Key Lime Pie (Printable Version)

Sweet-tart key lime filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with freshly whipped cream.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 7 ounces graham crackers (about 13–14 crackers), crushed
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
07 - 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
08 - 4 large egg yolks

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices, for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until evenly moistened.
03 - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
04 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined.
06 - Pour the filling into the warm crust and smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 15 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
09 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
10 - For the topping, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
11 - Pipe or spoon whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with lime zest or slices before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in literally minutes using pantry staples
  • That magical contrast between the crisp buttery crust and silky custardlike center
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy here, pull the pie out while it still has a slight wobble in the center
  • The filling continues to set as it cools, so patience during the chilling phase is absolutely essential
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and prevent lumps in your filling
  • A glass pie pan lets you check if the bottom crust is properly baked through
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