Classic Key Lime Pie
A quintessential Florida Keys dessert featuring a tangy, sweet-tart key lime custard nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a cloud of whipped cream. This pie is a perfect balance of bright citrus and creamy richness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs(About 10-12 full graham crackers, finely crushed.)
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter(Melted.)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) Sweetened condensed milk(Do not substitute evaporated milk.)
- 0.5 cup (120ml) Key lime juice(Freshly squeezed is best. If using bottled, ensure it's 100% key lime juice.)
- 4 Egg yolks(Large eggs.)
- 2 tbsp Key lime zest(From about 4-6 key limes, avoid the white pith.)
- 1 cup Heavy cream(For topping, chilled.)
- 2 tbsp Powdered sugar(Optional, for sweetening whipped cream.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened, resembling wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
⏱️ 15 minutes (including cooling time) - 2
In a clean medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and slightly thickened. It should have a pale yellow hue and a tangy aroma.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Gently pour the key lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the very center, similar to a custard. Do not overbake, as this can cause cracking.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap (avoid touching the surface) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is completely firm.
⏱️ 1 hour cooling + 4 hours chilling - 5
Just before serving, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. If desired, add powdered sugar and continue whipping until medium peaks form. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with extra key lime zest or thin lime slices if desired.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh key limes is highly recommended for their unique floral aroma and intense tartness. Regular Persian limes will work but yield a different flavor profile.
- ✓The pie sets due to the acidity of the lime juice reacting with the proteins in the egg yolks and condensed milk, not primarily from the heat of baking. Overbaking can toughen the custard.
- ✓While meringue is a popular topping for pies, an authentic Key Lime Pie is traditionally finished with fresh whipped cream for a lighter, creamier contrast to the tart filling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a classic variation, top the chilled pie with a toasted meringue before serving.
- Prepare this pie in individual tartlet pans for elegant single servings.
- Consider a 'no-bake' version where the crust is chilled instead of baked, and the filling is thickened with gelatin (though this alters the traditional texture).