesame seeds
    • 1 teaspoon White sesame seeds
    • 1 tbsp`` Cashew
    • 1 tablespoon Coconut chips
    • 1 each Passionfruit
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    Method
     

    For the base

    • Assemble your ingredients.
    • Add the pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts to the blender and pulse for 10 seconds until they resemble breadcrumb consistency
    • Add the dates and coconut, blend for another 10 seconds until the mix come together.
    • Transfer this mix to a bowl, add the lime zest and spirulina. Mix everything together well until it forms a ball.
    • Press this ball into the base of the cheesecake tin, making sure it's nice and even throughout.

    For the filling

    • Cashews will need to be pre-soaked overnight, or for at least two hours in filter water. Drain and rinse the cashew before adding to the rest of the ingredients.
    • Juice the limes and scoop out the avocado flesh.
    • Add the pre-soaked cashews, plant milk, avocado, lime juice, maple, spirulina and pink salt to a bowl.
    • Next, add all these ingredients to high speed blender. Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides until everything is nice and smooth.
    • Work quick at this stage so you do not overheat the ingredients. Blend for about 30-40 seconds. Next, add the melted (cooled) coconut oil while the blender is running to get a nice smooth and shiny consistency.
    • Transfer the filling into a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Maybe it needs some extra lime, maple or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
    • When you are happy with the final seasoning, pour the mix onto the frozen pie base.
    • Using a spatula or spoon you can smoothen out the filling.
    • The mix will start to set quick when it hits the frozen base. Tap the pie a couple of times on the work surface by dropping it (carefully!) 1-2 inches from the work surface. This knocks out any air pockets and evens out the distribution.
    • Allow the key lime pie to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours before slicing. You may put in the freezer to speed up the setting.

    To garnish

    • I love the color contrast of the yellow mango, white coconut flakes and green key lime pie. It's best to garnish just before serving or shortly before. Feel free to use whatever seasonal fruits and berries are in season in your region.

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    Nutrition Label

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Key Lime Pie (No-Bake & Healthy)
    Serving Size
     
    75 g slices
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    369
    % Daily Value*
    Protein
     
    10
    g
    20
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    20
    g
    7
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Fat
     
    30
    g
    46
    %
    Sugar
     
    10
    g
    11
    %
    Sodium
     
    23
    mg
    1
    %
    Potassium
     
    375
    mg
    11
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    9
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin B1
     
    1
    mg
    67
    %
    Vitamin B2
     
    1
    mg
    59
    %
    Vitamin B3
     
    1
    mg
    5
    %
    Vitamin B5
     
    1
    mg
    10
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    1
    mg
    50
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    1
    mg
    7
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    10
    µg
    10
    %
    Calcium
     
    33
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

    Keyword Batch cook, Brain food, Freezable
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @the_holistic_chef on social media, I love to see your creations!

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    Hi, my name is Jamie from Galway in the West of Ireland. I've been cooking in Michelin Star kitchens all around the world for most of my career. In 2015 I launched The Holistic Chef academy to focus on the nutritional aspects of food.

    Educate - Inspire - Empower became my mantra and mission. Currently, I'm living and cooking between Europe and Thailand.

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