Description

teve’s Key Lime Pie Recipe is a delicious, tangy, and creamy dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing! This pie is made with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and silky lime filling, and topped with a fluffy whipped cream topping. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a quiet evening, this easy and refreshing pie is the perfect choice. The flavors are balanced between the tartness of fresh key limes and the sweetness of condensed milk, making each bite irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full-size graham crackers crushed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the crust)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (this helps bind the crust together)
1/4 teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness of the graham cracker)

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (provides the creamy base for the filling)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (for the fresh and tangy flavor)
3 large egg yolks (gives the filling structure and a rich texture)
Zest of 2 key limes (adds extra lime flavor and fragrance)

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream (for a rich, fluffy topping)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (sweetens the whipped cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth to the flavor of the whipped cream)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust will bake evenly.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and slightly firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and frothy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, whisking until smooth. Pour the mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.
Bake the pie: Place the pie back into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The edges of the filling should set, but the center should remain slightly jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Chill the pie: After the pie has cooled, place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to let the filling fully set.
Make the topping: While the pie is chilling, prepare the whipped cream topping. Place a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before you begin. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Top the pie: Once the pie has chilled and set, spread the whipped cream over the top using a spatula. You can garnish with extra lime zest or thin slices of lime for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. It’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, or to enjoy all by yourself!

Notes

Fresh key limes are best: While you can use regular limes if key limes are unavailable, fresh key limes provide the most authentic, aromatic flavor for the pie.
Do not overbake: When baking the filling, keep an eye on it. The pie should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking can cause the filling to become dry and firm.
Chill for best results: Be sure to allow the pie to chill for at least 3 hours. This gives the filling time to firm up and lets the flavors meld.
For meringue topping: If you prefer meringue over whipped cream, you can top the pie with a meringue made from beaten egg whites and sugar, then bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F until golden.
Mini pies: You can make individual mini key lime pies by dividing the crust and filling among smaller tart pans. This is a fun option for parties or gatherings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes for crust preparation and filling assembly.
Cook Time: 15 minutes for baking the pie.
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Floridian

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg