Irresistible Key Lime Pie: A Tropical Dessert Delight

There’s something magical about the first bite of a key lime pie. It’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds, bursting with tangy sweetness and a creamy texture that makes you feel all warm inside. Picture yourself lounging on a sunny beach, savoring that zesty flavor while the ocean waves serenade your senses; it’s pure bliss in dessert form.

Now, let me take you back to my family’s annual summer barbecue. My Uncle Joe, armed with his trusty mixing bowl and an eye for mischief, decided to whip up his infamous key lime pie. The pie was a hit! Little did I know that Uncle Joe’s antics would turn this dessert into a cherished family tradition, always reminding us of sunny days and laughter.

My Aunt Sally took one look at the pie and proclaimed it “the best thing since sliced bread!” I think we can all agree that this recipe has earned its place in our hearts (and stomachs).

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Key Limes: Use fresh key limes for an authentic tartness; they’re smaller and pack more flavor than regular limes.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds rich creaminess; don’t skimp on quality for the best flavor.

• Egg Yolks: Bring richness to the filling; be sure to use fresh eggs for optimal results.

• Graham Cracker Crust: Store-bought works well, but homemade adds a personal touch and extra crunch!

• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides the perfect finishing touch—don’t forget to dollop generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until crumbly. Press firmly into a pie dish.

Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding filling; this prevents sogginess.

Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they’re thick and pale. Add sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed key lime juice gradually.

Pour into Crust: Carefully pour the luscious filling into your cooled crust, smoothing out any bubbles. This is where anticipation builds as you imagine that first bite!

Bake Again!: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for another 15 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly—like your Uncle Joe after a few too many glasses of lemonade!

Chill Before Serving: Allow your pie to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Patience is key here; it’ll be worth the wait when you finally slice into it!

Now that you’ve got your key lime pie ready, gather your friends or family and prepare for oohs and aahs as they take their first bites!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate key lime pie, start by pre-baking the crust while you prepare the filling to ensure a crispy base.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular limes for key limes for a zesty punch or add whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Storing & Reheating

Store your delicious key lime pie in an airtight container in the fridge for maximum freshness. It should remain delightful for up to a week.

I remember the first time I made key lime pie; my friends devoured it like it was their last meal. Their compliments made my day and boosted my cooking confidence!

FAQ

What makes key lime pie different from regular lime pie?

Key lime pie uses small, sweeter key limes while regular lime pie typically uses larger Persian limes.

Can I use bottled key lime juice instead?

While bottled juice works, fresh key limes offer a much brighter flavor that’s worth the effort.

How long can I store leftover key lime pie?

You can safely store leftover pie in the fridge for up to one week without losing flavor.

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Key Lime Pie

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of homemade key lime pie, a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart. This creamy delight, made with fresh key limes, will transport you to a tropical paradise with each bite. Easy to prepare and delightful for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this key lime pie is sure to be a showstopper. With its luscious filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 20 key limes)
• Whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture into a pie dish to form the crust.
2. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until thick. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice; mix well.
4. Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth out any bubbles. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 115g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For extra zest, consider adding lime zest into the filling. Substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable; however, it may alter the flavor profile slightly.