The Zesty Key Lime Pie Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sweet, tangy key lime pie captures the essence of tropical sunshine with its vibrant citrus notes.

This classic dessert blends zesty key lime flavors into a creamy, luscious pie that melts in you mouth.

Originating in the Florida Keys, the recipe showcases simple yet bold ingredients that create a refreshing culinary experience.

Creamy condensed milk provides a rich base for the bright, sharp key lime juice.

The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the silky smooth filling.

Each bite transports you to a beachside paradise with its perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Prepare to savor a slice of this irresistible dessert that promises to delight your taste buds and brighten any gathering.

Must-Have Ingredients For Key Lime Pie Magic

• Graham Cracker Crust: A sweet and crunchy foundation that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy filling.
• Condensed Milk: A rich and sweet dairy product that creates the smooth, velvety texture of the pie.
• Key Lime Juice: The star ingredient that gives the pie its signature tangy and bright citrus flavor.

• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and helps create a silky, creamy consistency to the pie filling.
• Lime Zest: Provides an intense lime aroma and enhances the overall citrus flavor profile.

• Lime Slices, Whipped Cream: Optional toppings that add a fresh and decorative touch to the finished pie.

Tools For Tangy Key Lime Pie Baking

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending condensed milk, lime juice, sour cream, and zest evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Helps transfer pie in and out of oven safely.
• Zester: Perfect for creating fine lime zest without bitter white pith.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe results.
• Wire Rack: Allows pie to cool properly without soggy bottom.
• Graham Cracker Crust (pre-made or homemade): Base for the creamy pie.
• Sharp Knife: For garnishing with lime slices.
• Citrus Juicer (optional): Helps extract key lime juice efficiently.

Creating Key Lime Pie, Slice By Slice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting it ready for the pie magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

• Condensed milk
• Key lime juice
• Sour cream
• Lime zest

Whisk everything until smooth and well-blended, creating a zesty, tangy mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Base

Gently pour the vibrant filling into the graham cracker crust.

Carefully transfer the pie onto a baking sheet for stable handling.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven.

Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, watching for tiny bubbles that burst on the surface.

The filling should look slightly wobbly but not browned.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Move the pie to a wire rack and let it cool down.

Pop it into the refrigerator and let it chill for about an hour, allowing the filling to set beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Dress up your pie with fresh lime slices and a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Serve and enjoy the tangy, creamy goodness!

Tips For Creamy, Tart Key Lime Pie Perfection

• Select ripe, bright green key limes for the most authentic and vibrant flavor, ensuring your pie tastes zesty and fresh.
• Watch closely during the 5-8 minute baking window to prevent overcooking, which can make the filling tough and lose its silky texture.
• Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating, helping the filling set perfectly and develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Grate lime zest carefully to capture the essential oils, adding intense citrus notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• If using whipped cream, create soft peaks just before serving to maintain a light, airy texture that complements the tangy pie.

Fun Key Lime Pie Ideas And Flavors

• Tropical Coconut Variation: Replace graham cracker crust with toasted coconut crust. Add shredded coconut to the filling for enhanced tropical flavor.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Substitute condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. Use vegan graham crackers and coconut cream for topping.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Create crust using almond flour and crushed nuts. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free condensed milk alternative. Replace traditional sweeteners with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.

Plating Key Lime Pie For Dessert Tables

• Tropical Vacation Plate: Serve on a bright, colorful plate with a small umbrella to capture summer beach vibes and make the dessert feel like a mini getaway.
• Creamy Companion Pairing: Accompany the pie with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream to complement the tangy lime flavor and add a smooth, cool contrast.
• Fresh Citrus Finish: Top the pie with fresh mint leaves and additional lime zest to enhance the citrusy aroma and provide a gorgeous green garnish that highlights the key lime essence.
• Wine Tasting Match: Pair with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to balance the pie's sweetness and create a delightful dessert wine experience.

Key Lime Pie Storage So It’s Always Fresh

• Store the key lime pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut remaining pie into slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go portions.
• Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. For a slightly softened texture, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a more intense citrus flavor compared to standard Persian limes. They’re typically grown in the Florida Keys and Mexico, with a yellowish-green color and more acidic taste.

• Can I substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. If key limes aren’t available, use regular lime juice and add a touch more zest to enhance the citrusy profile. The pie will still taste delicious, just not as authentically “key lime”.

• Why does the pie need such a short baking time?

The brief baking time helps set the custard-like filling without overcooking or browning it. The goal is to create a smooth, creamy texture that’s barely set, allowing the pie to firm up completely during chilling.

Key Lime Pie: Bright, Zesty, Refreshing

• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this key lime pie a breeze to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Tangy, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust create an irresistible treat that delights both kids and adults.
• Refreshing lime flavor and cool, smooth texture make this pie ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and warm-weather gatherings.
• Easy to garnish with whipped cream and lime slices, transforming this dessert from casual to elegant with minimal effort.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime pie beckons with zesty Florida citrus flavors that transport palates to tropical shores. Smooth custard nestled in graham cracker crust delivers refreshing tangy sweetness you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Key Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 3/4 cup key lime juice
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Garnish and Crust:

• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

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Instructions

1. Whisk condensed milk, key lime juice, sour cream, and lime zest in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Gently transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring even distribution.
3. Position the pie on a sturdy baking sheet for stable oven transfer.
4. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, watching for tiny bubbles to emerge and burst on the surface.
5. The filling should appear slightly wobbly but not browned when removed from the oven.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature.
7. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to set and enhance flavor profile.
8. Before serving, optionally adorn with delicate lime slice garnishes and a billowy dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Swap traditional graham cracker crust with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Use low-fat condensed milk and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calorie content without compromising creamy texture.
• Zest fresh key limes for maximum flavor intensity, ensuring vibrant citrus notes shine through the sweet, tangy filling.
• Chill pie thoroughly for at least 2-3 hours to allow filling to set completely, creating perfect slicing consistency and enhanced flavor melding.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg