Key Lime Pie Recipe
Introduction
Key Lime Pie is a classic, tangy dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly creamy. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling, it’s perfect for warm days or any time you want a bright, citrusy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture is well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate to form the crust.
- Step 3: Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and egg yolks until the filling is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Step 5: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Step 6: Bake the pie for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill completely.
- Step 7: If desired, top the chilled pie with whipped cream before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh Key lime juice for the best authentic flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve a firmer texture.
- Add a bit of lime zest to the filling for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Storage
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftover pie can be eaten cold or brought to room temperature briefly before serving. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Key Lime Pie without egg yolks?
Yes, some recipes use just sweetened condensed milk and lime juice to set the filling without eggs, but the texture may be slightly different, less rich and creamy.
What can I use instead of Key lime juice?
If Key lime juice is unavailable, regular lime juice or even lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be less distinctive.
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Key Lime Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 38 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Key Lime Pie features a tangy and creamy filling made from sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and egg yolks, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection and chilled for a refreshing finish, this pie is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Filling
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to prepare for baking the pie crust and filling.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a pie plate to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the prepared crust in the oven for 8 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth and fully combined, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the lime filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust in the pie plate.
- Bake the Pie: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Chill: Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly until fully set and cold, preferably for several hours or overnight.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream if desired, slice, and serve chilled for a refreshing and tangy dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the best authentic flavor; bottled juice can be used in a pinch but may alter the flavor slightly.
- Allow the pie to chill completely to ensure the filling sets properly and achieves the right texture.
- For a decorative touch, garnish the pie with lime zest or thin lime slices along with whipped cream.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Key Lime Pie, Lime Dessert, Graham Cracker Crust, Citrus Pie, Classic Pie Recipe, Easy Pie
