Key Lime Pie
User Reviews
5
Key Lime Pie
Description
The Key Lime Pie features a crust made from graham cracker crumbs blended with walnuts, sugar, and melted butter, pressed firmly into a pie dish and chilled to hold shape. The filling mixes sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and egg yolks with freshly squeezed Key lime juice and zest, delivering a balance of creamy sweetness and tangy citrus. Baking the pie until the edges of the crust turn golden ensures the filling is set without browning.
This pie offers a rich yet refreshing flavor profile, where the tartness of fresh lime contrasts with the sweet richness of condensed milk and cream. The whipped cream topping and lime garnishes complement the filling, creating an appealing texture and visual presentation. Chilling the pie thoroughly before serving enhances firmness and flavor meld.
It is best served well-chilled and stored refrigerated, as the fresh lime juice keeps its brightness but the texture softens if left out too long. Using fresh juice and zest is crucial for authentic flavor, as bottled juice lacks the same freshness. If Key limes are not available, a combination of regular lime and lemon juice achieves a similar tart profile. The crust choice contributes to a crisp, textured base that contrasts nicely with the smooth filling.
Quality graham crackers and nuts in the crust impact the texture and taste, so choosing good ingredients is recommended. Leftovers should be kept chilled and consumed within a few days for optimal texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup walnut pecans, almonds or macadamia nuts work as well, if you are allergic, just use extra 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs, ground
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar white
- 5 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
For the Filling:
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 14-ounces per can
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 egg large yolks
- lime zest of 1 large key lime or lime
- 1/2 cup lime juice from about 8 limes, Key lime or regular lime
Whipped Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream full fat and cold
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Whipped Cream
- lime key lime zest
- lime key lime slices
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Using a fork, stir together the crust ingredients in a medium bowl until fully combined and the graham cracker crumbs are moist.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan. Using your hands or a measuring cup, press and pat down the bottom and sides.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes. I prefer to put it in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine condensed milk, sour cream, and egg yolks in a medium bowl. Whisk together on medium speed until thoroughly combined.
- Add (key) lime juice and (key) lime zest. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven. Do NOT brown the pie; only the crust should start turning a nice golden-brown color.
Store:
- Remove from the oven and cool on a cooling rack. When cool, transfer it to the fridge. Chill the pie thoroughly in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours before serving.
- Serve cold, and do not keep at room temperature for more than one hour.
Whipped Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Add the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe it on top of the pie, or use a spatula to spread it onto the pie.
Garnish:
- Garnish with (key) lime slices, (key) lime zest, and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice and zest to ensure vibrant, authentic citrus flavor in the pie filling.
- Keep the pie thoroughly chilled and avoid leaving it out for more than an hour to maintain texture.
- The graham cracker crust with walnuts offers a crisp base; nuts can be substituted as needed or replaced with extra graham crumbs if allergic.
- If Key limes are unavailable, combine regular lime juice with a bit of lemon juice for a similar tart flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk thickens and sweetens the filling, unlike evaporated milk.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0g | |
| Calories | 324kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 82mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 112mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 885IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 5.8mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
