This recipe for key lime ice cream is inspired by my daddy! His love for the a key lime custard pie is undeniable and I’ve used the flavors of this pie for inspiration. The texture of this ice cream is so creamy and smooth plus I add a mango swirl and some graham cracker crumbs that take it over the top.
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How to Make Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
These step-by-step photos show how to make key lime ice cream, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Recipe
1. Whisk together the key lime ice cream base
Chill the mixture, then churn it in your ice cream maker until thick and smooth.
2. Add the mango, sugar, and water to a blender
Puree until completely smooth.
3. Mix together the graham cracker crumb topping
Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
4. Add part of the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container
Smooth it out into an even layer.
5. Scatter the buttery graham cracker mixture right over the top
Spread them evenly.
6. Add the remaining ice cream and spoon the mango mixture over the top
Swirl it through before freezing until firm.
Full Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup fresh diced mango
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar depending on how ripe the mango is
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- For the Ice Cream Base, Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, key lime juice, and lime zest..
- Place mixture in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Next pour mixture into ice cream machine and churn according to machine’s instructions.
- While ice cream churns, puree mango, granulated sugar and water together until well blended and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined.
- Once ice cream is finished churning, alternately scoop ice cream base, then graham cracker crumbs, ice cream again and finally mango swirl into container until all ingredients are in the container.
- Freeze for at least 4-5 hours and then serve.
Notes
How to Store
Once churned and ready, it’s important to transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. A tightly sealed container will keep the ice cream fresh and free from freezer burn. This SUMO container is inexpensive and great for fitting large batches in minimal space. If you’re looking for a more traditional pint look, these TOVOLO mini tubs are a great choice! Or use a heavy-duty, freezer-safe container of your choice. Most homemade ice cream can be stored for up to one month in the freezer when stored properly.Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Ice too hard to scoop? No worries! First, let the frozen ice cream sit for five minutes on the counter before scooping to let it soften up. Second, dip a scoop in a glass of hot water and then shake off excess water before scooping.
- Full fat milk make a creamier key lime ice cream.
- Make sure to use key lime juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the step for chilling! I know you can’t wait to eat ice cream but chilling the base first makes for a creamier ice cream.
- Prefer classic key lime flavor? Feel free to omit the mango swirl.
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Recipe Help
No unfortunately this recipe requires an ice cream maker! But if you’re looking for no churn you’ve got to try this no churn blueberry ice cream or peach pie ice cream.
Other Key Lime Recipes to Try
- Traditional Key Lime Pie – when only the classic will do, turn to this!
- Raspberry Swirl Key Lime Pie – when you want to take the traditional up a notch in flavor and beauty, make this one!
- Key Lime Pound Cake – This moist and tender crumb having cake is just the ticket when you want to combine the flavors of the pie into cake!
- Key Lime Pie Cookie Cups – these darling treats are perfect for entertaining! They are like mini pies!
- Key Lime Pie Cookies – this soft and chewy cookie is seriously one of my faves ever! It tastes just like the pie in a bite size package.
*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!
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love key limes and really nice paired with mango, sweet and tart, wonderful and thank you!
This recipe was so much fun to make with my 4 year old. It was SO good, and I loved that the ice cream was not made with whipping cream. It was creamy, tangy, sweet, and the graham cracker crumbs were on point. Thank you so much for this ice cream recipe.
Oh my goodness, such a delicious tropical flavor combination – a real taste of summer in a bowl!
Ooooh, you had me at mango swirl. This ice cream looks absolutely amazing. I love all those flavors.
Just when I thought I couldn’t love key lime pie any more…it turned into ice cream. This may just be my new favorite food in the whole wide world. I may have slightly overindulged.
Wowza! This ice cream is definitely going into the rotation of favorite summer desserts! It’s so easy and crazy delicious. Thanks for sharing!