Description
Tangy key lime pie delivers a zesty slice of Florida’s culinary charm. Creamy filling nestled in a graham cracker crust promises refreshing citrus flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (14 oz/396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup key lime juice
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2–3 key limes, zested
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsps butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 8 oz (226 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1–2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsps powdered sugar
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, combine with sugar and melted butter, creating a texture resembling damp sand. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, ensuring even coverage.
- Crust Baking: Position pan in a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 7-9 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue. Remove and allow complete cooling.
- Filling Creation: Carefully zest key limes, extracting only the vibrant green exterior. Extract fresh lime juice, then whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolks, lime juice, and zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pie Assembly: Pour lime filling into cooled crust, distributing evenly. Return to 350°F oven, baking 16-18 minutes until center exhibits a subtle wobble when gently nudged.
- Cooling Process: Remove pie from oven, allowing 30 minutes of room temperature resting. Transfer to refrigerator, chilling 3-4 hours to achieve perfect set.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Chill mixing bowl and whisk, then whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Incorporate vanilla extract and powdered sugar, creating a luxurious cream.
- Final Presentation: Pipe whipped cream decoratively across pie’s surface. Garnish with reserved graham cracker crumbs, additional lime zest, and a fresh lime slice. Serve chilled, savoring within 2-3 days for peak deliciousness.
Notes
- Zest with Care: Carefully remove only the green outer layer of key limes to avoid bitter white pith, ensuring pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Crust Consistency Matters: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won’t crumble when slicing.
- Filling Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and blend at medium-high speed to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Chilling is Crucial: Allow pie to set in refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, which helps filling firm up and flavors meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg