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This Key West Key Lime Pie recipe is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh citrus flavor in every bite. Made with fresh key lime juice, a buttery homemade graham cracker crust, and topped with fluffy whipped cream, this classic dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to slice up the Florida Keys at home.
Why you’ll love this Key West Key Lime Pie recipe
I love this key lime pie recipe. This Key West Key Lime Pie is the real deal, with a taste of the Florida Keys in every bite. Perfect for a dinner party or dessert party with friends, this easy pie is a must-try. Please enjoy the creamy texture and authentic taste.
Ingredient memo
This is the best key lime pie recipe with a simple ingredient list. To ensure the smoothest pie filling, use room temperature ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Graham Cracker Crumb – Every delicious key lime pie starts with a graham cracker crust. You can crush graham crackers yourself using a food processor, or you can purchase pre-crushed packages. Butter – Used to hold the graham cracker crumbs together. Granulated sugar – makes the dough a little sweeter. Sweetened condensed milk – it thickens as it reacts with the acid in the lime juice. It also helps to sweeten it. Large egg yolk – helps the filling firm up after baking. Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is best. You can choose to stick with a classic pie here by using key limes or regular limes. Key lime zest – Again, fresh is best. Whipped Cream – This is an optional garnish that makes the pie look amazing. You can use store-bought or homemade fresh cream!
If you love Key Lime Pie, check out these other recipes: Key Lime Pie Sheet Cake, Lime (Tofu) Cheesecake, Lime Sheet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, and Coconut Lime Dessert Shots.
How to make key lime pie
For recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are the detailed steps to make this Key West Key Lime Pie.
Step 1: Preheat oven + prepare pie plate
Preheat oven to 350°F. You will need a standard size pie plate. I used something made of glass.
Step 2: Prepare the graham cracker pie crust
In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until completely moistened. Pour into a glass pie plate and press evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 3: Make the key lime filling
While the crust is baking, using a hand mixer or stand mixer (helps mix everything quickly and smoothly) and the whisk attachment, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Bake
After removing the dough from the oven, pour the filling and smooth the surface. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until set.
Step 5: Cool and refrigerate
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, then cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Cut the pie into 8 equal pieces and serve with fresh cream.
You don’t need many tools to make this Key West Key Lime Pie recipe, but these are the ones I use most often and are recommended for ease of preparation and better results.
Glass Pie Plate – I use a glass pie plate. This is because the dough bakes evenly and is easy to serve. Hand mixer or stand mixer – This helps whip up fillings and toppings quickly with less effort. Mixing Bowl – This tool allows you to easily separate the dough and filling during preparation. Measuring cups and measuring spoons – These will help you measure everything accurately and make your pie correctly.
tips for success
Make sure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. However, avoid over-mixing. Once the filling looks smooth, stop stirring so the texture remains light and creamy rather than thick. Press the pastry firmly and evenly throughout the pie plate, including the sides. This will help it hold its shape and won’t fall apart when you slice it. If possible, use freshly squeezed lime juice. You can use bottled juice in a pinch, but fresh juice has a brighter, cleaner flavor that really stands out in this pie. Please be patient and take your time. The pie needs plenty of time in the refrigerator to completely set. This makes the filling firmer and makes slicing much easier and cleaner. Avoid adding toppings too early. Wait until the pie is completely set and cool so that the whipped cream remains fluffy and doesn’t melt into the filling. Slice with a clean, sharp knife, wiping between cuts. This will keep each slice clean and maintain nice layers. If the dough feels too soft, lightly bake it for a few more minutes until it turns a slightly darker golden brown. This further strengthens the structure and maintains the crispiness after filling. Let the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. It will soften a little, add more flavor, and have a better texture.
What to eat with key lime pie in Key West
Key West’s Key Lime Pie pairs well with both sweet and savory options. These simple combinations help balance the citrusy acidity and easily transform the pie into a full-fledged meal or part of a dessert spread.
Storage + Advance Instructions
Keep pie refrigerated. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Wrap the pie tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Freeze and upload Up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Make ahead: Key lime pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
FAQ
This usually happens when the stuffing is not mixed well or cooled enough. Make sure the pie is completely cool and has plenty of time in the fridge to firm up.
The edges should look solid, while there is still a slight wobble in the center. It will solidify further as it cools.
Yes, baking sets the dough and prevents it from falling apart when you add the filling. The overall texture will also improve.
This usually means the crust is not pressed firmly enough. Press firmly and evenly so that it holds together well after slicing.
variations
For the batter: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnaps. Lime Juice: If fresh key limes are not available, use Persian lime or bottled key lime juice. Topping: Make a Lemon Meringue Pie Twist by topping with meringue instead of whipped cream. Flavor: Add a little sour cream to the filling for extra creaminess.
Try more delicious pie recipes!!
This Key Lime Pie recipe is creamy and tangy, perfect for summer. Printable recipe cards are below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂
Key West Key Lime Pie Recipe
There’s no dessert as delicious and refreshing as Key Lime Pie. Sweet, creamy, and tart, this Key West Key Lime Pie recipe will make you swoon.
material
US metric system
1x2x3x
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar until completely moistened.
Pour into a glass pie plate and press evenly down the bottom and sides. Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden brown.
While the dough is baking, stir together the sweetened condensed milk with the egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest.
Once the dough is out of the oven, pour in the filling, smooth the top and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until set.
Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.
Cut the pie into 8 pieces and serve with whipped cream.
nutrition
calorie: 326kcalcarbohydrates: 39gprotein: 5gfat: 17gSaturated fat: 10gcholesterol: 50mgsodium: 249mgpotassium: 224mgsugar: 31gVitamin A: 490IUVitamin C: 6.4mgcalcium: 156mgiron: 0.6mg
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you could give me a star rating or leave a review in the comments! If you have a photo of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
(Tag translation) Butter
