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Traditional Key Lime Pie

Featured in Sweet Treats Without Turning On the Oven.

Experience the vibrant flavors of a traditional Key Lime pie. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet with a buttery graham cracker crust. Fresh lime zest and juice add a bright punch, while whipped cream provides a luscious finish. Enjoy as a refreshing dessert that's simple yet elegant.

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Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:43:55 GMT
Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe Pin it
Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe | mellierecipes.com

This traditional Key Lime Pie recipe has been my secret weapon for impressing guests for years, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every creamy bite with a crisp graham cracker crust that complements the filling beautifully.

I first made this pie for a neighborhood potluck where it disappeared within minutes and everyone demanded the recipe. Now it's my most requested dessert for family gatherings and holiday meals.

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers: Crushed into fine crumbs form the perfect crisp foundation for this pie. Look for fresh packages to avoid stale flavor.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Provides rich creaminess and sweetness. Organic varieties offer a slightly better flavor profile.
  • Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Always use full fat for the best texture.
  • Key limes: Deliver that signature tart citrus flavor. Choose fruits that feel heavy for their size and have a slight give when squeezed.
  • Lime zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor. Use only the green outer layer avoiding the bitter white pith.
  • Egg yolks: Create that silky custard texture. Farm fresh eggs make a noticeable difference.
  • Heavy whipping cream: For a cloud-like topping that cuts through the richness. Look for cream with at least 36% fat content.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the crust:
Process graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with sugar and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into a 9inch deep dish pie plate creating an even layer along the bottom and sides. Bake just until golden about 7 minutes. The slight toasting brings out a nutty flavor in the graham crackers.
Create the filling:
Combine sweetened condensed milk sour cream lime juice egg yolks and lime zest in a mixer bowl. Start mixing on low speed to prevent splashing then increase to medium high for a full 2 to 3 minutes. This extended mixing time is crucial as it thickens the filling and creates the perfect texture. The mixture should visibly thicken and become slightly ribbony when ready.
Bake to perfection:
Pour your prepared filling into the completely cooled crust and bake until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle about 15 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to overbake as the filling will continue to set as it cools. The key is achieving that creamy texture without any browning.
Chill thoroughly:
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 3 hours. Overnight chilling is even better as it allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures clean slices when serving.
Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe Pin it
Traditional Key Lime Pie Recipe | mellierecipes.com

The fresh lime zest is my secret ingredient that takes this pie from good to exceptional. My grandmother taught me to add the zest after juicing the limes rather than before to capture the most aromatic oils. Every time I make this pie I remember summer visits to her Florida kitchen where she would juice Key limes from her backyard tree.

Make Ahead Tips

This Key Lime Pie actually improves with time making it perfect for advance preparation. Make it up to two days before serving and keep refrigerated. The flavors will continue to develop and the texture becomes even more silky. Just wait to add the whipped cream topping until an hour or so before serving for the freshest presentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pie filling isnt setting properly after chilling it likely means the mixing time was too short. That 2 to 3 minute high speed mix is essential for activating the thickeners in the condensed milk and allowing them to properly combine with the acidic lime juice. Another potential cause is underbaking simply return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Key Lime Pie shines when served alongside fresh berries particularly raspberries or blackberries which provide a beautiful color contrast and complementary flavor. For beverages consider an unsweetened iced tea with mint or a light champagne if serving as a special dessert. The contrast between the rich pie and the clean refreshing drink creates a perfect balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?

Yes, Persian limes are a good substitute. Add extra zest for a more tart flavor profile.

→ How do I make the crust gluten-free?

Replace regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crumbs to make the crust suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ What is the best way to juice Key limes?

Using a citrus juicer is most efficient for extracting juice from Key limes, which are small and tedious to juice by hand.

→ Can I store this pie ahead of time?

Yes, keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavor improves as it chills.

→ Can I omit the eggs from the filling?

Yes, the pie will still set without eggs, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.

Traditional Key Lime Pie

Classic Key Lime pie with a creamy filling and crisp crust.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
28 Minutes
Total Time
48 Minutes

Category: No-Bake Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (One 9-inch pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 1 sleeve)
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Key Lime Pie Filling

04 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
05 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (or thick Greek yogurt)
06 2-3 Key Limes, zested (Persian limes optional)
07 3/4 cup fresh Key Lime juice (approximately 30 Key Limes or 9 Persian limes)
08 2 large egg yolks

→ Whipped Cream Topping

09 8 ounces heavy whipping cream, cold
10 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 2-4 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Combine crumbs with sugar in a bowl and mix. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated. Reserve 1/4 cup mixture for topping, if desired. Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the base and sides. Bake for 6-8 minutes until lightly golden and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and zest the Key Limes, then juice them to yield 3/4 cup. In a stand mixer, combine lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolks, and lime zest. Whip on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggles when shaken.

Step 03

Remove the pie from the oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, preferably 6 hours or more, to fully set.

Step 04

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then whip until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag with a star tip.

Step 05

Pipe whipped cream onto the chilled pie in decorative patterns. Garnish with lime zest, reserved graham cracker crumbs, and lime slices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. To expedite cooling, place the baked crust in the freezer for 20-30 minutes after an initial 10-minute cooling period on a wire rack.
  2. Persian limes may be substituted for Key Limes, but the pie may be less tart. Add extra zest for a more robust flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
  • Microplane Spice Grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and whipped cream.
  • Contains eggs from filling.
  • Contains gluten from traditional graham cracker crust.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 447
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 9 g