Best Key Lime Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Key Lime Pie is an absolute treat for anyone who loves a balance of tart and sweet flavors. The graham cracker crust gives a delightful crunch, while the filling is a creamy and zesty explosion of key lime goodness. It’s incredibly easy to make, with no complicated steps or techniques required. The whipped cream topping is light, fluffy, and the perfect contrast to the rich filling. Whether you're serving it at a summer BBQ or as a simple weeknight dessert, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients

Graham cracker crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoon butter, melted

Key Lime Filling:

• 28 oz sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup light sour cream

• ¾ cup key lime juice

• Zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes

Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the graham cracker crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

3. Press the crumb mixture into an 8" or 9.5" pie pan to form a crust.

4. Bake for 7 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes.

For the key lime filling:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest.

3. Pour the mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.

4. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow the pie to cool slightly.

5. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.

For the whipped cream topping:

1. Beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together in a mixer until stiff peaks form.

2. Add vanilla extract and continue to beat until well combined.

3. Spread or pipe the whipped cream onto the cooled pie.

4. Top with additional lime zest, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 17 minutes

• Chill time: 3 hours

• Total time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)

• Servings: 10 servings

Variations

• Key Lime Pie Bars: To make this recipe into bars, simply press the graham cracker crust into a baking dish (instead of a pie pan) and cut into squares after baking and chilling.

• Coconut Key Lime Pie: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the crust or the filling for a tropical twist.

• Lime Meringue Topping: Replace the whipped cream topping with a meringue for a classic key lime pie variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the Key Lime Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: This pie is best served cold and does not need reheating. However, if you prefer your whipped cream topping slightly softened, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, while key limes are preferred for their unique flavor, regular lime juice can be substituted. However, key limes will give the pie its characteristic tartness.

2. Can I make this pie without sour cream?

Sour cream helps to balance the sweetness and tartness of the filling. If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.

3. How can I make the graham cracker crust without butter?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.

4. Can I freeze Key Lime Pie?

Yes, Key Lime Pie can be frozen. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

5. How do I make my own graham cracker crumbs?

To make your own graham cracker crumbs, crush graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

6. What is the best way to zest a lime?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lime, ensuring you only get the green part of the peel, as the white pith can be bitter.

7. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can certainly use a store-bought graham cracker crust. Just skip the steps for making the crust from scratch.

8. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Key Lime Pie is best when it has had time to chill for a few hours, so it’s perfect for making ahead. Just make sure to store it in the fridge.

9. Can I skip the whipped cream topping?

While the whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the tart filling, you can skip it if you prefer. You could also substitute it with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

10. How can I make my whipped cream extra fluffy?

Make sure your heavy cream is chilled before whipping. For extra fluffiness, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or cornstarch to help stabilize the whipped cream.

Conclusion

This Best Key Lime Pie is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dessert that is sure to impress. With its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this pie is the perfect balance of tart and sweet and will undoubtedly become a go-to recipe in your collection!