Print

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Easy Key Lime Pie recipe features a tangy and creamy pie made with fresh key lime juice, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a smooth sweetened condensed milk filling. Perfectly baked and chilled, it’s a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1/3 cup butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

For the Filling

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 6 key limes (for zesting and juicing)
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice (to top up if needed)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Whipped topping
  • Lime slices
  • Extra lime zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, then stir in the graham cracker crumbs until well mixed. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate using the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly compact the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour until firm, or alternatively, bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes and then allow to cool completely before filling.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Limes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Zest the key limes until you have 2 teaspoons of zest, then juice the key limes. Pour the juice into a 1/2 cup measuring cup. If there is not enough fresh juice, supplement with bottled Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice to make a full 1/2 cup.
  3. Beat Egg Yolks: Using a stand or electric mixer, whisk the egg yolks on high speed until they thicken and turn a light yellow color, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add Condensed Milk: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the sweetened condensed milk and continue mixing until combined.
  5. Incorporate Lime Juice and Zest: Gradually add the key lime juice and zest to the mixture and mix on low speed just until blended, making sure not to overmix.
  6. Fill and Bake: Pour the lime filling into the prepared crust. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until fully chilled and set, at least 2 hours.
  8. Serve: Garnish with whipped topping, lime slices, and additional lime zest as desired before serving.

Notes

  • For a firmer crust without baking, chilling for at least one hour works well.
  • If fresh key limes are unavailable, bottled key lime juice is a great alternative for authentic flavor.
  • Ensure not to overbake the filling to prevent curdling; it should be just set.
  • Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
  • Use a food-safe zester to get fine lime zest and avoid the bitter white pith.

Keywords: key lime pie, easy key lime pie, graham cracker crust, lime dessert, summer pie, citrus pie

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/easy-key-lime-pie-recipe/