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

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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
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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: