Key Lime Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with a smooth, creamy filling, then Key Lime Pie is the answer! This iconic pie is a Florida favorite, made with a graham cracker crust, tangy key lime filling, and topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s refreshing, zesty, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're making it for a summer gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Key Lime Pie is sure to impress. Follow this step-by-step recipe for a perfect, citrusy treat every time!

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What Is Key Lime Pie?

Key Lime Pie is a classic American dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, all baked in a graham cracker crust and typically topped with whipped cream. Unlike regular limes, key limes have a more intense and aromatic flavor, giving the pie its signature tang. The pie is chilled after baking to allow the filling to set, making it an incredibly refreshing dessert that’s both tart and sweet with a smooth, creamy texture.

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Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie

This pie is made with just a few basic ingredients, making it simple and quick to prepare. The key to its delicious flavor lies in using fresh key lime juice for a zesty punch.

Main Ingredients:

• Graham Cracker Crust: Buttery and slightly sweet, it provides the perfect base for the tart filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Fresh key lime juice is essential for authentic flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and richness to the pie.
• Egg Yolks: Thicken the filling and give it a silky texture.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, perfect for topping the pie.

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Ingredients List (Serves 8)

Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make a Key Lime Pie that serves 8 people:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup of fresh key lime juice (about 15-20 key limes)
• 1 tablespoon of key lime zest (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional for extra depth of flavor)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Optional for garnish:

• Lime slices, lime zest, or berries

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Substitutions and Variations

You can personalize your Key Lime Pie with a few easy substitutions and variations, depending on your preferences or dietary needs:

Key Lime Juice:

• Regular Lime Juice: If you can’t find key limes, regular Persian limes can be used, but the flavor will be slightly less tangy and floral.
• Bottled Key Lime Juice: For convenience, you can use bottled key lime juice, such as Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice. Fresh juice is preferred, but bottled works in a pinch.

Crust:

• Gingersnap Crust: For a spiced twist, substitute graham crackers with gingersnaps to make a gingersnap crust.
• Oreo Crust: For a chocolatey contrast, make the crust using crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free crust option.

Whipped Cream:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Use whipped coconut cream instead of dairy whipped cream for a tropical, dairy-free alternative.
• Meringue Topping: For a more traditional topping, you can replace the whipped cream with a light meringue, baked briefly to create a golden, fluffy top.

These substitutions allow you to get creative with your pie while maintaining its classic flavor profile.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a Key Lime Pie from scratch:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. Mix the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press the crumbs evenly.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Key Lime Filling

1. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and creamy.
3. Add Key Lime Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh key lime juice and key lime zest (if using). The filling will thicken slightly as you mix. You can also add vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie

1. Pour the Filling: Pour the key lime filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake the pie for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
3. Cool and Chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. 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.
2. Top the Pie: Once the pie is fully chilled, spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the pie.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the pie with lime zest, lime slices, or fresh berries for extra color and flavor. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing treat!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the steps for making Key Lime Pie:

1. Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers, mix with butter and sugar, then bake until golden.
2. Make the filling: Whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest.
3. Bake the pie: Pour the filling into the crust and bake until set.
4. Chill and top: Allow the pie to chill for several hours, then top with whipped cream and serve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Using Fresh Key Limes: Fresh key lime juice gives the best flavor. If using bottled juice, choose a high-quality brand specifically for key lime pies.
• Overbaking the Pie: Bake just until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Overbaking can cause the pie to crack or become too firm.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Be sure to chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set properly. This will give you clean, perfect slices.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Key Lime Pie is fully chilled and topped with whipped cream, it’s time to serve! Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

How to Serve Key Lime Pie

Serve this pie cold for a refreshing, tangy dessert. Each slice pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s especially delicious on a warm day when you need something cool and citrusy.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie

• Lime Zest: Sprinkle extra lime zest on top of the whipped cream for a vibrant green pop of color.
• Lime Slices: Garnish the pie with thin slices of key limes or Persian limes for a decorative touch.
• Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries make a beautiful garnish that adds a touch of sweetness.

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Key Lime Pie Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best texture.
• Storage: Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular limes if I can't find key limes?
A: Yes! You can substitute key limes with regular Persian limes. The flavor will be slightly different (less intense and aromatic), but the pie will still be delicious.

Q: How do I know when the pie is done baking?
A: The pie is done when the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills.

Q: Can I freeze Key Lime Pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the pie (without the whipped cream topping). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding whipped cream and serving.

Q: Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk is essential to the traditional texture and flavor of Key Lime Pie. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar version, you can experiment with a homemade version using evaporated milk and sugar substitutes, though the texture may change.

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Conclusion

This Key Lime Pie is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy, with a buttery graham cracker crust that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a refreshing dessert after dinner, this classic pie is sure to impress. With its smooth, zesty filling and fluffy whipped cream topping, every bite is like a burst of citrus sunshine. Give this recipe a try and savor the tropical flavors in every slice!

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