Description
Creamy key lime pie brings zesty Florida flavors to your dessert table with a tangy graham cracker crust and silky smooth filling. Cool citrus notes and sweet whipped cream create a refreshing finale you’ll savor with pure tropical delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full crackers)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the graham cracker foundation by combining crushed crackers with sugar and melted butter, ensuring a uniform mixture that will create a sturdy base for the pie.
- Carefully press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, sculpting it evenly across the bottom and up the sides to form a consistent crust.
- Crisp the crust in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to develop a light golden color and firm texture, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Craft the zesty filling by whisking together sweetened condensed milk, vibrant lime juice, aromatic lime zest, and rich egg yolks until the mixture achieves a silky, smooth consistency.
- Pour the luminous lime filling into the cooled crust, spreading it gently to create an even layer that will set into a creamy, tangy interior.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for the filling to set with a gentle wobble but without browning.
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours to achieve optimal chilling and flavor melding.
- Optional: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, creating a delicate cloud-like topping to adorn the pie just before serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of lime zest or a delicate lime slice for an elegant finishing touch that hints at the pie’s vibrant citrus profile.
Notes
- Choose graham crackers with rich, buttery flavor for a more decadent crust that complements the tangy lime filling.
- Toast graham cracker crumbs briefly before mixing with butter to enhance their nutty, caramelized undertones and create a deeper crust flavor.
- Opt for fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more authentic citrus taste that elevates the entire pie’s profile.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set completely and develop a silky, smooth texture that cuts cleanly when served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg