Description
Sweet and tangy Key Lime Pie delivers a zesty slice of Florida’s culinary magic, whisking creamy lime filling into a buttery graham cracker crust. Cool citrus notes and silky texture invite you to savor a refreshing dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Key lime zest or lime slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a graham cracker crust in a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even layer covering the bottom and sides.
- Combine smooth sweetened condensed milk with vibrant egg yolks, creating a silky foundation for the pie’s filling.
- Incorporate freshly squeezed lime juice and delicate lime zest into the mixture, whisking until thoroughly blended and achieving a uniform pale green hue.
- Gently transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to prevent air pockets.
- Position the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a subtle set and minimal cracking on the surface.
- Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent potential filling separation.
- Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the filling to firm and develop a rich, smooth consistency.
- Before serving, crown the chilled pie with delicate peaks of whipped cream and sprinkle additional lime zest for a vibrant garnish.
- Slice and serve the pie chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant, authentic flavor that truly makes this dessert sing.
- Carefully zest limes before juicing to maximize the citrusy essence without bitter white pith.
- Chill the pie thoroughly to allow the filling to set perfectly and develop a rich, smooth texture.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumb base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg