Creamy Key Lime Pie Dip Recipe

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Every bite of this creamy citrus dip is like taking a bite of the best key lime pie you’ve ever had.  It’s light and sweet and so satisfying with homemade whipped cream topping it off! Our “secret ingredient” makes all the difference. You’ll go back for more and more. 

creamy key lime pie dip served on a shortbread cookie

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make creamy key lime pie dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, great as a dessert at any meal or as an appetizer. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Key lime base:

  • 8 oz. package cream cheese-softened
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup lime curd
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Milk or cream

Whipped cream topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Lime zest

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Ricotta cheese: This is a soft and mild Italian cheese that adds such a unique flavor to dishes. You will notice that it’s almost impossible to get the creamy layer totally smooth when using this, but that’s to be expected. Don’t fight it. If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can skip this (though I don’t recommend it) or blend cottage cheese in a food processor. It will have a similar flavor. You’ll notice that it has a lot of moisture. We just used a slotted spoon to transfer some to a measuring cup so that we didn’t get too much liquid.
  • Lime curd: Lime curd is a food of the gods. It’s creamy and delicate and limy without being too tart. We had trouble finding it in our local grocery store and ended up buying it on Amazon, which you can find HERE.
  • Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
  • Milk or cream: The milk in this recipe is only used if you need to alter the consistency of the creamy base. You can use any type of unflavored milk or cream for this.
  • Powdered sugar: This is not to be confused with white sugar. It’s very finely milled and combined with a small amount of an anti clumping agent so that it appears like snow. It melts into the cream cheese to form the perfect creamy base to take on other flavors.
  • Heavy whipping cream: aka heavy cream is a rich, high-fat dairy product that makes the most delicate and delicious whipped cream with very little effort. If you don’t want to make homemade whipped cream, you can substitute it with Cool Whip.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you some other dips to serve with this to make your next party the best yet.

  1. With a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, ricotta cheese, lime curd and vanilla.
  2. Then slowly mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, adding a splash of milk or cream as needed, until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a deep pie dish.
  4. Prepare the whipping cream by first putting the bowl and hand mixer beaters into the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Pour the heavy whipping cream, vanilla and 2 Tbsp powdered sugar into the cooled bowl and beat with the hand mixer until there are stiff peaks.
  6. Layer the fresh whipped cream on top of the creamy key lime mixture.
  7. Garnish with lime zest.
creamy key lime pie dip served on a shortbread cookie
  • adding the lime curd to the bowl for key lime pie dip
  • adding the vanilla to the bowl for key lime pie dip
  • adding the powdered sugar to the bowl for key lime pie dip
  • mixing the ingredients with a hand mixer to make the base for the key lime pie dip
  • transferring the creamy base for the key lime pie dip to a serving dish
  • spreading out the creamy base for the key lime pie dip in a decorative pie dish
  • mixing the fresh whipped cream with a hand mixer
  • add the fresh whipped cream to top off the key lime pie dip
  • adding some lime zest to the top of the key lime pie dip

my recipe tips

  • Keep it cool: When whipping the cream into peaks, the cream and bowl should be cold, otherwise it will not thicken properly. Trust me, I let the heavy cream warm a bit before getting around to using it, and I had to start over for that step once I cooled it down again. Placing the bowl, cream and beaters into the freezer for about 15 minutes will do the trick.
  • Zesting the lime: I used to skip the lemon or lime zest when a recipe called for it, but not anymore. It adds so much depth to the overall flavor and is super simple to do. First, get the right tool, like this affordable zester from Amazon. When zesting, be sure to just get the top green layer and don’t zest too much down into the white pith. That’s where the bitterness lives. Stick to these rules, and you’ll be a zesting pro.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious key lime pie dip, but our favorite is simple shortbread cookies. You can make your own using this recipe from our friends at Preppy Kitchen or buy your favorite brand at the grocery store. Other dippers that pair well with this dip include chunks of angel food or pound cake, wafer cookies, fruit like orange slices or pineapple, or graham crackers.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this creamy blueberry and lemon dip and this chocolate covered strawberries dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

start with the right tools

The main kitchen tool that you’ll need to make this dip is a simple hand mixer. I think that we still have the one that we received as a wedding gift 30 years ago now. Those things last forever. However, if you’re looking to buy your first ever or just want an upgrade, check out THIS ONE or THIS ONE. They’re both reasonably priced, work great and add a little style to your dip making experience. Pair it with this set of mixing bowls that comes in a variety of colors.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

creamy key lime pie dip served on a shortbread cookie

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare this dip ahead of time, though it is best fresh.

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