Key Lime Pie Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Key Lime Pie: A Tangy, Zesty Delight

The key lime pie, a vibrant and refreshing dessert, is a true taste of the tropics. Its tangy, zesty flavor profile, combined with a buttery graham cracker crust, makes it a beloved classic. This recipe will guide you through creating your own perfect key lime pie, leaving your taste buds tantalized and your guests impressed. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe breaks down the ingredients into three key sections: the crust, the filling, and the whipped cream topping (optional, but highly recommended!).

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ cup Key lime juice (about 8-10 limes) – freshly squeezed is best!
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional, but adds a wonderful aroma)

For the Whipped Cream Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy cream, well chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This recipe provides clear, concise instructions for each stage of the key lime pie creation. Follow along for a flawless result.

Making the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust is baked to perfection.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until thoroughly combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press into a pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Cool completely: Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from curdling.

Preparing the Key Lime Filling:

1. Whisk together: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, eggs, and lime zest (if using) until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Strain (optional): For an extra-smooth filling, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any egg bits that might be visible.
3. Pour into crust: Gently pour the filling into the cooled crust.
4. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is just set around the edges. The center might still be slightly jiggly.

Cooling and Serving:

1. Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for preventing a runny pie.
2. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld.
3. Top with whipped cream: Just before serving, top with whipped cream (if using). To make the whipped cream, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh key limes: The flavor difference is significant.
• Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to a tough crust and a curdled filling.
• Chill thoroughly: Patience is key to a perfectly set pie.

Key Lime Pie Variations:

Get creative! Try these variations:

• Chocolate Key Lime Pie: Add melted chocolate to the crust or swirl it into the filling.
• Coconut Key Lime Pie: Add shredded coconut to the crust or top with toasted coconut flakes.
• Key Lime Pie Bars: Bake the filling in a baking dish and cut into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Key Lime Pie! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to share your delicious creations on social media and tag us! Happy baking!