Description
Key lime pie presents a refreshing dessert from Florida’s tropical shores. Tangy citrus and creamy filling create a perfect balance of sweet and zesty flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsps powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp key lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to form a uniform base that extends up the sides.
- Crust Preparation: Bake the crust in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and set, allowing the butter to help the crumbs bind together and create a crisp foundation.
- Filling Fusion: Whisk condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth, creating a vibrant, creamy mixture that captures the essence of tropical brightness.
- Baking Transformation: Pour the lime filling into the cooled crust, then return to the oven and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle center wobble, indicating perfect custard consistency.
- Cooling and Chilling: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set and flavors to intensify.
- Finishing Touch: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then generously dollop or pipe the cream atop the chilled pie just before serving to create a luxurious, cloud-like crown.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Limes: Select ripe, vibrant key limes for the most authentic and zesty flavor profile, ensuring maximum citrus punch.
- Press Crust Firmly: Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to compact graham cracker crust evenly, preventing crumbly or loose base.
- Avoid Overbaking: Watch filling closely during baking; slight wobble in center indicates perfect custard-like consistency without cracking or drying out.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate pie for minimum 3 hours before serving, allowing filling to set completely and develop rich, tangy flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg