Lime Jello Pie Recipe
This Lime Jello Pie Recipe has been one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something light, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing. The zingy lime gelatin blended perfectly with the creamy Cool Whip and tangy Greek yogurt creates a silky filling that almost melts in your mouth. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly sophisticated, this pie is worth trying.
What I love most about this Lime Jello Pie Recipe is how well it travels — perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or as a last-minute dessert when friends drop by. The crust is buttery and crisp, contrasting beautifully with the cool, fluffy filling. It’s simple, but it delivers every time, especially when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lime Jello Pie Recipe plays a star role in balancing texture and flavor. I always recommend fresh, high-quality butter for the crust—it makes every crumb richer. And swapping regular yogurt for plain Greek yogurt ups the creaminess without adding extra sweetness, which I love.
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter, not margarine, for a richer, perfectly crisp crust.
- Graham cracker crumbs: You can buy pre-packaged or crush your own for freshness and control over the crumb size.
- Boiling water: This is necessary to fully dissolve the lime gelatin and avoid lumps.
- Lime gelatin powder: The star of the show! Choose a trusted brand to ensure bright lime flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess that balances the sweet gelatin perfectly.
- Cool Whip, thawed: Keeps the filling light and airy; be sure to fully thaw for easy mixing.
Variations
One of the best things about this Lime Jello Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks based on what you like or what you have on hand. I often experiment by swapping the Cool Whip for fresh whipped cream or adding fresh lime zest for an extra punch.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Use coconut yogurt and a dairy-free whipped topping. I’ve tried this for a friend with lactose intolerance and it still turned out fantastic!
- Extra Citrus Kick: Add the zest of one lime into the filling for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Crunchy Twist: Mix some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the crust for a nutty texture I personally enjoy.
- Different Gelatin Flavors: Swap lime for lemon or orange—each offers a new twist while keeping the pie light and refreshing.
How to Make Lime Jello Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Perfect Crust
Start by melting your unsalted butter until it’s fully liquid but not browned — this gives your crust that golden, buttery flavor. Mix it thoroughly with your graham cracker crumbs until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into your pie dish’s bottom and sides. I like to use the bottom of a glass to really pack it tight, which helps the crust hold together nicely after chilling.
Step 2: Dissolve the Lime Gelatin
Pour boiling water over the lime gelatin powder and stir for at least two minutes until it’s completely dissolved — no granules should remain. This step is key to prevent a grainy texture in your filling. I usually use a whisk here to speed things up and ensure a smooth base.
Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients
Once your gelatin has cooled slightly but hasn’t started setting, fold in the plain Greek yogurt and thawed Cool Whip gently. I find folding with a rubber spatula works best to maintain that light and fluffy texture. If you mix too vigorously, you risk deflating it, which changes the pie’s delightful softness.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the filling into your prepared crust and spread it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight. Patience here really pays off — the pie sets beautifully and slices cleanly after chilling.
How to Serve Lime Jello Pie Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping this pie with thin lime slices or a sprinkle of fresh lime zest to compliment the lime flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice, which adds a bit of extra indulgence without overpowering the lightness of the pie. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh mint leaves on top add a beautiful contrast in color and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Lime Jello Pie pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, which add a natural sweetness and freshness. I also enjoy serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially when the pie has been sitting in the fridge for a while and is perfectly chilled.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I’ve served the filling in individual clear glasses layered with graham cracker crumbs and garnished with lime zest and a sprig of mint. It’s a simple way to impress guests and avoid slicing. You can also use a fluted glass pie dish to create a pretty scalloped edge crust that makes the pie look bakery-bought!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always cover leftover Lime Jello Pie tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. The crust maintains its crunch if kept chilled and covered well, so don’t worry about sogginess creeping in too soon.
Freezing
In my experience, this pie isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the gelatin texture can become a bit rubbery once thawed. However, if you need to freeze it, wrap it extremely well and allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Because this is a cold, no-bake pie, reheating isn’t necessary — and would likely ruin the texture! Simply serve it chilled straight from the fridge. If you want a softer filling, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh lime juice instead of lime gelatin powder?
Fresh lime juice adds great flavor but lacks the gelling properties of the gelatin powder. So for this Lime Jello Pie Recipe, the gelatin is essential to give that firm yet creamy set that defines the pie.
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Is it possible to make this pie without Cool Whip?
Absolutely! You can substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a richer texture. Just be sure to whip it to soft peaks so the filling stays light and airy.
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Can I make this pie vegan?
To make a vegan Lime Jello Pie Recipe, use a plant-based gelatin substitute (like agar agar), coconut or almond yogurt, and dairy-free whipped topping. Keep in mind the texture and setting process might vary slightly.
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How long does this pie need to chill?
Chilling for at least 3-4 hours is necessary, but I recommend overnight for the best texture and flavor development.
Final Thoughts
I have fond memories of making this Lime Jello Pie Recipe with my family during summer holidays — it’s so quick but always feels special. I hope you’ll find it just as delightful and easy to make. It’s one of those recipes you can rely on to bring brightness and smiles, whether it’s a casual dinner or a big celebration. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Lime Jello Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lime Jello Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert featuring a creamy lime gelatin filling set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, it combines the zesty flavor of lime with the smoothness of Cool Whip and Greek yogurt for a light and tasty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2½ cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs
Filling
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 3 ounces lime gelatin powder (about 1 small box)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Dissolve the gelatin: In a separate bowl, pour ¾ cup boiling water over the lime gelatin powder. Stir for at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved and no granules remain.
- Combine filling ingredients: Allow the dissolved gelatin to cool slightly, then add the plain Greek yogurt and Cool Whip. Gently fold them together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, being careful to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the gelatin filling mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and fully set.
- Serve: Once set, slice and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with lime slices or whipped cream for an extra touch.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid any graininess in the filling.
- Use plain Greek yogurt for a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the lime gelatin.
- Cool Whip can be substituted with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Chilling the pie overnight is recommended for best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
