Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Florida with this mind-blowing Key Lime Pie recipe! Imagine a dessert so tantalizing, so perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, that it'll become the talk of every gathering. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises a show-stopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery – and tastes even better!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
- Bake the graham cracker crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Add sweetened condensed milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour in fresh key lime juice and lime zest, stirring gently until the filling is completely combined and has a consistent color and texture.
- Carefully pour the key lime filling into the prepared, cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the pie for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the pie to set completely.
- Before serving, top with freshly whipped cream and additional lime zest if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips
- Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: While bottled juice works, fresh-squeezed key lime juice makes a world of difference in flavor intensity.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Crust Pressing Technique: When forming the graham cracker crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly and evenly for a perfect base.
- Don't Overbake: The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven – it will set completely during cooling.
- Chilling is Crucial: Allow the pie to chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better) to achieve the perfect set and flavor melding.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest just before serving for that picture-perfect finish.
- Storage Tip: This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
