Key Lime Pie Recipe: A Zesty Delight
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a classic dessert? This key lime pie recipe will guide you through creating a vibrant and tangy treat that's sure to impress. We'll cover everything from the perfectly balanced filling to a flawlessly crisp crust. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields one 9-inch key lime pie.
For the Graham Cracker 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 key limes) – Freshly squeezed is best!
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional, but adds extra zing!)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until thoroughly moistened.
- Press into pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure it's evenly distributed and create a slightly raised edge.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom!
Making the Key Lime Filling:
- Whisk together: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined. Don't over-mix!
- Add zest (optional): Stir in the lime zest, if using. This enhances the overall lime flavor.
- Pour into crust: Carefully pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is just set around the edges. The center may still be slightly jiggly – it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Pie:
- Use fresh key limes: The intense, tart flavor of fresh key limes is crucial for an authentic key lime pie.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry and cracked filling.
- Chill thoroughly: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to chill completely ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garnish: Once chilled, garnish your key lime pie with whipped cream, lime zest, or candied lime slices for an elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions:
This pie is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. It's a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
This key lime pie recipe provides a delicious and straightforward approach to making this classic dessert. Enjoy the process and the incredibly rewarding outcome! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we’d love to see your beautiful key lime pies!
