• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Filter
    • Recipe Index
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work with Me
    • Portfolio
    • FAQ
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Snixy Kitchen logo
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Filter
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Pies & Tarts

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha (Dairy-Free & Vegan Options)

    Modified: May 7, 2025 · Published: March 12, 2021 by Sarah Menanix · This post may contain affiliate links

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Share
    • Tweet
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    Creamy and bright gluten-free key lime pie brightened with matcha with a no-bake vegan gluten-free filling made from coconut cream and avocados. Use a gluten-free flaky pie crust or a gluten-free graham cracker crust for vegan and/or dairy-free options, or serve it crustless in dessert cups!

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    A year ago, I shared a picture of this gluten-free key lime pie with matcha for Pi Day on Instagram. I signed off the post with, "Stay tuned for the recipe in the next week (when I find time to write while home with two kids for at least three weeks)." 

    Three weeks, y'all. And I'll be real honest: I cried hard tears about that looming timeline. 

    Weeks became a year and here's the pie recipe with no apologies. 

    If you're like me, you've gone through the quarantine baking phase and now you're in the convenience cooking phase. This gluten-free key lime pie is one of the easiest pies you'll ever make.  

    But it tastes dynamic and flavorful. As if it took hours. 

    Slice of Avocado Key Lime Pie

    No-Bake Key Lime Pie Filling

    This creamy and bright gluten-free key lime pie filling is no-bake, refined-sugar-free, and just so happens to be vegan. The crust has options for both vegan and refined-sugar-free - your call! 

    Let's go ahead and call this snack pie, so make a full pie and go ahead and eat a slice every day this week with lunch. 

    And with matcha, I'll call it breakfast food too.

    Vegan Key Lime Pie Recipe with Avocados

    This vegan dairy-free key lime pie mousse filling tastes like a whipped key lime pie, but it's sweetened only with maple syrup, is vegan, and is made with avocados.

    You read that correctly: Avocados.

    When I started dating Lucas (from Texas), he was shocked by the way Californians put avocados in everything. Now he’s also a super fan and we joke to our friends who visit, “welcome to California, have an avocado.” This recipe takes it to a whole new level, turning avocados into dessert. (And if you’re skeptical, don’t worry, I promise it doesn’t taste a lick like guacamole.)

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie Mousse

    When whipped with coconut cream, avocados give the mousse a light and airy creamy texture that's almost like a smooth cheesecake. Key lime zest and juice flavor the mousse with tartness balanced by a hint of maple syrup. 

    Garnish it with toasted macadamia nuts to balance the sweet filling with a buttery tropical crunch.

    Key Lime Matcha Pie

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Matcha Tart

    What kind of crust for a key lime pie?

    You've got two different options for what kind of crust to use: gluten-free flaky pie crust or gluten-free graham cracker crust.

    You can make either of these pie crusts from scratch or opt for a pre-made store-bought shell to save time. 

    Gluten-Free Flaky Pie Crust

    When I first shot this gluten-free key lime pie, I made it with a flaky, buttery pie crust and decorated it with little pie crust cut-outs. This crust is beautiful and a delicious contrast against the light tropical filling.

    It also takes a bit more work, but you can purchase a pre-made gluten-free vegan pie shell to keep it simpler.

    If you opt to use a flaky pie crust, you'll need to line it with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights to blind bake it (without filling). Then remove the pie weights to bake it until the bottom of the crust is baked through. 

    Vegan Key Lime Pie

    Graham Cracker Crust (gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options)

    For a quicker crust with dairy-free and vegan options, I've also made this pie using this gluten-free graham cracker crust. This recipe can be made dairy-free or vegan by using vegan butter. 

    You can make this recipe as either a no-bake or a baked crust. For a no-bake crust, freeze the crust for 20 minutes before adding the filling. 

    Personally, even when I'm making a "no-bake pie" I usually still opt to bake the crust and let it cool before filling. I find the baked crust more easily removes from the pan without leaving crumbs behind and makes a cleaner cut.

    Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust in Pie Dish

    No crust

    You can also absolutely skip the crust altogether and divide the filling among 5 dessert ramekins. Top it with whipped coconut cream and macadamia nuts for a quick refreshing treat! Same no-bake recipe, made as individual servings! (Pictured below, without matcha)

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie Mousse

    Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    For this key lime pie, I've mixed matcha into the filling to add a hint of vegetal nuttiness and to punch up the green hue. For the brightest color, be sure to use high-quality matcha. If matcha isn't your thing, you can certainly leave it out.

    Without matcha, the flavor will be akin to a classic key lime pie, and the color a bit paler as shown in the dessert cups above. When I first made this key lime pie mousse, I didn't use matcha and I served it without crust in dessert cups. 

    Dairy-Free Key Lime Pie

    How to Make Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Key Lime Pie

    Here's how to make the quickest creamy key lime pie:

    1. Prepare your pie crust. Mixed crushed graham crackers with sugar, butter, and salt, then press the crumbs into your pie dish. Chill it for 20 minutes or bake it for 8 minutes and let it cool.
    2. Blend the filling. Add all of your mousse ingredients to a high-powered blender/food processor and puree until completely smooth, scraping sides as needed. Pour it into your prepared crust and chill for at least 2 hours.
    3. Whip coconut cream. Whip chilled coconut cream with maple syrup.
    4.  Garnish and serve. Serve chilled pie dolloped with coconut cream and garnish with macadamia nuts.
    No-Bake Key Lime Pie with Matcha Mousse

    Recipe

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    yields: 1 9-inch pie
    prep time: 30 minutes mins
    cook time: 1 hour hr
    Chill Time: 3 hours hrs
    total time: 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Creamy and bright gluten-free key lime pie brightened with matcha with a no-bake vegan gluten-free filling made from coconut cream and avocados. Use a gluten-free flaky pie crust or a gluten-free graham cracker crust for vegan and/or dairy-free options, or serve it crustless in dessert cups!
    5 from 3 reviews
    PRINT PIN SAVESaved!

    Ingredients

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha
    • 1 baked gluten-free graham cracker crust, vegan, if needed, OR
    • 1 fully baked gluten-free flaky pie crust, store-bought or homemade (homemade recipe below)
    • ½ cup canned oconut cream, solid cream only (or solid cream only from canned full-fat coconut milk), chilled for at least two hours (*see brand note)
    • 2 ripe medium avocados
    • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
    • ⅓ cup key lime juice, from 2-3 limes, or substitute regular lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons key lime zest, from 1½ limes, or substitute regular limes
    • 1½ tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
    • ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    For serving
    • ⅓ cup canned coconut cream, solid cream only (or solid cream only from canned full-fat coconut milk), chilled 12 hours (*see brand note)
    • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
    • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Optional: ¼ cup chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts, for garnish
    Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust Option (Vegan/Dairy-Free Option)
    • 1 Gluten-free graham cracker crust
    Gluten-Free Flaky Pie Crust Option
    • 1 Gluten-free pie crust, blind-baked
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Coconut Cream

    • I do not recommend using the coconut cream from Trader Joe's as they seem to have updated their supplier and the new consistency is a very oily/grainy and does not whip up well. I reliably use Native Forest, 365 brand, and Thai Kitchen coconut cream (in that order).

    Matcha Key Lime Pie

    • Prepare your desired gluten-free graham cracker crust (unbaked or baked) or gluten-free flaky pie crust, up to step 3 of Single Crust Pie with Par-Baking or Blind-Baking, where the crust is fully blind baked. Let cool completely before filling. Note: If also baking pie shape cut-outs, place them on a separate small baking sheet with parchment paper, brushed with cream and sprinkled with sugar. Bake alongside the crust, but pull them out after 10-12 minutes, once lightly golden brown.
    • Add all of your filling ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth, scraping sides as needed. Pour into cooked and
      cooled
      pie crust and chill for at least 2 hours.
    • To serve, put the remaining ⅓ cup solid coconut cream into a stand mixer with whisk attachment or bowl with a hand mixer. Mix as you would make whipped cream, until soft peaks form. Slowly add maple syrup & vanilla & whisk until fluffy.
    • Pipe or dollop whipped coconut cream onto the top of your pie and garnish with toasted macadamia nuts and, if using, baked pie crust shapes. Serve chilled.

    Notes

    Vegan or Dairy-Free

    Both crusts have a vegan and dairy-free option. For the graham cracker crust, use dairy-free gluten-free graham crackers (such as Nairn's oat grahams) and vegan butter, and for the flakey pie crust, use plant butter as instructed!

    Crustless Mousse Cups

    For a quicker lighter version, skip the crust and divide the filling among 5 dessert cups or ramekins and top with whipped coconut cream.
    instagramIf you make this recipe, tag your photo #SnixyKitchen on Instagram!
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Snixy Kitchen

    SUBSCRIBE NOW

    get free recipes straight to your inbox:

    Reader Interactions

    You may also enjoy:

    Gluten-Free Puff Pastry
    Gluten-Free Puff Pastry
    Gluten-Free Pie Crust
    Flaky All-Butter Gluten-Free Pie Crust
    Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp
    Super Easy Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp
    Gluten-Free Matcha S'mores Pie
    Matcha S'mores Pie

    6 Comments

      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

      Comment & Rate Cancel reply

      Your comments, reviews and questions make my day! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. These star ratings help others discover my recipes. Thank you for your support and being part of this community!

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Marzena -

      March 19, 2021 at 6:59 am

      I did, but the cream turned out to be very bitter. Probably from lime ;-)

      Reply
      • Marzena -

        March 19, 2021 at 7:01 am

        or about matcha?

        Reply
        • Sarah Menanix -

          March 20, 2021 at 11:57 am

          Oh no, I'm sorry it turned out bitter! It definitely should not be bitter - when I make this mousse filling (which is often:) and it's sweet enough even my toddler loves it. I'd love to help you troubleshoot what may have gone differently for you.

          My first guess is that, if you used matcha, you used a brand that wasn't as high-quality. This will make a huge difference, and why I recommend choosing quality matcha. Most inexpensive matcha brands that you can get at the supermarket have very bitter notes. I recommend Encha matcha, which they sell in culinary, latte, and ceremonial grades, all for different price points.

          The other reason could have to do with the limes, as you suggested. While I've never had this bitterness happen, some limes definitely are sweeter than others. Did you make sure to wash them really well to make sure there's no waxy outside? And when you zested them did you make sure only to use the very green peel, stopping as soon as it turned white - the white pith is the most bitter part so you want to make sure to just zest the very outside. You might already have done this, just brainstorming what could have been different for you! Try balancing the bitterness with a bit more maple syrup to taste.

          Reply
    2. mercmakesfood -

      March 12, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      I remember trying this a year ago and I'm pretty sure it was my turning point/gateway to matcha.

      Reply
    3. John -

      March 12, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Getting my ingredients together to joyfully make this! However, 2 references to "See brand Note" about coconut cream seem left off--what say, Esteemed Guru? I know that less gar is a good thing, so interested in your recommendations too. Thanks. Then we can start up the fun!!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        March 12, 2021 at 10:15 am

        THANK YOU! That's what I get for posting at 1am haha. Just updated it!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha
    Sarah Menanix

    I’m Sarah (aka Snix)! Here you'll find gluten-free recipes - from classic staples to special occasion desserts to everyday dinners.

    More about me ➤

    Trending Recipes

    • Gluten-Free Dumpling Wrappers
      Gluten-Free Dumpling Wrappers
    • Matcha Mochi Cake
      Matcha Mochi Cake
    • Gluten-Free Cassava Flour Tortillas
      Gluten-Free Cassava Flour Tortillas
    • Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower and Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
      Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower and Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    The Ultimate Guide to Matcha Green Tea: What is Matcha?

    Gluten-Free Staples

    • The Best Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe
      Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, Brazilian Cheese Bread Style
    • Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
      The BEST Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels
    • Gluten-Free Almond Flour Pasta
      Gluten-Free Almond Flour Pasta
    • The BEST Gluten-free Classic Chocolate Layer Cake with Ombre Hibiscus Cream Cheese Frosting
      Favorite Gluten-free Chocolate Cake with Hibiscus Frosting

    Footer

    Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie with Matcha

    ⬆ back to top

    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • FAQ
    • Recipes

    Privacy Policy | Disclosure

    All content & images © 2025 Snixy Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    To submit your rating, please write a short comment about the recipe! Click the button to confirm your rating.

    (Note: Your email will NOT appear publicly)

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.