Zesty Alton Brown Key Lime Pie Recipe for Treats

A key lime pie bursts with tropical zest, whisking you straight to sunny Florida coastlines.

This vibrant dessert dances between tangy and sweet with remarkable grace.

Creamy and luminous, the pie transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Its graham cracker crust crackles with buttery intensity, setting the stage for a silky, electric filling.

Bright lime essence swirls through each decadent slice, promising a refreshing flavor explosion.

The delicate balance of tart citrus and smooth custard creates a symphony of taste that tingles your senses.

Summer memories flood back with every heavenly forkful.

Let this sensational pie sweep you into a world of delicious bliss!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 383 kcal

Servings: 8

Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose fine, uniform crumbs for a smooth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Select fresh, soft brown sugar for rich caramel undertones.
• Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter at room temperature for easy melting.

• Greek Yogurt: Pick thick, creamy yogurt with minimal whey for smooth consistency.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use fresh, unopened can for best flavor and texture.
• Lime Juice: Select ripe, heavy limes with vibrant green color and smooth skin.
• Lime Zest: Choose firm, bright green limes with glossy exterior for intense citrus aroma.

• Heavy Cream: Pick cream with high fat content for stable, fluffy whipped texture.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Use fresh, lump-free sugar for smooth whipped cream.
• Lime Slices: Select firm, bright green limes with glossy skin for garnish.

Tools for Preparing Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crust ingredients and pie filling.
• Fork: Helps mix graham cracker crumb mixture thoroughly.
• Measuring cup: Useful for pressing graham cracker crust evenly in pie pan.
• 9 x 1.5-inch deep-dish pie pan: Essential for creating and baking the pie.
• Wire rack: Great for cooling the graham cracker crust after initial baking.
• Electric mixer: Helps whip cream to soft, fluffy peaks.
• Zester or grater: Needed for creating lime zest.
• Knife: For slicing pie and cleaning between cuts.
• Spatula: Helps spread whipped cream topping smoothly.

How to Bake Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie

• Warm Up the Oven

Slide the rack to the center and heat to a cozy 375°F, getting ready for a delightful baking adventure.

• Craft the Crumbly Base

Mash graham crackers with melted butter and a touch of brown sugar, transforming them into a delectable sandy mixture that will form the pie’s foundation.

• Shape the Crust

Press the crumbly blend into a pie pan, using fingertips and a measuring cup to create an even, golden layer that hugs the edges and bottom perfectly.

• Bake and Cool the Crust

Pop the crust into the oven for 10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown, then let it rest and cool on a wire rack.

• Prepare the Zesty Filling

Whisk together creamy yogurt, sweet condensed milk, vibrant lime zest, and fresh lime juice until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious.

• Bake and Set the Filling

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and gently bake the pie until the filling is almost set but still has a slight wobble, about 15 minutes.

• Chill and Create Topping

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours. Whip heavy cream into soft, billowy peaks and fold in a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

• Finish and Serve

Spread the cloud-like whipped cream over the chilled pie, garnish with extra lime zest and delicate lime slices, then slice and enjoy the tangy, creamy sensation.

Key Tips for Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie

Expert Tips and Twists

Replace traditional graham crackers with gingersnap cookies or shortbread for a unique crust flavor profile that adds unexpected depth.

Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over whipped cream topping to enhance the pie’s refreshing Caribbean-inspired essence and add delightful crunch.

Prepare entire pie up to two days before serving, keeping covered in refrigerator to develop richer, more intense lime flavors that intensify over time.

Use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize whipped cream edges for a professional bakery-style finish that elevates presentation and adds subtle caramel notes.

Best Ways to Serve Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie

• Pair with Tropical Drinks: Complement the lime pie's zesty flavor with a refreshing mojito, margarita, or coconut-based cocktail for a summery experience.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange pie slices alongside fresh berries, mint leaves, and a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an elegant presentation that enhances the pie's tangy profile.
• Add Textural Contrast: Serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios on top to introduce a delightful crunch that balances the creamy pie texture.
• Offer as Summer Finale: Present this chilled dessert after a light seafood meal or grilled dinner, making it a perfect cool-down treat for warm evening gatherings.

Storage Tips for Alton Brown’s Key Lime Pie

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover pie to an airtight container, covering loosely with plastic wrap to prevent condensation. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, maintaining its fresh taste and creamy texture.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to preserve the pie's delicate flavor and smooth consistency.
• Prevent Soggy Disaster: Keep whipped cream topping separate if planning to freeze. Add fresh whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture and prevent water separation.
• Serving Safety: Always use clean utensils when cutting and serving. Let pie sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and the best flavor experience.

Legendary Alton Brown Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Classic key lime pie from Alton Brown combines tangy citrus with creamy richness in a graham cracker crust. Refreshing flavors and simple preparation make this Southern dessert a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
• 0.75 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsps grated lime zest
• 1.5 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 0.33 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 2 tbsps confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp grated lime zest
• 8 to 10 thin lime slices

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until thoroughly combined, then press mixture uniformly into a 9-inch pie pan, creating an even layer across bottom and sides using fingertips and measuring cup base.
2. Initial Baking: Roast crust at 375°F for 10 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then cool completely on wire rack while reducing oven temperature to 350°F.
3. Filling Creation: Whisk yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture, then transfer mixture into pre-baked crust, distributing evenly to pan edges.
4. Pie Baking: Bake for 15 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center indicating proper doneness, then remove and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate pie for minimum 3 hours to ensure complete setting and flavor integration.
6. Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, gradually incorporating confectioners’ sugar, then spread uniformly across chilled pie surface.
7. Final Presentation: Garnish with additional lime zest and delicate lime slices, keeping refrigerated until serving moment arrives, slicing with clean knife between each cut.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that won’t crumble when sliced.
• Temperature Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure exact baking temperatures for perfect texture and doneness.
• Zesting Tip: Grate lime zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the green skin for pure, bright citrus flavor.
• Chilling Technique: Allow pie to set completely in refrigerator for minimum 3 hours to achieve ideal firm yet creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 383
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 124 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg