Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors in a smooth, creamy filling nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s an ideal treat for summer gatherings, special occasions, or when you’re simply craving something refreshing and light. The bright citrus flavor from freshly juiced key limes and their zest gives this pie a vibrant and irresistible taste, while the sweetened condensed milk adds the perfect amount of richness. It’s finished with a crisp, golden crust and optionally topped with a dollop of whipped topping for an elegant finish.

What makes this dessert even better is how simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a pie that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re using fresh key limes or bottled Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice, this pie delivers classic flavor every time. It sets up beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead option for entertaining or holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bright and Refreshing: The tangy flavor of key lime juice makes this dessert light and perfect for warm weather.
2. Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and no complex steps, this pie is great even for beginner bakers.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: It needs chilling time, which makes it ideal to prepare a day ahead of your event.
4. Balanced Flavors: The sweet and creamy filling pairs perfectly with the buttery, slightly crunchy graham cracker crust.
5. Customizable Toppings: Serve it plain, or top with whipped cream, lime zest, or even a light meringue for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Butter (melted)
• Sugar
• Graham cracker crumbs

For the Filling:

• Egg yolks
• Key limes (zest and juice)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice (optional, to supplement fresh juice)

Optional Topping:

• Whipped topping for garnish

Variations

• Crust Alternatives: Use vanilla wafer crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits in place of graham crackers.
• Topping Options: Swap the whipped cream for a light meringue topping for a classic southern twist.
• Mini Pies: Make individual portions using muffin tins or mini tart pans for easy serving.
• Coconut Crust: Add shredded coconut to the crust mixture for a tropical flair.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free condensed milk substitute and coconut oil in place of butter for a lactose-free dessert.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the bottom and sides of a pie pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Mix until fully combined and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F, or until the filling is just set.

Step 4: Chill

Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Serve

Top with whipped topping if desired, and garnish with additional lime zest or lime slices before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Limes if Possible: Freshly squeezed key lime juice offers the most vibrant flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Don’t Overbake: The filling should be just set but still have a slight jiggle in the center—it will firm up in the fridge.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the pie to chill completely for a firm, sliceable texture.
• Zest First, Then Juice: It’s much easier to zest limes before juicing them.
• Use a Glass Pie Dish: This helps you monitor the crust browning and avoid overbaking.

How to Serve

Serve chilled with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. For a fancier presentation, garnish with thin lime slices or mint leaves. Pair it with a light citrus cocktail, iced tea, or a chilled dessert wine for a refreshing finish to any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture and flavor.

Freezing

Key Lime Pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes in place of key limes. The flavor will be slightly less tart but still delicious.

2. Do I need to use Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice?

It’s optional. If you don’t have enough fresh juice, Nellie & Joe’s is a great substitute.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Absolutely. A pre-made graham cracker crust can save time and still delivers great flavor.

4. Is it necessary to bake the pie?

Baking helps the filling set properly and ensures the egg yolks are cooked. Some no-bake versions exist, but this one benefits from baking.

5. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect to make a day in advance. It needs time to chill and set properly.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, wrap slices individually for a grab-and-go dessert later.

7. Can I use bottled lime juice?

Yes, bottled lime juice is fine if fresh limes aren’t available, though the flavor may not be as vibrant.

8. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The center should jiggle slightly when you shake the pie. It will finish setting as it chills.

9. What kind of whipped topping should I use?

You can use homemade whipped cream or a store-bought version. Both work well.

10. Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free condensed milk and a plant-based butter substitute in the crust.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings bright citrus flavor to your table with minimal effort. Its creamy, tangy filling and crisp graham cracker crust make it a standout for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to holiday feasts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this pie is nearly foolproof and always delivers delicious results. Make it ahead, chill it well, and enjoy a slice of sunshine with every bite.

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