PREV
Dessert
Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
I'll be keeping my freezer stocked with a tray of these no-churn, no-bake sweet treats all summer long!
These Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches are the kind of dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be any easier to make. They have all the flavors of classic key lime pie with a creamy, no-churn key lime ice cream tucked between two buttery layers of no-bake graham cracker crust. They’re tart, sweet, refreshing, and the perfect make ahead dessert for hot summer days, backyard BBQs, or any time you need something that looks impressive without turning on the oven. I love keeping a batch in the freezer because they’re ready whenever a dessert craving (or unexpected guests) strikes. And if you have a food processor, it makes quick work of the graham crackers, so the hardest part is waiting for them to freeze!
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to Make It
Storing
Tips
Reasons to Love It
Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich Ingredients and Substitutions
Graham Crackers
Grab any brand of graham crackers from the store to make this easy, no-bake, 2-ingredient ice cream sandwich crust. You can also sub similar crispy crackers/cookies like Biscoff cookies or Nilla wafers.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Make sure to get full-fat heavy whipping cream for the best homemade ice cream texture. No substitutes!
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk can be found in the baking aisle and is essentially a thick, syrupy milk with most of the water evaporated and lots of sugar added. It’s the best base for creamy homemade no-churn ice cream like this one.
Key Lime Juice and Zest
If you can’t find key limes, which are small and tart, you can use regular limes instead. The final taste will differ slightly, but you’ll still get that key lime pie vibe.
Vanilla Extract
It’s better to use pure vanilla extract as opposed to vanilla flavor because vanilla is one of the main flavors in this homemade ice cream. You can use the same amount of vanilla bean paste instead.
Butter
I use salted butter in my no-bake graham cracker crust, but you could use unsalted butter + ¼-½ teaspoons of salt.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Start by lining a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving plenty of overhang on all sides so you can easily lift the bars out later.
Step 1
Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor or blender until they form fine crumbs. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse a few times until incorporated. You may need to mix with a silicone spatula until well combined.
Step 2
Transfer half (2 cups) of the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Set the other half of the crumb mixture aside. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a flat base. Place the pan in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
Step 3
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a bowl with an electric hand mixer), add the heavy cream. Mix on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt and mix on low speed until no streaks of sweetened condensed milk remain.
Step 4
Remove the pan from the freezer. Pour the ice cream filling directly over the chilled graham cracker base, smoothing the top into an even layer with a silicone spatula. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the surface of the ice cream layer is firm enough to the touch that the top layer of crumbs won’t sink into it when you press them down.
Step 5
Remove the pan from the freezer and sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture evenly over the surface of the semi-frozen ice cream layer. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to firmly but gently press the crumbs into the ice cream so they adhere well and form a solid top crust. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze for about 2 hours (or up to 24 hours), until the ice cream is completely frozen.
Step 6
Remove the pan from the freezer. Grip the parchment paper overhang and lift the entire block cleanly out of the pan onto a cutting board. Use a long, sharp knife to slice the block into 9 large or 16 small squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife blade with a hot, damp cloth between each slice. Serve immediately, or wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Storing Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap individually cut ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
- When lining the pan with parchment paper, leave enough overhang so you can easily lift the sandwiches out for easier cutting and serving.
- To make graham cracker crumbs, you can either pulse them in a food processor or crush in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin until it resembles sand.
- If you don’t have a big enough food processor, you can mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl with a silicone spatula or combine with your fingers until all the crumbs are moistened.
- Make sure you fully freeze each layer of your homemade ice cream sandwiches before adding on the next. This will make adding and spreading the ice cream and top graham cracker layer much easier.
Why You’ll Love These Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Making homemade ice cream sandwiches might sound kind of extra, but it’s actually super easy. The outer sandwich crust layers only require two ingredients, both of which you can find at any store, and requires no baking. The key lime ice cream filling is a no-churn recipe using a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, too.
- They are perfect for summer hosting. Make these ice cream sandwiches the day before or morning of your gathering. Both adults and kids will love these cold summer treats that are perfect for birthdays and pool parties.
- This no-bake dessert means you won’t be heating up your house with the oven, but can still enjoy a homemade treat.
- With such simple ingredients, easy mixing methods, no hot pans or ovens, and fun assembly, these ice cream sandwiches are a great dessert to make with the kids this summer.
What did I do wrong?! The graham cracker crust didn’t stay together. The flavor is 5/5 but I couldn’t get the crust to stay. Had to eat with a fork
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make! Perfect for our summer heat wave!
Question…can you double this recipe & make in 9×13? Guess I’ll try it & get back to you. Potluck this coming Friday!
Should work, just might take a little longer to freeze!
Looks good