Sweet and Tangy Key Lime Pie

How to Make a Sweet and Tangy Key Lime Pie

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Key lime pie is a quintessential American dessert, beloved for its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

With its smooth, creamy filling made from key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect refreshing treat for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the perfect key lime pie from scratch.

Ingredients for the Key Lime Pie

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • Pinch of salt

 

For the Filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

  • 3 large egg yolks (reserve the egg whites for the meringue or use in another recipe)

  • 1 tsp lime zest (optional, for extra flavor)

 

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Key Lime Pie

1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

The crust for key lime pie is simple, yet it adds a perfect crunch to balance the creamy filling.

  1. Prepare the crust ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.

  2. Mix until combined: Stir the ingredients until the mixture is evenly coated with butter and slightly resembles wet sand.

  3. Press into a pie dish: Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly.

  4. Bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and set. Once done, allow it to cool completely.

 

2. Make the Filling

The filling for key lime pie is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare.

  1. Combine the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.

  2. Add the key lime juice: Pour in the key lime juice, and whisk until fully combined. If you want an extra limey punch, add some lime zest to the mixture.

  3. Pour the filling into the cooled crust: Once the crust has cooled, pour the filling into the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

  4. Bake the pie: Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The filling will firm up and set, but it should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven.

  5. Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set.

 

3. Make the Whipped Cream Topping

A fluffy whipped cream topping adds a light, airy finish to the tangy pie.

  1. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.

  2. Sweeten the cream: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.

  3. Top the pie: Once the pie is fully chilled, top it with a generous amount of whipped cream. Use a spatula or piping bag to decorate the top, adding swirls or peaks for a beautiful finish.

 

4. Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Slice and serve: Once your key lime pie has fully set, slice it into wedges and serve. Garnish with additional lime zest or lime slices for a colorful touch.

  2. Chill leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

 

Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Pie

1. Use Fresh Key Limes (If Possible)

If you can get fresh key limes, they make a huge difference in flavor. However, bottled key lime juice works well too, especially if fresh key limes aren’t available.

2. Don’t Overbake the Filling

The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when done baking. Overbaking can cause it to crack, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

3. Chill the Pie Properly

Chilling the pie is essential for it to set properly. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours, or even overnight, to achieve the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust and a smooth, creamy filling. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday meal, or as a refreshing summer dessert, this pie will be a hit.

With its simple ingredients and easy steps, making a key lime pie from scratch is always a rewarding experience. Enjoy every bite!

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