Description
A tangy and creamy Key Lime Pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, zesty lime filling. This classic dessert is baked to perfection and chilled to serve, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice
- 3 egg yolks
Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to prepare for baking the crust and pie.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture firmly along the bottom and sides of a pie plate to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to set it. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly to firm up before adding the filling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined, ensuring the filling will be creamy and consistent.
- Pour Filling: Carefully pour the lime filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Pie: Bake the assembled pie for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to stabilize the filling.
- Chill: Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill until fully set and cold, which enhances the flavors and texture.
- Serve: Optionally top the pie with whipped cream before slicing and serving for added richness and decoration.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use fresh Key lime juice or bottled Key lime juice specifically labeled as such.
- Letting the crust cool slightly before adding the filling ensures the crust remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
- Chilling the pie thoroughly is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a nice creamy contrast to the tart filling.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the pie cleanly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
