Key Lime Pie

There’s something truly magical about making a Key Lime Pie. It brings back memories of warm summer days spent at the beach, with the salty air mixing with the sweet and tart flavors of this classic dessert. Every bite of Key Lime Pie is like a mini vacation for your taste buds! Growing up, my family would gather around the table, and the highlight was always the serving of this pie. Its creamy filling and crumbly crust just seemed to bring everyone together. You could hear the laughter and the clinking of glasses as we celebrated special moments, and it was always a delight to see smiles light up the room when the pie was served.

This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition. I remember the first time I attempted to make it myself. I was nervous, but as soon as I poured that luscious filling into the crust, I felt a wave of excitement. The smell wafting from the oven was intoxicating. Once it cooled and I topped it with whipped cream, I couldn’t wait to share it with my family and friends. Seeing their joy was the best reward. Now, I want to share my version of this beloved recipe with you. It’s simple, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying. So let’s jump into making this quintessential summer dessert!

Recipe Ingredients for Key Lime Pie

When it comes to crafting the perfect Key Lime Pie, the ingredients matter. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that iconic flavor and texture. The key players include the zesty key lime juice, which provides the essential tartness, and the sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich creaminess that balances everything out. Let’s dive into the ingredients!

• 9-inch graham cracker pie crust: The base of our pie, providing a crunchy and sweet contrast to the creamy filling.
• 4 egg yolks: These rich yolks create a velvety texture for the filling, adding a depth of flavor.
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten: Helps to brush the crust, ensuring it’s perfectly baked and adds a slight gloss.
• ¾ cup key lime juice: The star ingredient, offering that signature tartness that defines this dessert.
• 1½ tsp lime zest: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic oils, making each bite even more vibrant.
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: This creamy component sweetens the pie while giving it a luscious texture.
• ½ cup sour cream: Contributes a slight tang and richness to the filling, balancing the sweetness.
• Whipped cream (optional for topping): A light, airy topping that complements the pie beautifully.

Directions for Key Lime Pie

Creating a Key Lime Pie is a journey filled with anticipation and excitement. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the process just as much as the end result. Let’s dive into these delicious steps!

1. Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F. You want it nice and hot to give that graham cracker pie crust a crispy texture. Once heated, brush the crust with the lightly beaten egg white. This not only helps with browning but also adds a beautiful sheen.
2. Place the crust in the oven and bake it for 5 minutes. It should just start to set but not become overly brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Now, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, key lime juice, lime zest, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream. This mixture is where the magic happens, so whisk it together until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Once your filling is ready, pour it into the prepared crust. Take a moment to admire the vibrant color of the filling; it’s such a beautiful sight!
5. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 25 to 27 minutes. You’ll want the top to be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a creamy texture once it cools.
6. After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Patience is key here; let it cool completely to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
7. Once cooled, cover the pie and chill it in the refrigerator for at least three hours. This step is crucial for achieving that iconic texture, allowing it to firm up nicely.
8. When ready to serve, top the pie with freshly whipped cream if desired. Just a dollop will add a light, airy element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
9. Slice the pie with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut for the best presentation. Serve it with a smile, and watch as everyone enjoys their first bite!
10. Enjoy your Key Lime Pie with family and friends, and relish the smiles and compliments that will surely follow!

Tips for Success

Baking a perfect Key Lime Pie is all about the details. Here are some tips that can help you achieve that ideal result:

• Storage: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but can last up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze Key Lime Pie for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh berries or a refreshing fruit salad for a vibrant side.
• Garnishing: Consider garnishing with lime wedges or zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Serving size: This pie is rich! Small slices go a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Variations: Try adding a swirl of fruit puree on top for a fun twist.

What Goes Well With This Key Lime Pie

Serving Key Lime Pie is an event in itself. Here’s how to enhance your dessert experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Slices of kiwi, strawberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast and vibrant color.
• Simple Salads: A light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette complements the pie beautifully.
• Picnics: This pie is perfect for summer picnics, served alongside sandwiches or cold pasta salads.
• Beach Parties: Bring it along for a beach gathering; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Seasonal Occasions: Ideal for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations, it brings a festive touch.
• Pair with Drinks: Serve with iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for a crisp pairing.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Key Lime Pie is a refreshing and delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a favorite for many, bringing back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. I encourage you to try making this pie for yourself; it’s easier than you might think! The joy it brings, both in the making and the sharing, is truly special. So grab your ingredients and enjoy every delicious bite!

Key Lime Pie

Indulge in a slice of pure bliss with this homemade Key Lime Pie. Its creamy filling, combined with a buttery crust, creates a heavenly treat that's perfect for any occasion. The refreshing tang of lime will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Serve this easy-to-make dessert at your next gathering and watch it disappear!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pie crust 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 1 egg white 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup ¾ cup key lime juice
• 1½ tsp 1½ tsp lime zest
• 14 oz 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup ½ cup sour cream
• 1 serving Whipped Cream (optional for topping)

Equipment

• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F. You want it nice and hot to give that graham cracker pie crust a crispy texture. Once heated, brush the crust with the lightly beaten egg white. This not only helps with browning but also adds a beautiful sheen.
2. Place the crust in the oven and bake it for 5 minutes. It should just start to set but not become overly brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
3. Now, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, key lime juice, lime zest, sweetened condensed milk, and sour cream. This mixture is where the magic happens, so whisk it together until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Once your filling is ready, pour it into the prepared crust. Take a moment to admire the vibrant color of the filling; it’s such a beautiful sight!
5. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 25 to 27 minutes. You’ll want the top to be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a creamy texture once it cools.
6. After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Patience is key here; let it cool completely to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
7. Once cooled, cover the pie and chill it in the refrigerator for at least three hours. This step is crucial for achieving that iconic texture, allowing it to firm up nicely.
8. When ready to serve, top the pie with freshly whipped cream if desired. Just a dollop will add a light, airy element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
9. Slice the pie with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut for the best presentation. Serve it with a smile, and watch as everyone enjoys their first bite!
10. Enjoy your Key Lime Pie with family and friends, and relish the smiles and compliments that will surely follow!

Notes

For best results, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator. This pie is still delicious for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.