Description
This classic Key Lime Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, zesty lime filling, it is topped with light and fluffy homemade whipped cream. The pie is baked briefly to set the filling and chilled to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust. Bake it for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and key lime zest together until the mixture thickens slightly. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue whisking until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the key lime juice and mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Bake the pie: Pour the prepared filling into the slightly cooled crust. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center, indicating it is perfectly cooked. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Chill the pie: Place the cooled pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to fully set and flavors to meld. For a firmer filling, you may refrigerate it overnight.
- Prepare the whipped cream topping: In a mixing bowl, beat together the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This creates a light and fluffy topping to complement the tart pie.
- Serve: Serve the chilled pie sliced into 8 pieces and topped with generous dollops of the homemade whipped cream for a delicious and refreshing dessert treat.
Notes
- Regular lime juice can be used as a substitute if key lime juice is unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- For a firmer, more sliceable filling, refrigerate the pie overnight before serving.
