Zesty Key Lime Pie Recipe: A Refreshing Sweet Treat

Dessert dreams come alive with this zesty key lime pie that promises a burst of tropical sunshine.

Southern bakers have long cherished this vibrant key lime pie recipe as a treasured classic.

Each creamy slice delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that dance across your palate.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch against the silky smooth filling.

Condensed milk blends beautifully with fresh lime juice, creating a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth.

Topped with a cloud of whipped cream, this pie transforms an ordinary moment into a delectable celebration.

Prepare to savor every refreshing bite of this irresistible southern treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Key Lime Pie Starts with These Tangy Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation with classic sandy texture that perfectly complements the tangy filling.
• Sugar: Enhances the cracker's sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
• Butter: Melted butter acts as the glue, helping crumbs stick together and creating a rich, golden base.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a silky, luxurious texture while adding natural sweetness to balance lime's tartness.
• Egg Yolks: Provides richness, helps thicken the filling, and contributes to the smooth, creamy consistency.
• Lime Juice: Delivers the signature bright, zesty flavor that defines this classic pie.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor with concentrated citrus oils and adds subtle aromatic notes.

• Heavy Cream: Whips into a light, fluffy cloud that adds a cool, creamy contrast to the tangy pie.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize its texture.
• Vanilla: Introduces a warm, comforting background flavor that complements the lime's brightness.

Tools That Make Key Lime Pie a Breeze to Bake

• Pie Dish (9-inch): Essential for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
• Mixing Bowls (medium): Perfect for combining crust ingredients and pie filling.
• Whisk: Great for blending filling ingredients smoothly and eliminating lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Helps extract fresh lime zest with ease.
• Baking Sheets: Optional support when placing pie dish in the oven.
• Electric Mixer (optional): Convenient for whipping cream quickly and evenly.
• Spatula: Helps spread crust and filling evenly in the pie dish.

How to Make Key Lime Pie That’s Tart and Sweet

• Craft the Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating an even layer on bottom and sides. Warm the crust in the oven until golden and aromatic.

• Create the Creamy Filling

Whisk together velvety condensed milk, bright lime juice, zesty citrus shavings, and rich egg yolks until silky smooth. Pour the vibrant mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it gently and evenly.

• Bake and Chill

Slide the pie into the oven and bake until the filling sets with a gentle wobble. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to develop deep, tangy flavors.

• Top with Fluffy Clouds

Whip heavy cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks. Just before serving, crown the chilled pie with delicate swirls of fresh cream for a dreamy finishing touch.

Tips to Keep Key Lime Pie From Getting Soggy

• Grate lime zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, using only the bright green outer layer for maximum flavor intensity.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact base that won't crumble when slicing the pie.
• Whisk filling ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth consistency throughout the pie.
• Prepare pie a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and filling to set perfectly, enhancing overall taste experience.
• Replace graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version; use coconut cream instead of dairy for vegan adaptation.

Serving Key Lime Pie That Steals the Show

• Tropical Brunch Centerpiece: Serve this tangy key lime pie as the star dessert at a relaxed weekend brunch, surrounded by fresh tropical fruits like mango slices and pineapple wedges.
• Sunset Beach Party Companion: Take this pie to an outdoor gathering, pairing it with chilled coconut cocktails and allowing guests to enjoy the zesty, refreshing flavors alongside ocean views.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Present the pie as a sophisticated dessert course after a Caribbean-inspired meal, garnishing with thin lime wheel slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.
• Summer Potluck Showstopper: Bring this pie to community gatherings, transporting it in a cooler to maintain its perfect chilled consistency, and watch as friends and family request seconds of this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Store Key Lime Pie to Keep It Crisp and Cool

• Store the key lime pie in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Prepare the crust and filling a day ahead, then bake and chill overnight. This technique helps develop richer flavors and saves precious morning preparation time.
• Wrap the fully cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and taste quality.
• Keep the whipped cream topping separate from the pie until serving. Store whipped cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum 2 days. Gently re-whip before adding to the pie to restore its fluffy texture.

Tangy Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy, tangy key lime pie whisks dessert lovers straight to Florida’s sunny shores with its perfect balance of zesty citrus and sweet graham cracker crust. Cool and refreshing, you’ll savor each sublime bite of this classic American treat that promises pure tropical delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional, for extra zing)
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform mixture. Firmly press the combination across the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 810 minutes, allowing the crust to set and develop a light golden hue. Remove and let cool momentarily.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh lime juice, and zest in a medium bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently transfer the mixture into the slightly cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Baking and Chilling Process: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling stabilizes with a gentle jiggle. Remove and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, permitting the pie to set and develop its signature tangy flavor profile.
4. Garnish Technique: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks emerge. Just before serving, lavishly crown the chilled pie with the freshly prepared whipped cream, creating an elegant and inviting presentation.

Notes

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into pie dish to create a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when serving.
• Use fresh lime zest for maximum flavor intensity, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the green skin when grating.
• Whisk filling ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, uniform texture throughout the pie.
• Allow pie to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the clean, crisp texture of the filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg