Description
This Best Key Lime Pie recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a tangy and creamy key lime custard, topped with a luscious homemade whipped cream. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, this classic dessert is chilled to set and delivers a refreshing finish ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
Key Lime Filling
- 28 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 3/4 cup key lime juice
- Zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of an 8- to 9.5-inch pie pan. Bake the crust for 7 minutes to set, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Key Lime Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, light sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and creamy. Pour the filling mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust and bake for 10 minutes until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chill the Pie: Let the pie cool slightly at room temperature after baking, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to fully set and chill.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Using a mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together on high speed until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla extract gently to combine. Spread or pipe the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie. Optionally, garnish with additional lime zest for extra flavor and decoration.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the pie long enough to allow the filling to fully set for best texture.
- Use key lime juice if available to get the authentic citrus flavor unique to key lime pie.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pie pan to avoid it crumbling when serving.
- Whipped cream topping can be added just before serving to keep it fresh.
- For a less sweet version, consider reducing the powdered sugar in the whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of pie)
- Calories: 517
- Sugar: 58g
- Sodium: 262mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
