Classic Key Lime Pie
45 min
|
easy
|
vegetarian
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 25 min | 45 min |
Introduction
This classic key lime pie is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet, all tucked into a buttery graham cracker crust.
It is an easy, make-ahead dessert that feels special enough for holidays, potlucks, or summer cookouts.
Fresh key lime juice and zest give it bright flavor that really pops against the cool, fluffy whipped cream topping.
Ingredients (8 servings)
Ingredients for the Graham Cracker Crust:
Ingredients for the Filling:
Ingredients for Topping:
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How to Make Classic Key Lime Pie
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Prep the pan and heat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center.
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or spray with nonstick spray.
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Make the graham cracker crust
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar until evenly combined.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand.
Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish.
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Bake and cool the crust
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Transfer the dish to a wire rack and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
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Mix the Key lime filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly thick and pale.
Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the Key lime juice and zest, then whisk again until fully blended.
If using regular limes, use the same amounts of juice and zest for a similar bright flavor.
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Bake the pie
Pour the filling into the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
Do not overbake, or the filling can crack and lose its silky texture.
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Cool and chill the pie
Let the pie cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is fully set.
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Whip the cream and garnish
Just before serving, beat the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie, then sprinkle with more lime zest.
Slice into wedges and serve cold.
Substitutions
- Key limes -> regular Persian limes
- Use the same amount of juice and zest from regular Persian limes for a still tangy, refreshing pie. The flavor tastes a bit less floral and sharp, but most guests will never notice the difference.
- Graham cracker crumbs -> crushed pretzels
- Swap half or all of the graham cracker crumbs with finely crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist. The crust bakes up slightly crisper and adds a fun, snacky flavor that pairs nicely with lime.
- Heavy whipping cream -> canned coconut cream
- For a dairy-free topping, chill a can of full-fat coconut cream and whip it with powdered sugar. You get a rich, fluffy crown with a subtle coconut note that tastes great with the citrusy filling.
Tips
- Use room-temperature yolks
- Cold yolks do not whisk as easily and can leave the filling streaky; room-temperature yolks blend faster and smoother.
- Zest before you juice
- Always zest the limes before cutting, because it is almost impossible to zest squeezed halves cleanly.
- Do not skip the chill time
- Chilling lets the custard fully firm up, which gives you clean slices and that classic creamy yet set texture.
- Watch for tiny bubbles when baking
- Pull the pie from the oven when you see small edge bubbles and the center still jiggles slightly.
- Use a glass pie dish if possible
- A clear glass dish helps you see how dark the crust is getting, so you avoid underbaking or burning it.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 437 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 6 | g |
| Total Fat | 25 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- My filling did not set; what went wrong?
- The most common cause is underbaking, so the proteins in the yolks never fully set. Bake until the edges look firm and give the pie a full chill of at least 3 hours.
- Can I make this key lime pie ahead of time?
- Yes, this pie actually tastes better after resting in the fridge overnight. Bake and chill it, then add the whipped cream within a few hours of serving for the best texture.
- Why does my crust crumble when I slice the pie?
- A crumbly crust usually means the crumbs were not packed firmly enough before baking. Press the mixture very firmly into the pan, and cool it before adding the filling.
- Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
- Fresh juice gives the brightest flavor, but good quality bottled Key lime juice can work in a pinch. Avoid bottled regular lime juice, which often tastes flat or bitter after baking.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy citrus pie makes a perfect finish for summer cookouts, especially 4th of July parties.
Serve it with fresh berries or a simple grilled chicken dinner to balance the sweetness with something light and savory.
For a fun twist, try a pretzel crust or add a thin layer of raspberry sauce under the filling.
More pairings:
Reviews
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Cassandra, St. Petersburg FL: Soooo yummy! 😍
: Happy you loved the pie, Cassandra!
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JulieAnn, FL: Absolutely perfect! tangy, creamy, and the graham crust is just right. Used backyard key limes and it took me right back to childhood summers. Thank you for such a keeper! 🍋
: So glad you enjoyed it, JulieAnn, and how special that you used homegrown key limes!
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Kristen, NC: Turned out slightly tart; extra whipped cream fixed it
: Glad the extra whipped cream helped, Kristen—next time, you could try reducing the lime juice a bit for a less tart result.
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