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
Scale
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.
