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The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe: Perfectly Tangy & Creamy

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This authentic key lime pie features a tangy, creamy filling made with fresh lime juice and sweetened condensed milk in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with homemade whipped cream. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet—a true taste of the Florida Keys!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full crackers)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice (about 4-6 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
  • Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Lime slices and zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Crust:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Prepare crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when squeezed.
  3. Form the crust: Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Using the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup, press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Pack it tightly—this ensures it won’t fall apart when sliced.
  4. Pre-bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling. Leave the oven on.

Make the Filling:

  1. Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
  2. Add lime: Add the lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is thick, smooth, and pale yellow. The acid from the lime juice will start to thicken the mixture immediately.
  3. Fill and bake: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  4. Bake the pie: Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until the filling is just set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center (it will continue to set as it cools). Do not overbake or the filling will crack.
  5. Cool completely: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack (about 1 hour), then refrigerate uncovered for at least 3 hours or overnight until completely chilled and set.

Make the Topping:

  1. Whip the cream: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken, about 1 minute.
  2. Sweeten and flavor: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium-high and continue beating until stiff peaks form, 2-3 minutes total. Don’t overbeat or it will become grainy.
  3. Top and serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving. Garnish with lime slices and additional lime zest if desired. Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

  • Key lime juice: Bottled key lime juice (like Nellie & Joe’s brand) is perfectly acceptable and provides consistent results. Fresh regular lime juice is also delicious.
  • Room temperature eggs: This helps the filling come together smoothly without lumps.
  • Don’t overbake: The center should still jiggle slightly when done. It firms up as it chills.
  • Meringue alternative: Instead of whipped cream, you can top with meringue made from 3 egg whites, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar. Spread over warm filling and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
  • Make ahead: This pie actually tastes better when made a day in advance—the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add whipped cream topping just before serving for best results

Nutrition

Find it online: https://focialy.com/key-lime-pie-recipe/