This key lime pie recipe is a classic. Four ingredients for the filling and three ingredients for the crust. Get rave reviews about your pie that was easy to make.
Tropical Key Lime Pie
Make a traditional key lime pie. Bring the tropics home with this easy dessert recipe. It just tastes like summer; however it is delicious anytime of year, even for the holiday table. Make the graham cracker crust, mix the filling, bake 15 minutes and serve with whipped topping and lime zest. So light, tangy, and refreshing.
As the sun dips below the horizon and the evening draws near, there’s a comforting allure to the thought of a tangy, creamy slice of key lime pie waiting to be savored. This iconic dessert, with its vibrant flavor and smooth texture, has secured its place in classic American sweets.
From its humble origins in the Florida Keys to its status as a beloved treat enjoyed across the globe, key lime pie continues to captivate taste buds and evoke memories of warm summer days.
Yes, it is possible to make a key lime pie with four ingredients and ordinary limes.
There are so many classic recipes like this one here. I am sharing another one of our family favorites with you. The taste is so creamy and luscious with a bit of tang. It is incredibly EASY to make too. Even if you are new to baking, you can master this recipe. It is simple and fool-proof.
This recipe comes out perfect every time.
Traditional Flour Pie Crust Versus Graham Cracker Crumbs Pie Crust
While I show this pie with a graham crackers crust, you could certainly make this with a traditional pie crust too. Here is my traditional pie crust recipe. You can certainly use a traditional pie crust; however, our family prefers the buttery flavor of the graham cracker crust with this key lime pie. To us, it just tastes great together.
If you prefer a no bake version of this delicious dessert, consider checking out this recipe for no bake key lime pie. It uses sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, heavy cream, key line juice and zest, and of course a little bit of sugar.
Do I have to use eggs in my Key Lime Pie?
Yes, Since this is a more authentic Key Lime Pie it calls for egg yolks. However, you can try leaving them out and adding sour cream or Greek yogurt. Some bakers feel that the sour cream produces a smoother and creamier pie.
Lime Juice
While it is nice to be able to use fresh key lime zest and fresh key lime juice for this pie, if you are not able to find them, by all means, you can use bottled key lime juice to make this recipe. Just know it will affect the flavor. This is also a case where fresh is best. Additionally, you would not have the lime to zest of course; however, you will still have a very tasty and successful pie that is a crowd pleaser.
Juicing Limes Secret
How to get more juice out of your fresh regular limes. This recipe is perfect for using fresh limes. However, the right tools with help you get the most juice out of the lime. First microwave for 10 seconds. This will help release the lime juices before it is even cut open.
Second, use a juicer. While you can use a hand-held juicer like this one, which is a best seller on Amazon. I prefer this juicer and for limes, lemons, and oranges. It is easy on the hands, and catches the juice perfectly. It is called a jar juicer. Just place it on a mason jar and you are good to go.
Even better, it does not take up too much room in my kitchen gadget section. I have a small kitchen, so the tools that I keep in my kitchen must be used often if I am going to make a storage place for it.
Doesn’t this Key Lime Pie look yummy?
Between the buttery and crunchy crust, tangy custard filling, and the essential creamy topping- no dessert can rival key lime pie!
How to Make The Best Key Lime Pie Recipe
Homemade classic key lime pie recipe has a few simple steps. I love making it in the summer when all I want to do is spend time outside.
- Homemade Graham Cracker Crust: Use a food processor to get a nice fine graham cracker crumb or get it already done in the grocery store. Combine with melted butter and sugar, then press tightly into a pie pan.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Pre-bake the crust before pouring in the key lime filling. Pre-baking solidifies the crust and allows for easy slicing once the pie is ready to serve.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whip the egg yolks until they are a light lighter in color and slightly frothy. Add the lime zest and the sweetened condensed milk, continue to mix until thick. Approximately 3 minutes. It will be starting to thicken. Add the lime juice a little at a time and continue mixing at a lower speed until incorporated. Pour into the warm crust.
- Bake the Pie: Key lime pie bakes for only 15 minutes. Once completely cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving.
- Garnish: I like to garnish this with fresh whipping cream and a bit of lime zest. Learn how to make stabilized whipped cream. You can also use cool whip on the top of the pie if you prefer.
Simply the Best Key Lime Pie
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Pie Crust
- 1 1/4 Cup graham crackers Ground fine
- 5 Tbl. Melted Butter
- 1/3 Cup granulated sugar
Key Lime Pie Filling
- 4 Egg Yolks slightly beaten
- 14 Oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can)
- 2/3 Cup Fresh Lime Juice (you could use the lime juice in the container too)
- 1 Lime Zested
Whip Cream Topping
- 1 Cup whipping cream
- 2 Tbl. confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
text ingredients
Instructions
Graham Cracker Pie Crust
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and the sugar, mixing to incorporate the sugar throughout the graham crackers.1 1/4 Cup graham crackers, 5 Tbl. Melted Butter, 1/3 Cup granulated sugar
- Melt butter and add to the graham cracker and sugar mixture. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to a 9 inch pie plate.
- Press crumbs firmly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. As I noted, it is easier to use the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake it at 350 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Let cool and add your ingredients.
Key Lime Pie Filling
- While the graham cracker crust is resting and cooling, in a medium-size mixing bowl, whip the egg yolks until they are a light lighter in color and slightly frothy.4 Egg Yolks
- Add the lime zest and the sweetened condensed milk, continue to mix until thick. Approximately 3 minutes.14 Oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 Lime
- Add the lime juice a little at a time and continue mixing at a lower speed until incorporated.2/3 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
- Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Once the pie has been cooling approximately 20 minutes, it should be cool enough to add the whip cream topping.
Whip Cream Topping
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the whip cream and mix until the cream is holding its shape. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until stiff peaks form.1 Cup whipping cream, 2 Tbl. confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
- You can serve on the side, add a dallop on top when serving, use a pastry bag to pipe a fancy design on the pie, or spread it over the top of the pie. No matter which way you decide, it is just one more element that makes this pie taste wonderful.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Your Own Private Notes
Video
Notes
Nutrition
A few of my favorite things
The Power of Positivity
Can you freeze key lime pie?
Yes, you can freeze key lime pie! To freeze it, allow the pie to cool completely in the refrigerator. Once chilled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Properly stored, key lime pie can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How long does key lime pie last in the fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, key lime pie can last for about 3-5 days. The best way to keep it fresh for as long as possible, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent the pie from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge and maintain its flavor and texture.
If you loved this post, please share. It helps to show me that these types of posts are helpful – thank you!
I hope that you liked this easy key lime pie recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.
A few of our favorite pies.
- Amazing Lemon Meringue Pie Save the leftover egg whites for this recipe.
- Old Fashioned Custard Pie
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.