If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a smooth, creamy texture, this Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With its crisp graham cracker crust and luscious, zesty filling, this pie is an absolute showstopper for any occasion. The best part? It comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic that everyone loves to serve and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in delivering that iconic key lime pie flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the creamy, tangy filling, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create harmony in every bite.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These form the crunchy, flavorful base that’s the perfect contrast to the smooth filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter binds the crumbs and adds richness to the crust.
- 4 large egg yolks: They provide a silky texture and help set the filling as it bakes.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Sweetness and creaminess come from this magic ingredient.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice: The star of the show, offering that bright, citrusy tang unique to key limes.
- Whipped cream for topping: Adds a light, airy finish that balances the tartness beautifully.
How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly, especially the crust and filling, which both need careful baking to achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Make and Bake the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until you have an even, moist mixture. Press this firmly into the bottom and around the sides of your pie dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool so it firms up nicely before adding the filling.
Step 3: Whisk the Filling Ingredients
Take a clean bowl and whisk the egg yolks until they’re light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that airy, creamy filling. Then mix in the sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed key lime juice, whisking everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and homogeneous.
Step 4: Bake the Key Lime Filling in the Crust
Pour your luscious filling into the cooled crust and return the pie to the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center—this is the sweet spot for that creamy texture.
Step 5: Cool and Chill Your Pie
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on the counter to room temperature. Then pop it into the fridge for at least three hours. Chilling is key because it allows the filling to firm up completely, blending the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, top your pie with a generous cloud of whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of lime zest if you want an extra burst of citrus aroma and color. This final touch elevates your pie to something truly special.
How to Serve Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is classic, but you can also get creative with thin lime slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green that looks fancy but takes no extra effort.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light, fruity sorbet. These additions complement the tartness and balance the richness of the pie, making every forkful an absolute delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini key lime pies in ramekins for a charming presentation. Or, cut the pie into wedges and plate with drizzled berry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to impress your guests with style and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days, so you can enjoy a slice every day without losing that perfect texture.
Freezing
While freezing a freshly baked key lime pie isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the unbaked crust or even the filling separately for later use. Make sure to thaw completely before baking or assembling for best results.
Reheating
Key lime pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving instead of using heat.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, regular lime juice can be used in a pinch, but key limes have a distinctive tartness and aroma that really make this pie special. Using regular lime juice will produce a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?
The egg yolks do get baked in the oven, which significantly reduces any risk associated with raw eggs. Make sure to bake according to the instructions for a fully safe and creamy filling.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional recipe isn’t vegan-friendly due to eggs and sweetened condensed milk, but you can find vegan substitutes like coconut condensed milk and egg replacers to create a similar pie with some experimentation.
How do I know when the pie is fully set?
The filling should be firm around the edges but still move slightly in the center when you gently shake the pie. This subtle jiggle means it’s creamy and not overbaked.
What’s the best way to zest limes for garnish?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the colorful outer layer of the lime peel, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can taste bitter. Fresh zest adds a fragrant, zesty lift to your pie.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe enough! It’s one of those desserts that manages to be simple, stunning, and utterly irresistible all at once. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this pie is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Grab those limes and get baking—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Key Lime Pie recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a creamy, tangy key lime filling, baked to perfection. With a rich texture balanced by the fresh citrus flavor, this classic dessert is topped with whipped cream and lime zest, making it a refreshing and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
Topping
- Whipped cream for topping
- Lime zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking both the crust and the filling.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until it turns a golden brown color. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to ensure the filling won’t melt the crust.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks vigorously until they become light and fluffy. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed key lime juice, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the pie: Pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust and return the pie to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, indicating it will firm up during chilling.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to allow it to fully set and chill before serving.
- Add topping and serve: Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with lime zest for added flavor and presentation. Slice and enjoy this refreshing dessert!
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed key lime juice rather than bottled lime juice.
- Be careful not to overbake the filling; it should still be slightly jiggly when taken out of the oven.
- Chilling is crucial as it helps the filling to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
- You can substitute regular lime juice if key limes are not available, but key limes provide the authentic flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
