The Best Homemade Key Lime Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Homemade Key Lime Pie recipe is a delightful treat that brings a taste of sunshine to your table. It’s simple to make and bursting with fresh, tangy flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this pie in no time, perfect for busy days.
- Perfect Balance: The creamy filling strikes a delicious harmony between sweet and tart, making it irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a summer BBQ, this pie is sure to impress and disappear quickly!
Recipe
This classic homemade Key Lime Pie recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with a creamy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a revitalizing dessert that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Filling:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- Zest of 2 key limes (optional)
- Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Key lime slices or zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest (if using), and whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with key lime slices or zest if desired.
Notes:
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed key lime juice, but bottled key lime juice works as a substitute.
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
This homemade key lime pie provides a delicious balance of sweetness and tartness. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 317 | 15g | 43g | 6g | 33g |
What To Serve With It
Whipped cream is a classic pairing with key lime pie, adding a creamy contrast to its tangy flavor. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced mangoes bring a revitalizing balance, making each bite even more delightful. I always find these simple additions bring out the best in the pie, making it feel complete.
Whipped Cream Pairing
Although whipped cream might seem like the perfect topping all on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate its flavor and make each bite even more delightful. While I love classic whipped cream, sometimes I switch it up with alternative toppings like toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For flavor variations, I’ll mix in a hint of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a splash of citrus zest to complement the tangy key lime filling. These little tweaks can transform a simple dessert into something truly special, making each slice feel like a new experience.
Fresh Fruit Accompaniments
When I’m serving key lime pie, I love adding fresh fruit to brighten up the plate and balance the tartness with a touch of natural sweetness. A citrus garnish, like thin slices of lime or lemon, not only looks pretty but also ties in with the pie’s flavor. Seasonal berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, add a burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy filling. Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle a little honey over the berries for extra sweetness. It’s a simple touch, but it makes the dessert feel even more special and satisfying.
