Description
A tangy, creamy, and zesty key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy dessert comes together in about 15 minutes of active work and tastes better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 key lime, zested
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it evenly.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until toasted and slightly darker. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until bright yellow and frothy (about 1 minute).
- Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until combined.
- Whisk in the key lime juice and zest. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake the pie for 15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
- Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature on the counter.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- When ready to serve, whip the cold heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with extra lime zest and lime slices if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
Notes
Use real key lime juice for the best flavor; regular lime juice is not tart enough. Do not overbake the pie, as it will crack; it should still jiggle in the center when removed from the oven. Cool the crust completely before adding filling to prevent sogginess. Chill the mixing bowl for 15 minutes before whipping cream for better results. The pie tastes better the next day after flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: key lime pie, dessert, easy dessert, key lime, graham cracker crust, make ahead dessert, summer dessert