Zesty Key Lime Pie Recipe: Tangy Tropical Bliss in Every Bite

Whipping up a delectable key lime pie brings tropical sunshine right to your dessert plate.

Miami’s iconic citrus treat packs a punch of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy texture and zesty notes combine in this classic Southern delight that feels like a mini vacation.

Pucker-worthy lime juice creates the signature tang that makes this pie irresistible.

Graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch against the silky smooth filling.

Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant in Miami made this dessert famous decades ago, inspiring countless home bakers.

Each bite promises a refreshing escape from ordinary sweets that you won’t want to miss.

Key Lime Pie Recipe People Can’t Resist

Breeze Through Baking: A Foolproof Dessert Adventure

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this key lime pie in under 30 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a show-stopping dessert with just a handful of simple pantry staples like graham crackers, condensed milk, and fresh limes, eliminating complicated shopping trips.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a tangy-sweet dessert that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, with its creamy texture and bright, refreshing flavor profile that never fails to impress at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare this pie in advance and chill for hours, reducing day-of stress and allowing flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal dessert for summer parties, holiday celebrations, or casual weekend treats.

What’s Mixed Into Key Lime Pie

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Unsalted Butter: A classic base that provides a sweet and buttery foundation with a delightful crumbly texture. Go for fresh graham crackers for the best flavor and crisp crumbs.

• Egg Yolks, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy, and smooth filling with deep golden color. Choose fresh, high-quality eggs and full-fat condensed milk for maximum richness.
• Key Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor that defines the classic key lime pie. Fresh key limes are preferred over regular limes for authentic taste. Zest provides intense lime aroma and concentrated flavor.

• Whipped Cream: Optional light and airy topping that complements the pie's rich and tangy filling. Homemade whipped cream offers a fresher taste compared to store-bought versions.

Key Lime Pie Baking Process

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

This temperature will create the perfect environment for baking your pie.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix everything until the texture resembles wet sand.

Step 3: Shape And Prebake Crust

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish.

Spread it evenly across the bottom and sides.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove and let the crust cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Filling

• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Bake The Pie

Pour the lime filling into the cooled crust.

Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature.

Then transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

This helps the filling firm up perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Optional: Top with fluffy whipped cream just before serving.

Slice and enjoy your tangy, creamy key lime pie!

Key Lime Pie Assembled Like A Dessert Pro

• Select ripe, vibrant key limes for the most authentic and zesty flavor, ensuring your pie tastes bright and tangy.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pie dish to create a solid, crumbly base that won't fall apart when slicing.
• Watch the pie closely during baking to avoid overcooking, which can cause the filling to become tough or develop unsightly cracks.
• Allow the pie to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, helping the filling set perfectly and enhancing the overall texture.
• Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Keep Key Lime Pie Fresh

• Store leftover key lime pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Protect the delicate whipped cream topping by placing plastic wrap gently over the surface without touching the cream.
• Slice pie into individual portions, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Enjoy chilled for best flavor. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance taste.

Key Lime Pie Snack Matches

• Elevate Key Lime Pie Enjoyment: Perfect Pairings
• Sip Tropical Mojito: Balance the pie's tartness with a refreshing mojito made from rum, mint, lime, and sugar. The cocktail's herbal notes complement the pie's citrusy profile.
• Match with Coconut Sorbet: Serve a scoop of creamy coconut sorbet alongside the pie. Its smooth, tropical essence enhances the key lime's zesty flavor and provides a cooling contrast.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, acidic wines mirror the pie's brightness and cut through its rich, sweet texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to the plate. Their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color create a delightful visual and taste experience.

Key Lime Pie Recipe Reimaginings

• Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Key Lime Pie: Substitute condensed milk with coconut cream, use silken tofu instead of egg yolks, and create a nut-based crust with dates and almonds.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Add shredded coconut to the crust and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use a crushed nut and butter base, swap condensed milk for a sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What type of lime juice works best for this recipe?

Fresh key lime juice is ideal, but bottled key lime juice can also work. Regular lime juice is an acceptable substitute if key limes are unavailable.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, key lime pie actually tastes better when prepared in advance. You can make it up to 2-3 days before serving and keep it refrigerated.

• How do I know if the pie filling is properly set?

The filling should look slightly firm and not be liquid-like when you gently shake the pie dish. It will continue to set as it cools in the refrigerator.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, you can easily mix the filling ingredients with a whisk or hand mixer. The goal is to create a smooth, well-combined mixture without overmixing.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime pie brings zesty Florida sunshine to dessert lovers’ tables. Sweet, tangy filling nestled in crisp graham cracker crust promises refreshing indulgence you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the kitchen oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the tropical dessert.
2. Combine finely crushed graham cracker fragments with granulated sweetener and liquefied butter, mixing until the texture resembles damp sand.
3. Firmly compress the crumbly mixture into a circular pie vessel, ensuring an even, compact base that will support the tangy filling.
4. Transfer the crust to the heated oven and allow it to transform for approximately 10 minutes, developing a golden, crisp foundation. Remove and permit complete cooling.
5. Vigorously whisk vibrant egg yolks with rich, velvety condensed milk, extracting the essence of zesty lime through its juice and delicate zest until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Gently cascade the luminous lime mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to guarantee uniform setting.
7. Return the pie to the oven, allowing it to bake for quarter of an hour until the filling sets with a gentle, subtle jiggle.
8. Extract from the oven and allow the dessert to descend to ambient temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to achieve optimal chilling and flavor melding.
9. Optional: Crown the chilled pie with billowy, softly whipped cream just prior to serving, adding a cloud-like elegance to the tropical treat.

Notes

• Adjust graham cracker crust by using gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dessert.
• Maximize lime flavor by using fresh key limes instead of bottled juice, which delivers a more vibrant and authentic citrus punch.
• Create a lighter version by substituting full-fat condensed milk with a low-fat alternative and using a reduced-fat whipped topping for health-conscious guests.
• Prevent cracking in the filling by avoiding over-baking and removing the pie from the oven when the center is just barely set, maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg