Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is a timeless dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. With its rich, creamy filling and buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying a slice after dinner, this Easy Classic Key Lime Pie will leave everyone raving. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make, so even beginner bakers can enjoy creating this delicious dessert from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Key Lime Pie recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s bursting with fresh key lime flavor and topped off with a silky homemade whipped cream. The graham cracker crust gives it the perfect crunch, complementing the creamy filling in every bite. It’s simple, quick, and a guaranteed favorite. The tanginess of the key lime balances beautifully with the sweetness of the condensed milk, making each slice incredibly refreshing. Plus, this recipe takes only about 40 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic option when you need a dessert in a pinch!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this classic Key Lime Pie:

For the crust:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 3 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice

• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (plus more for garnish)

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

For the whipped cream:

• Homemade whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Making this pie is quick and easy! Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9-inch pie plate generously with cooking spray and set it aside.

• In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

• Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pie plate. Start in the center and work toward the edges, pressing the crumbs into the sides to form the crust.

• Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).

• In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until combined.

• Add the key lime juice, lime zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk everything until smooth and well incorporated.

• Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

• Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the filling is set (it should no longer jiggle in the center). Once baked, remove it from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

• After cooling, place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.

3. Whipped Cream and Garnish:

• Top the chilled pie with homemade whipped cream. You can pipe it around the edges and in the center for a decorative touch.

• For extra flair, garnish with key lime slices and a sprinkle of zest.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve this refreshing, creamy pie chilled. Enjoy every bite of this tangy, delicious dessert!

Notes and Tips

• Fresh Key Limes: While fresh key limes are best, if you can’t find them, you can use fresh lime or lemon juice instead of bottled lime juice. If fresh key limes are unavailable, consider freezing key lime juice with zest for up to three months until you’re ready to make the pie.

• Make Ahead: This pie can be made 1-2 days in advance, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings. Just store it in the refrigerator and top with whipped cream just before serving.

• Whipped Cream: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream, but homemade whipped cream adds that extra touch and flavor that takes this pie over the top.

FAQ

Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the graham cracker crust a day before and store it at room temperature in the pie plate until you’re ready to add the filling.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to save time, you can substitute a pre-made graham cracker crust for the homemade one. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed for the filling.

How do I know when the filling is set?
The filling should be set when it no longer jiggles in the center. It may still have a slight wobble, but it should firm up once it cools and chills in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Easy Classic Key Lime Pie is a dessert that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. With its perfect balance of tart and sweet, buttery graham cracker crust, and silky smooth filling, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a treat that’s always sure to impress. Give it a try, and let every bite transport you to a slice of tropical heaven!

Key Lime Pie

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• Author: Chef sara
• Total Time: 2.5 hours (including chill time)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Classic Key Lime Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery graham cracker crust and creamy, tangy filling. Topped with homemade whipped cream, it’s a refreshing dessert that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a slice after dinner, this key lime pie is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup fresh key lime juice

1 tablespoon key lime zest (plus more for garnish)

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

For the Whipped Cream:

Homemade whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.
   In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture into the pie plate, forming a crust.
   Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
   Beat the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Add key lime juice, lime zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until smooth.
   Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly.
   Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the filling is set. It should no longer jiggle in the center. Let cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

3. Whipped Cream and Garnish:
   Top the chilled pie with homemade whipped cream. Garnish with key lime slices and a sprinkle of lime zest.

4. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every tangy bite!

Notes

• Fresh Key Limes: If fresh key limes are unavailable, use fresh lime or lemon juice. Freeze key lime juice and zest for future use.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the pie 1-2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and top with whipped cream just before serving.
• Whipped Cream: For the best flavor, use homemade whipped cream, but store-bought can be used for convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23-25 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American