Irresistible Key Lime Pie Recipe: Zesty & Creamy Delight

Key lime pie is like a sunny vacation for your taste buds, bursting with zingy citrus goodness and the promise of sweet, creamy bliss. Picture this: a crunchy graham cracker crust that crumbles just right, giving way to a luscious filling that dances between tart and sweet, all topped off with fluffy clouds of whipped cream. It’s the kind of dessert that can turn any frown upside down faster than a lime can roll off a countertop.

I still remember the first time I attempted to whip up this iconic treat. It was during a hot summer barbecue, and everyone was sweating bullets in the sweltering heat. As soon as I unveiled my homemade key lime pie, you could practically hear angels singing. The smiles on my friends’ faces were worth every lime-squeezing moment spent in the kitchen. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just because it’s Tuesday, key lime pie never fails to steal the show.

The first time I served this pie, my friends went from “What’s for dessert?” to “Where’s the rest of the pie?” in record time!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Graham Cracker Crust: A store-bought crust saves time; homemade adds an extra touch of love if you’re feeling ambitious.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy goodness is key; it gives the pie its rich texture and sweetness.

• Fresh Key Lime Juice: Use fresh limes for maximum flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.

• Egg Yolks: These help create a rich custard-like filling; don’t skip them or your pie will be sad.

• Whipped Cream: Lighten things up with homemade whipped cream; it’s easy and elevates your dessert game.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter until crumbly but cohesive.

Bake the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie pan. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant; let cool completely.

Create the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Then add freshly squeezed key lime juice and mix until well combined.

Fill Your Pie Crust: Pour the luscious key lime filling into your cooled crust, smoothing out with a spatula. Bake again for 15 minutes until slightly set but still wobbly.

Chill Out!: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Patience is key here!

Add Whipped Cream Topping: Just before serving, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spread generously over your chilled pie for that dreamy finish.

Now grab yourself a slice of heaven, kick back, and enjoy every zesty bite! Your taste buds will thank you later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust first for the best texture. While it cools, whip up the filling, ensuring every ingredient is combined smoothly for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out key limes for regular limes if necessary. You can also experiment with different crusts, like using crushed graham crackers or even Oreos for a fun twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover key lime pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, serve chilled straight from the fridge.

Sharing my first attempt at key lime pie brings back fond memories of my kitchen disaster—overzealous mixing led to a filling explosion that took weeks to scrub off!

FAQ

What is key lime pie made of?

Key lime pie consists of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and a graham cracker crust.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes work well if key limes are unavailable; just adjust sweetness accordingly.

How should I serve key lime pie?

Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and visual appeal.

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Key Lime Pie

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Key lime pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant citrus flavor and creamy texture. This easy-to-make treat features a buttery graham cracker crust, a zesty filling made from fresh key limes, and is topped with luscious whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to become a crowd-pleaser that brightens up your table and tantalizes your taste buds.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup fresh key lime juice (about 6–8 key limes)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until crumbly. Press into a pie pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
3. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in another bowl. Stir in fresh key lime juice until combined.
4. Pour filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes until slightly set but wobbly. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. Before serving, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread over the chilled pie.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 115g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 105mg