If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that balances the perfect tangy-sweet flavors and looks absolutely stunning, then look no further. The Key Lime Kiwi Tart is a treat that combines the refreshing zest of key lime with the tropical sweetness of kiwi, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the kind of dessert that will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe). Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Key Lime Kiwi Tart
This tart isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, or just need a sweet bite to finish off a meal, this dish is versatile enough to be a star at any gathering. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a cozy dinner party, or a casual Sunday gathering, this tart is guaranteed to impress. It’s refreshing and just the right amount of sweet, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home, but the final result feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. No need to break the bank for a delicious dessert!
- Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to put together. With straightforward steps and only a handful of ingredients, even beginners can whip this tart up without a hitch. You’ll be feeling like a baking pro in no time!
- Customizable: If you want to play around with the flavors, go for it! You can easily swap the kiwi for another fruit like strawberries or mango, or add a bit more zest to the lime filling. It’s a great base to experiment with.
- Crowd-Pleasing: People of all ages will love this tart! The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a real showstopper at any event. Plus, it’s light enough that no one will feel guilty about having another slice (or two).

Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what makes this Key Lime Kiwi Tart so delightful:
Graham Cracker Crust: This is the perfect base for the tart, providing a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling. The graham cracker crust has just the right sweetness to balance the tangy lime and the fresh kiwi.
Butter: A rich and essential ingredient to hold the crust together and make it melt in your mouth. The butter adds flavor and richness to the crust.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the key to the creamy, indulgent filling. It’s sweet, smooth, and just thick enough to create a luscious texture when combined with the lime juice.
Key Lime Juice: The star of the show, the key lime juice gives this tart its refreshing, zesty punch. It’s not your average lime—it has a unique, floral taste that makes the tart extra special.
Egg Yolks: These help to create the silky-smooth texture of the filling, giving it a richness that’s perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lime.
Kiwi: The vibrant green kiwi slices provide a fresh, fruity topping that adds both sweetness and color. Plus, they’re the perfect complement to the tangy lime filling.
Instructions
Ready to get your hands on this tart? Let’s walk through the steps:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust bakes evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a tart pan, ensuring it’s firm and evenly spread out.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Key Lime Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Then, add the freshly squeezed key lime juice and mix until smooth. The mixture should thicken slightly as it comes together.
Fill the Tart: Pour the key lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the tart for about 15 minutes, just until the filling is set. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool and Assemble: Once the tart is baked, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it firm up completely.
Top with Kiwi: Just before serving, slice your kiwis into thin rounds and arrange them on top of the chilled tart. This fresh fruit topping will give your tart a beautiful pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this beautiful tart chilled, and enjoy the combination of tangy lime and sweet kiwi in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 290
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
How to Serve Key Lime Kiwi Tart
This tart is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving:
- Fresh Berries: Pair it with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would complement the tart perfectly.
- Tea or Coffee: This tart pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a great choice for afternoon gatherings.
- Garnish with Mint: A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely touch of freshness and elegance to your presentation.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: You can make the crust and the filling a day in advance, then assemble the tart when you’re ready to serve. This can save time on the day you plan to serve it.
- Perfectly Firm Filling: Make sure to cool the tart completely before refrigerating. The cooling process helps set the filling to the perfect creamy texture.
- Customize the Fruit: If you’re not a kiwi fan, feel free to top the tart with other tropical fruits, like mango, or even berries for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Zesty Kick: Want more lime flavor? Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrus goodness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this tart without a tart pan?
A1: Yes! You can use a pie dish or even a square baking dish if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
Q2: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A2: While key limes give this tart a unique flavor, regular limes will work just fine as a substitute. You may need to adjust the amount of juice depending on the size of the limes.
Q3: Can I freeze this tart?
A3: Yes! After it’s fully chilled, you can wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q4: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A4: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker crust works just as well.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day!
Q6: Can I use whipped topping instead of fresh cream?
A6: Yes, whipped topping is a great alternative if you want to save time. Just make sure to add it right before serving.
Q7: Can I make the crust without sugar?
A7: You can! If you prefer a less sweet crust, simply omit the sugar. The graham crackers still provide plenty of sweetness.
Q8: Can I make the filling without eggs?
A8: Yes! You can make an eggless version using a combination of cornstarch and coconut milk or a non-dairy milk to get a creamy texture.
Q9: Can I add more fruit on top?
A9: Of course! This tart is versatile—feel free to top it with more fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or even a drizzle of honey.
Q10: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A10: Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, and you’re good to go!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new go-to summer dessert, the Key Lime Kiwi Tart! With its perfectly tangy filling, fresh kiwi topping, and buttery graham cracker crust, this tart is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s simple, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying—so go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become your new favorite treat!
PrintKey Lime Kiwi Tart
This Key Lime Kiwi Tart is a refreshing dessert with a zesty key lime flavor, smooth cream cheese filling, and a tropical touch of fresh kiwi. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- ½ package (15-ounce) refrigerated pie crust (1 crust)
- For the Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- For Garnish:
- 1 kiwi fruit, peeled and diced or sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Prepare the pie crust according to package directions for a single crust pie in a 10-inch tart pan or 9-inch pie plate.
- Cool completely.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix.
- Using an electric mixer, beat until well combined, light, and fluffy.
- Mix in the thawed whipped topping until smooth.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Spread the key lime mixture evenly into the cooled crust.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish with diced or sliced kiwi.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can also use lime zest or a squeeze of fresh lime juice in the filling.
- This tart is best served chilled and can be made the day before to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259kcal
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 167mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg