Key Lime Pie Recipe

Nothing says summer quite like the refreshing, tart, and creamy goodness of Key Lime Pie. This classic dessert features a graham cracker crust filled with a smooth, tangy, and sweet key lime filling, all topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a tropical indulgence, this Key Lime Pie will transport you straight to a sunny beach with every bite.

Let’s dive into the full recipe for a homemade key lime pie that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

What is Key Lime Pie?

Key Lime Pie is a classic American dessert originating from the Florida Keys, made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. Its signature flavor comes from the small, tart key limes, which are more aromatic and slightly more acidic than regular limes. The filling is rich, creamy, and tangy, perfectly balanced with a sweet graham cracker crust. It's usually topped with a layer of whipped cream to add a light, fluffy contrast to the tart filling.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious key lime pie from scratch:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy, buttery base for the pie.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the graham cracker crumbs together.

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks: Thickens the filling and adds richness.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The base of the creamy filling.
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice: Provides the signature tangy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For a light, fluffy topping.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the whipped cream.

Optional Garnishes:

• Lime slices: For decorating the top of the pie.
• Extra lime zest: Adds a pop of color and enhances the lime flavor.
• Crushed graham crackers: For a crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some ideas for making substitutions or variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and dairy-free condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• Regular Limes: If you can’t find key limes, you can substitute regular limes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Meringue Topping: For a different twist, try topping the pie with meringue instead of whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process for making a perfect key lime pie, from the graham cracker crust to the tangy filling and the fluffy whipped cream topping.

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press into the pie dish: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it firmly.
• Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Key Lime Filling:

• Whisk the egg yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly thickened.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully combined.
• Add key lime juice and zest: Gradually whisk in the fresh key lime juice, key lime zest, and salt until the filling is smooth and thickened.

3. Assemble and Bake the Pie:

• Pour the filling: Pour the key lime filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake the pie: Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
• Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to fully set.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:

• Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
• Top the pie: Once the pie has chilled and set, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the pie.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish: Decorate the pie with lime slices, extra zest, or crushed graham crackers.
• Serve: Slice and serve chilled.

How to Cook Key Lime Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the process for making key lime pie:

1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, press into a pie dish, and bake until golden brown.
2. Make the filling: Whisk egg yolks, condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest, then pour into the pre-baked crust.
3. Bake and chill: Bake the pie until the filling is set, then chill for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to firm up.
4. Top with whipped cream: Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla, then spread or pipe it over the chilled pie.
5. Garnish and serve: Decorate with lime slices, zest, or graham cracker crumbs, and serve chilled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the filling: Don’t overbake the pie. The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Not chilling long enough: The pie needs time to set, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.
• Too much zest: While zest adds flavor, too much can make the filling bitter. Stick to the recommended amount of 1 tablespoon for the perfect balance.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Clean slices: For neat slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the pie. Repeat after each cut for a clean presentation.
• Decorative whipped cream: Use a piping bag to create decorative whipped cream swirls or dollops around the edge of the pie for an elegant touch.
• Lime garnish: Garnish each slice with a small lime wedge or a thin slice of key lime for extra flair.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert for any occasion. After the pie has set in the refrigerator, top it with whipped cream and a garnish of lime zest or slices. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply enjoy it on its own as a tangy, sweet treat.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie

• Lime zest sprinkle: Add a sprinkle of fresh lime zest on top of the whipped cream for a pop of color and extra citrusy flavor.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over the whipped cream for a bit of crunch and added texture.
• Mini key lime pies: Make mini versions of this pie by dividing the crust and filling into individual tart pans for a fun and elegant presentation.

Key Lime Pie Recipe Tips

• Use fresh key limes: Freshly squeezed key lime juice provides the best flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes are a good substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Zest before juicing: Always zest the limes before juicing them, as it’s much easier to zest whole limes.
• Chill for clean slices: For the best texture and easiest slicing, chill the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A: Yes, if you can’t find key limes, regular limes can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How long does key lime pie last?
A: Key lime pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it to keep the whipped cream fresh.

Q: Can I make key lime pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead. Simply store it in the refrigerator and add the whipped cream topping just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze key lime pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze key lime pie without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the whipped cream before serving.

Conclusion

This Key Lime Pie is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a creamy, tangy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, a dinner party, or just to treat yourself, this pie is a refreshing and delicious way to end any meal. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a homemade key lime pie that’s sure to impress!

Print