The Most Refreshing Key Lime Pie Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crafting a delectable key lime pie can transport you to sunny Florida shores with its zesty, creamy charm.

Bright citrus notes dance across a buttery graham cracker crust, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Soft peaks of whipped cream crown this classic dessert, inviting pure indulgence.

Cool and tangy flavors merge seamlessly, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Tropical ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe surprisingly simple to master.

Home bakers will feel like professional pastry chefs when they slice into this refreshing treat.

Dive in and let each bite whisk you away to a blissful culinary adventure.

Why Key Lime Pie Is a Classic

• Simplify Dessert Making: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The creamy, zesty filling nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust makes this pie a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and summer celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults.

Key Lime Pie Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps hold the crust ingredients together and creates a rich flavor.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A thick, sweet milk that creates a creamy and smooth pie texture.
• Key Lime Juice: Provides the signature tangy and bright citrus flavor of the pie.
• Lime Zest: Adds intense lime aroma and enhances the overall citrus flavor.
• Egg Yolks: Help to thicken and set the filling, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

• Whipped Cream, Lime Zest: A classic garnish that adds a fresh and light finish to the pie.

How to Make Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring it’s fully warmed up before baking the crust.

Step 2: Bake Crust

Place the prepared crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

This initial baking helps set the crust and intensifies its flavor.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

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

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 4: Fill and Bake Pie

Pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.

Carefully transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

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

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set completely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top the pie with freshly whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest on top.

This adds a beautiful presentation and extra burst of citrus flavor.

Slice and enjoy your homemade key lime pie!

Pro Tips for Key Lime Pie

• Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker crust firmly and uniformly for a perfect base.
• Grate only the green part of lime zest to avoid bitter white pith, which can make your pie taste harsh.
• Refrigerate pie for minimum 2 hours to allow filling to set completely and develop rich, tangy flavor.
• Let eggs and condensed milk sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more consistent filling.
• Whip heavy cream just before serving to maintain fresh, light texture and prevent deflation.

Variations of Key Lime Pie

• Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Key Lime Pie: Swap condensed milk with coconut cream, use silken tofu instead of egg yolks, and create a crust with dates and nuts.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Add shredded coconut to the crust and top with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free condensed milk and a monk fruit sweetener in the crust to reduce overall sugar content.

Serving Key Lime Pie

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad with mango and pineapple for a zesty Caribbean-inspired breakfast experience.
• Sunset Dessert Platter: Pair with chilled coconut sorbet and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to enhance the tropical lime flavors and create a refreshing summer dessert.
• Cocktail Hour Pairing: Complement the pie with a crisp mojito or key lime martini to amplify the citrusy notes and create a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Plate individual slices with a small mint leaf garnish and serve with a light Earl Grey tea for an elegant afternoon treat.

Storing Key Lime Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cold temperature helps maintain the pie's creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Carefully seal the pie in a freezer-safe container or wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air can penetrate the packaging to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain food safety and prevent texture changes.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more tart than Persian limes. They have a more intense, complex flavor and are typically grown in Florida and Mexico, giving this pie its signature tangy taste.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s 100% key lime juice and not a blend. Fresh juice is ideal, but bottled juice provides convenience without significantly compromising flavor.

• How do I know if my pie is properly set?

The pie is set when the filling looks slightly firm and doesn’t jiggle too much when gently shaken. After baking, it will continue to set while cooling and chilling in the refrigerator.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Key lime pie brings zesty sunshine from Florida’s tropical shores to your dessert table. Creamy, tangy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust promises refreshing delight you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Garnish Ingredients:

• Whipped cream for topping
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for preparing the graham cracker foundation.
2. Combine crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, firmly pressing the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish to create an even, compact base.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Whisk condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, fragrant lime zest, and rich egg yolks in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently pour the vibrant lime filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for a slight set and subtle firmness in the filling.
7. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool entirely at room temperature.
8. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and develop its signature tangy flavor.
9. Before serving, crown the chilled pie with billowy whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest for a bright, elegant garnish.

Notes

• Choose fresh key limes for the most vibrant, authentic flavor compared to regular limes.
• Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a silky, consistent filling without lumps.
• Consider making the pie a day ahead, as the flavors intensify and become more balanced after chilling overnight.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 362
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg