Description
This award-winning key lime pie recipe features a tangy citrus filling, creamy texture, and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a refreshing and easy dessert perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a zesty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice
- 4 large egg yolks
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- (Optional) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- (Optional) Pinch of salt
For the Whipped Cream (Optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- (Optional) Gelatin or cornstarch for stabilization
Instructions
- Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a pie pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely. - Make the Filling
In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. Add zest, vanilla, and salt if using. Pour into the cooled crust and smooth the top. - Bake the Pie
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Make the Whipped Cream (Optional)
Chill a bowl and beaters. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. For extra stability, add gelatin or cornstarch before whipping. - Serve
Top chilled pie with whipped cream and garnish as desired. Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh berries for an extra touch.
Notes
- You can substitute bottled lime juice, but fresh key lime juice gives the best flavor.
- For gluten-free: use certified GF graham crackers.
- For dairy-free: use dairy-free condensed milk.
- To prevent cracks, don’t overbake and let the pie cool gradually.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~360
- Sugar: ~32g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg