Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe
Introduction
Easy Key Lime Pie is a bright and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, creamy filling made from fresh key lime juice, it delivers a refreshing flavor that’s both simple and impressive.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 egg yolks
- Zest and juice of 6 key limes (about 1/2 cup juice)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice (optional, if needed to reach 1/2 cup of juice)
- Whipped topping for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) if baking the crust. Otherwise, chilling the crust for 1 hour will also work.
- Step 2: Combine the melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Step 3: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even, compact crust.
- Step 4: Either chill the crust for about an hour until firm, or bake it at 375 degrees for 5 minutes, then allow it to cool before filling.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for baking the pie.
- Step 6: Zest the key limes to get 2 teaspoons of zest, then juice them until you have 1/2 cup of fresh juice. If you don’t reach 1/2 cup, add bottled key lime juice to make up the difference.
- Step 7: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are thick and pale yellow. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed.
- Step 8: Slowly add the key lime juice and zest to the egg mixture, mixing just until blended.
- Step 9: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 10: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 11: Garnish with whipped topping, lime slices, and a little extra lime zest if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh key limes for the best authentic flavor, but bottled key lime juice is a good backup to ensure you have enough liquid.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies.
- Make mini pies using muffin tins for individual servings, adjusting baking time to about 12 minutes.
Storage
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, cover with plastic wrap or use a pie container. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, regular limes can be used, but key limes have a distinct tartness and aroma that gives this pie its unique flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste if substituting.
Do I need to bake the crust?
Baking the crust is optional. Chilling the crust for an hour will firm it up, but baking for 5 minutes helps create a firmer base and enhances the flavor by toasting the crumbs.
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Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Key Lime Pie is a classic no-fuss dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy, creamy key lime filling made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly balanced with a hint of zest and a smooth, velvety texture, this pie is ideal for any occasion and can be quickly prepared and baked in under an hour.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Filling
- 4 egg yolks
- 6 key limes (for zesting and juicing)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice (if needed to make 1/2 cup juice)
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped topping
- Lime slices
- Additional lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, then stir in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate using the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly compact the crust. Chill for 1 hour until firm or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, then allow to cool before filling.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the filled pie.
- Prepare the key lime juice: Zest the key limes until you have 2 teaspoons of zest. Juice the key limes and pour the fresh juice into a 1/2 cup measuring cup. If the juice does not fill 1/2 cup, supplement with bottled key lime juice to reach the full 1/2 cup volume.
- Whisk egg yolks: Using a stand or electric mixer, whisk the egg yolks on medium speed until they become thick and pale yellow, forming a smooth mixture.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk to the whipped yolks while mixing on low speed to blend thoroughly without deflating the mixture.
- Add lime juice and zest: Gradually mix in the key lime juice and zest, continuing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill the crust and bake: Pour the lime mixture into the prepared crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate until fully chilled before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped topping, lime slices, and additional lime zest as desired. Slice and enjoy your refreshing key lime pie.
Notes
- If fresh key limes are unavailable, bottled key lime juice can be used entirely but fresh zest enhances flavor.
- The crust can be pre-baked or chilled, but pre-baking slightly enhances texture and flavor.
- Use pasteurized eggs if serving to children or immunocompromised individuals to ensure safety.
- Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Whipped topping is optional but adds a light, creamy contrast to the tart filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Key lime pie, easy key lime pie, graham cracker crust, lime dessert, summer pie, creamy pie
