Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

The first time I made this Key Lime Pie with a Graham Cracker Crust, it was an instant hit with my family. The tangy and refreshing flavor of the key lime filling paired with the sweetness of the graham cracker crust created a symphony of tastes that everyone adored. My kids couldn’t get enough of it, and my partner said it was the best pie they’d tasted in ages. This recipe has become a staple at our family gatherings, and I am thrilled to share it with you. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you’ll have a dessert that impresses with minimal effort.

Ingredients

This delightful Key Lime Pie is made with simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, or that are easily available at your local grocery store. The key ingredients include:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – This is the base of your pie crust, providing that sweet and crumbly texture.
• ⅓ cup sugar – To sweeten the crust just enough.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – This binds the crust together.
• 4 large egg yolks – These contribute to the creamy consistency of the filling.
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk – A key component of the filling, adding sweetness and a luscious texture.
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice – Provides that signature tartness. You can use bottled key lime juice if fresh limes are unavailable.
• 1 tablespoon lime zest – Enhances the lime flavor and adds a touch of color to the filling.
• Whipped cream, for garnish – Optional, but adds a lovely finishing touch.
• Lime slices, for garnish – Optional, for added presentation value.

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this delightful Key Lime Pie:

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks on high speed until they become thick and pale, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until well combined. Stir in the key lime juice and lime zest until smooth and creamy.
3. Fill the crust: Pour the lime filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the pie: Return the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set. The center should jiggle slightly when you gently shake the dish.
5. Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled. This allows the filling to firm up completely.
6. Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream and lime slices if desired. Slice and enjoy your homemade Key Lime Pie!

Nutrition Facts

This pie serves approximately 8 people, making it perfect for a small gathering or family dessert. Each serving contains about 450 calories. The nutritional content can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients used and the size of the slices.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this pie is quite reasonable, especially considering the delightful end result. Here’s a breakdown:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 25 minutes (including crust and filling)
• Chilling: At least 3 hours

So, in total, you’re looking at around 3 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being hands-off while the pie chills.

How to Serve

Key Lime Pie is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways to suit your occasion:

• For a casual family dinner, serve the pie straight from the fridge with a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a special occasion, add decorative lime slices and a sprinkle of lime zest on top.
• Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• For an elegant presentation, serve the pie on a cake stand and garnish with edible flowers.
• Offer individual mini pies by making the recipe in smaller, personal-sized pie tins.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Key Lime Pie turns out perfect every time:

1. Use fresh lime juice: While bottled key lime juice can be convenient, fresh juice offers the best flavor. If you can find fresh key limes, seize the opportunity.
2. Chill thoroughly: The pie needs ample time to chill and set properly. Don’t rush this step, as it ensures a firm filling.
3. Zest before juicing: It’s easier to zest the limes before you juice them, and it prevents waste.
4. Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps them incorporate more smoothly into the filling and crust.
5. Press the crust firmly: Ensure the crust is compacted well to prevent it from crumbling when you cut the pie.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Key Lime Pie:

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
   Yes, you can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
2. How do I store leftover pie?
   Cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze Key Lime Pie?
   Yes, Key Lime Pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What if my filling is runny?
   If your filling is runny, it may not have been baked long enough. Make sure to bake until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
5. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This pie is great for making a day ahead, allowing it to chill and set perfectly.