Welcome to the ultimate guide to making a classic Key Lime Pie that’s as refreshing as a tropical breeze. This recipe combines the tangy zest of Key limes with a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with lusciously whipped cream. Whether you’re planning a summer party or just want to treat yourself, this pie is sure to impress. Let’s start with the ingredients and follow through with step-by-step directions to create this delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Key Lime Pie Filling:
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce each, organic preferred)
- ½ cup sour cream (full-fat or Greek yogurt)
- 2-3 Key limes, zested (Persian limes may be substituted)
- ¾ cup Key lime juice (approximately 30 Key limes, or 9 Persian limes)
- 2 large egg yolks
Whipped Cream:
- 8 oz heavy whipping cream
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then blend in the melted butter until well combined. If desired, reserve ¼ cup of the mixture for topping.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan and bake for 6-8 minutes until just golden. Allow to cool completely.
2. Make the Key Lime Filling:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) again.
- Zest and juice the limes. In a mixer, combine lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolks, and lime zest. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set completely.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in vanilla and powdered sugar until thick.
- Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to garnish the pie.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the pie with whipped cream, sprinkle lime zest, and the reserved graham cracker crumbs. Add a slice of lime for a decorative touch.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of citrus with each creamy bite.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Calories: 510 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
This Key Lime Pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines sweet, tart, and creamy flavors in a perfect balance. Whether for a special occasion or a casual get-together, this pie is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the process of making it and the joy of tasting it.
Key Lime Pie
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Key Lime Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor packed into every slice. The creamy, tangy filling made with real Key lime juice offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet, crumbly graham cracker crust, making it a perennial favorite.Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this pie promises to deliver satisfaction with its perfect balance of tart and sweet. The optional whipped cream topping adds an extra layer of decadence, ensuring each bite is as luxurious as it is delightful.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Key Lime Pie Filling
2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce each, organic preferred)
½ cup sour cream (full-fat or Greek yogurt)
2–3 Key limes, zested (Persian limes may be substituted)
¾ cup Key lime juice (approximately 30 Key limes, or 9 Persian limes)
2 large egg yolks
Whipping Cream
8 oz heavy whipping cream
1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Melt butter and set aside. Finely crush graham crackers until evenly sized. Blend in sugar, then stir in melted butter until mixed. Reserve ¼ cup of mixture for topping if desired.
Press the mixture into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Bake for 6-8 minutes until just golden. Let cool completely.
Key Lime Filling
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Zest and juice the limes. Combine lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolks, and lime zest in a mixer. Mix at low speed until combined, then at medium-high for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Pour into the cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly. Cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Whipped Cream
Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla and powdered sugar until thick. Use a piping bag with a star tip for garnishing.
Garnish pie with whipped cream, lime zest, remaining graham cracker crumbs, and a lime slice.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 510