Key Lime Pie

Name: Key Lime Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs; 2 tablespoons (25g) white sugar; 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted; 3 large egg yolks; 1 ⅓ cups (396g) sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup (120ml) key lime juice (from about 25 key limes); 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from about 3 key limes); 1 tablespoon full-fat sour cream; 1 pinch salt; Whipped cream and lime slices for garnish (optional)

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A Key Lime Pie is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors. This pie combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious, citrusy filling made from real key lime juice. Whether you’re celebrating summer or looking for a refreshing dessert year-round, this classic pie never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Recipe

This homemade Key Lime Pie stands out for its authenticity and unbeatable flavor. Every bite delivers smooth custard balanced by a crunchy crust and the gentle zest of key limes. Here’s why it’s so special:

Made from scratch: Both the graham cracker crust and creamy filling are homemade for rich flavor and perfect texture.
Classic taste: The combination of key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk creates a silky custard with just the right tartness.
Crowd favorite: Loved for over 70 years, this dessert never fails to impress family and guests.
Versatile dessert: Perfect for holidays, picnics, or summer get-togethers, and it tastes even better chilled.

Ingredients for the Best Key Lime Pie

Graham Cracker Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide a buttery, crunchy base with a touch of honey flavor.
White Sugar: Balances the tang of the limes and adds slight caramel notes.
Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust and gives it a rich, toasty aroma.

Key Lime Filling

Egg Yolks: Create a creamy, custard-like texture and golden hue.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and thickness; the classic base of every authentic Key Lime Pie.
Key Lime Juice: Brings a tart yet mellow citrus flavor distinct from regular limes.
Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime aroma and adds a slight bitterness for balance.
Full-Fat Sour Cream: Smooths the filling and rounds out the tang.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Tools You’ll Need

A 9-inch pie dish or tart pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups, baking sheet, and a wire rack for cooling.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Regular Limes: If you can’t find key limes, mix half lemon juice with half Persian lime juice to replicate their signature tang.
Store-Bought Crust: In a hurry? A ready-made graham cracker crust works fine.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter for a tropical twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Key Lime Pie

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish with a flat-bottomed cup.
Bake the Crust: Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 11 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the filling.
Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, sour cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes, until the center jiggles slightly but edges are firm.
Cool and Chill: Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate overnight to set completely.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Key Lime Pie

Use fresh key limes: Their flavor is milder and more aromatic than bottled juice.
Measure your butter carefully: Too much will make the crust greasy; too little, and it’ll crumble.
Do not skip sweetened condensed milk: It’s essential for achieving the signature creamy consistency.
Chill thoroughly: Letting the pie rest overnight helps the custard firm up and the flavors meld.
Add whipped cream just before serving: Keeps it fluffy and fresh.

Delicious Ways to Serve Key Lime Pie

This pie pairs beautifully with tropical or citrus-themed meals. Try serving it after:

Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Thai Coconut Curry with Prawns
Chicken Fajitas
Vietnamese Salad Rolls

Top with fresh whipped cream and lime slices for a classic presentation. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle toasted coconut for extra flair.

Variations and Fun Twists

Frozen Key Lime Pie Bars: Freeze individual slices, dip in chocolate, and serve on sticks for a summer treat.
Mini Key Lime Pies: Make smaller versions using muffin tins for easy party desserts.
Toasted Meringue Topping: Add a light meringue layer for extra texture and a visual upgrade.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

To Store: Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze whole or sliced portions wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Served Cold: Key Lime Pie tastes best chilled, straight from the refrigerator.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and irresistible about a Key Lime Pie. Its creamy texture, zesty lime flavor, and buttery crust come together to create a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you serve it as a cool summer treat or a sophisticated holiday finale, this pie delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s proof that classic recipes never go out of style. Once you make it from scratch, this Key Lime Pie will become a dessert you’ll proudly share again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between Key Lime Pie and regular lime pie?

The key difference lies in the limes. Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular Persian limes, giving the pie a unique floral tartness. Using real key lime juice creates a lighter, more complex flavor compared to the sharper acidity of regular lime juice.

2. Can I make Key Lime Pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal. The pie needs several hours to chill and set properly. Once baked and cooled, refrigerate it (uncovered for the first hour, then covered) overnight. Add whipped cream just before serving for the freshest texture.

3. Why is my Key Lime Pie filling too soft?

If your filling is too soft, it may not have baked long enough or been chilled fully. The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven but firm up as it cools. Always chill for at least 4–6 hours, ideally overnight, to ensure a silky, stable texture.

More Relevant Recipes

Meyer Lemon Pie (Easy Recipe): A bright and tangy dessert featuring the delicate sweetness of Meyer lemons, this pie offers a flavor profile similar to Key Lime Pie but with a mellow citrus twist. Its smooth filling and buttery crust make it an elegant yet easy treat for any occasion.
Mini Orange Cheesecakes: These creamy mini cheesecakes are infused with fresh orange zest and juice, delivering a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus tang reminiscent of Key Lime Pie. Perfect for parties or individual servings.
Tropical Pineapple Lemonade Punch: This refreshing beverage blends pineapple and lemon flavors for a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with citrus desserts like Key Lime Pie. Ideal for summer gatherings or beach-themed events.

Key Lime Pie – Best Homemade Recipe

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