What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade key lime pie is a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and full of invigorating flavor. Bright and tangy, the filling is perfectly balanced with a sweet, creamy texture. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to impress, whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat.
Recipe
This classic Key Lime Pie is an invigorating and tangy dessert with a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour filling into the crust and bake for 15 minutes until set (center should jiggle slightly).
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Notes:
- For best results, use fresh key lime juice if available.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups/spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional breakdown of a typical slice of homemade key lime pie:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love topping my key lime pie with a dollop of whipped cream—it adds a creamy, dreamy contrast to the tart filling. Fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, make a colorful garnish that’s both pretty and delicious. You can’t go wrong with either, or hey, why not use both?
Whipped Cream Topping
A light and fluffy whipped cream topping adds the perfect finishing touch to key lime pie, balancing its tartness with a creamy sweetness you’ll love. I always make mine fresh because it’s so simple and tastes worlds better than the store-bought kind. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks. It’s like a cloud that melts in your mouth. I dollop it generously on each slice, and it makes the pie feel even more special. Trust me, once you try homemade whipped cream, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff. It’s that good.
Fresh Berries Garnish
Though key lime pie is delicious on its own, adding fresh berries as a garnish takes it to the next level, both in flavor and presentation. I love scattering vibrant raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries on top—it’s like nature’s confetti! Berries add a burst of sweetness and a hint of tartness that pairs perfectly with the pie’s tangy filling. Plus, they make it look stunning on the plate. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a bit of berry syrup for extra flair. Trust me, it’s a simple touch, but it elevates the whole experience, making each bite feel a little more special.
