Key Lime Pie is the ultimate tropical dessert that combines a zesty, tangy lime flavor with a smooth, creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for warm weather gatherings, but it’s so irresistible, you’ll want to enjoy it all year round. With just the right balance of tart and sweet, Key Lime Pie is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves citrus desserts.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- Zest of 2 limes
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. - Form the Crust:
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you make the filling. - Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and well combined. - Assemble the Pie:
Pour the lime filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely chilled. - Make the Whipped Topping:
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. - Serve:
Once the pie is fully chilled, top it with the whipped cream and garnish with additional lime zest or lime slices if desired. - Enjoy:
Slice and serve your delicious Key Lime Pie!
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitutions: If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will work perfectly fine. For an even simpler crust, you can use store-bought graham cracker crust.
- Make-Ahead: This pie is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day before and allow it to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert with its perfect balance of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors. It’s simple to make and always a crowd favorite!