Description
This Best Key Lime Pie recipe features a perfectly tart and sweet creamy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s easy to make and delivers a refreshing, classic American dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. The pie is topped with a light, fluffy whipped cream, making each bite irresistibly smooth and flavorful.
Ingredients
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 the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of an 8 to 9.5-inch pie pan to form the crust. Bake it for 7 minutes until set and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Key Lime Filling: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, light sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust. Bake the pie for 10 minutes, just until the filling is set but still soft in the center.
- Chill the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to fully set and enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: Using a mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Optionally, sprinkle additional lime zest on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the pie is properly chilled before adding the whipped cream for best texture.
- You can substitute regular lime juice if key lime juice is unavailable, but key lime juice offers the authentic tart flavor.
- For a firmer crust, you can bake the crust a few minutes longer, but be careful not to burn it.
- The whipped cream topping can be stabilized with a small amount of gelatin if you want it to hold its shape longer.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
