🥧 Best Key Lime Pie Ever
“Made it exactly as instructed. Whipped the batter for a long time and chilled overnight. It sliced up beautifully. My family was in love with the flavor and texture of this pie. Would make this pie again and again.”
✨ Description:
This creamy, tart, and silky Key Lime Pie is nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy with a smooth texture that slices clean. Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and creates a firm, dreamy consistency.
📝 Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)
- 1 tbsp key lime zest (plus more for garnish)
- Pinch of salt
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices or zest for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk or beat egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened (2–3 mins).
- Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, zest, and salt.
- Beat on medium-high for 3–5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Pour filling into crust. Tap gently to level.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until just set. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely, then chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with lime zest, slices, or whipped cream before serving.
💡 Notes:
- Whipping the filling well is key—it creates a lighter texture and helps it set beautifully.
- Chill overnight to allow full setting and deepening of flavor.
- Bottled key lime juice (like Nellie & Joe’s) is fine if fresh key limes are unavailable.
- Make sure the pie is completely cool before chilling to prevent condensation.
🧠 Tips:
- Use a zester or microplane for fresh zest—don’t skip it, it adds essential aroma.
- Don’t overbake. A slight jiggle in the middle is perfect—it will set while cooling.
- If using regular limes, the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
🍽️ Servings:
Yields 8 slices.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Approx.):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
Based on standard ingredients. May vary.
💪 Benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin C from lime juice and zest.
- Calcium boost from sweetened condensed milk.
- Makes a beautiful dessert centerpiece with easy prep.
- Feel-good treat with nostalgic, tropical flavors.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A: Yes! It will be slightly less tart and floral, but still very tasty.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely—this pie is even better when made the day before.
Q: Do I need to use egg yolks?
A: Yes, they add richness and structure. Some versions skip them, but this one benefits from them.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes! Freeze after it’s fully chilled and set. Thaw in the fridge before serving.