Key Lime Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Lime Pie is a classic that’s loved for its refreshing tartness and velvety smooth texture. The balance of creamy filling and tangy lime flavor, along with the crunch of the graham cracker crust, makes each bite delightful. The sweetened condensed milk filling is incredibly simple to make, and it’s complemented by the bright flavor of fresh key lime juice. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a summer barbecue or a special treat to share with family, Key Lime Pie is the perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable)

• 3 large egg yolks

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles wet sand.

• Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. You can use the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly.

• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the filling:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and salt until smooth and well combined. The key lime juice will thicken the mixture and give it that characteristic tangy flavor.

• Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

• Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Be careful not to overbake it.

• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set.

3. Make the whipped cream topping:

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

• Be careful not to overbeat the cream. It should be thick and hold its shape but still soft enough to spread easily.

4. Assemble the pie:

• Once the pie has chilled and set, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the pie, covering the filling completely.

• For an extra touch, you can garnish the pie with lime zest or thin lime slices.

5. Serve:

• Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. The tangy lime flavor, creamy filling, and buttery crust will make each bite refreshing and delicious.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices

Total time: 4 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Key Lime Pie with Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust mixture for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream.

• Frozen Key Lime Pie: For a cool, frozen version of Key Lime Pie, freeze the pie after baking and chilling the filling. Serve it frozen with the whipped cream topping.

• Graham Cracker-Free Crust: If you prefer a gluten-free or different type of crust, try using a gluten-free graham cracker crust or even a crushed pretzel crust for added saltiness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Key Lime Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the whipped cream from deflating.

Freezing: You can freeze Key Lime Pie for up to 1 month. Freeze it without the whipped cream topping, then add the topping once the pie has thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, you can use regular lime juice if key limes are not available. While key limes have a distinct flavor that’s slightly more tart and fragrant, regular limes will still work well in this recipe.

2. How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center. If it looks completely solid and doesn’t jiggle at all, it’s been overbaked. Be sure to take it out of the oven as soon as it’s set.

3. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time. Just ensure it’s a 9-inch crust to match the pie’s size.

4. How do I make the whipped cream hold better?

To make the whipped cream hold its shape longer, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the powdered sugar, or use heavy whipping cream with a higher fat content. Additionally, keep the cream chilled while you beat it.

5. Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, Key Lime Pie can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s best when chilled for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop and the filling to set.

6. Can I use a different type of filling?

While the traditional filling is made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice, you can try other variations such as using mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a slightly different flavor and texture.

7. How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting or deflating?

To prevent the whipped cream from melting, make sure the pie is fully chilled before adding the topping. You can also refrigerate the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for a sturdier consistency.

8. Can I use a springform pan for this pie?

Yes, you can use a springform pan for Key Lime Pie. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The pie can be easily removed once set.

9. Can I make a smaller pie?

Yes, you can make a smaller pie by halving the ingredients and using a 6-inch or 7-inch pie dish. The baking time may need to be adjusted, so keep an eye on the filling while it bakes.

10. Can I add other fruits to Key Lime Pie?

While Key Lime Pie is traditionally made with lime, you can experiment with different fruit flavors, such as adding raspberry purée to the filling or topping the pie with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for added flavor.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and light whipped cream topping make it the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or just to enjoy as a weeknight dessert, this pie is sure to impress with its bright, refreshing taste. Give this easy recipe a try, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of this delightful dessert in no time!