Best Key Lime Pie
A delightful dessert that encapsulates sweet-and-tangy flavors in a creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs These become the base of a crunchy and sweet crust.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar Lends a touch of sweetness to both the crust and the filling.
- 6 tbsp butter, melted Binds the crust together while infusing it with richness.
For the filling
- 28 oz sweetened condensed milk Provides the pie's signature creamy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup light sour cream Adds depth and tanginess to the filling.
- 3/4 cup key lime juice The star ingredient for the iconic tart flavor.
- Zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes lime zest Enhances the lime flavor with a fragrant burst.
For the topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream Used for the luxurious topping.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the whipped cream.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well incorporated.
- Press the mixture firmly into a pie pan to create a uniform crust.
- Bake the crust for 7 minutes, then allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, light sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
- Pour the lime mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, then let the pie cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 3 hours to set.
Topping
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently mix in vanilla extract.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish with additional lime zest.
Notes
To elevate your Key Lime Pie, add a pinch of salt in the crust and consider using fresh key limes instead of bottled juice. You can also experiment with different citrus zests for unique flavors.