Classic Key Lime Pie – A Perfect Summer Dessert
Key Lime Pie is a tangy and sweet dessert that brings a tropical touch to your table. This classic pie is made with a zesty lime filling, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, and topped with smooth whipped cream. It’s the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ideal for warm days or as a refreshing finish to any meal. This easy-to-make pie is sure to become a favorite for its simplicity and vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
-
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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For the Filling
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 20-25 key limes or 5-6 regular limes)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional)
-
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the Crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
Make the Filling. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are slightly thickened. Gradually stir in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by the key lime juice and zest. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Bake the Pie. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to fully set.
Prepare the Whipped Cream. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy. Slice the Key Lime Pie and serve it cold for a refreshing, zesty dessert.
Recipe tips
If you can't find key limes, you can use regular limes, but the flavor will be slightly less tart. Adding lime zest to the filling boosts the lime flavor and adds a pop of color. Make sure to give the pie enough time to chill. This helps it set properly and makes slicing easier. Sweeten the whipped cream to your liking, but don’t overpower the tartness of the filling.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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