Key Lime Pie Recipe

This utterly irresistible Key Lime Pie is the kind of classic dessert that steals the show at every gathering. Tangy and creamy with the dreamiest citrus zip, it’s a sunshine-filled treat that just begs you to grab a fork and dig in—no special occasion required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Pie is all in its simplicity—each ingredient truly shines. Every element plays a key role in crafting that signature flavor and silky texture, so you’ll want to use the best you can find!

• Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to the pie’s creamy, rich sweetness—don’t try to substitute regular milk!
• Key lime juice: Gives the pie its citrusy zing; if you can get fresh Key limes, the flavor is unbeatable, but bottled juice also works beautifully.
• Sour cream: Rounds out the filling with a hint of tang and keeps it ultra-smooth.
• Grated lime zest: Packed with fragrant oils, zest perks up the whole pie with an extra burst of lime fragrance and color.
• Prepared graham cracker crust: Provides that irresistible, buttery crunch—a shortcut any baker can appreciate!

Variations

One of the best things about this classic Key Lime Pie recipe is that it’s practically begging for creative tweaks. Whether you’re cooking for special diets or just love to play in the kitchen, you’ll find it’s easy to switch things up while keeping that iconic flavor intact.

• Make it gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free graham cracker crust for a pie everyone can enjoy worry-free.
• Dairy-free delight: Substitute canned coconut cream for sour cream, and use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a plant-based version that’s just as luscious.
• Play with the zest: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the lime for a surprising citrus twist (great with summer berries on top!).

How to Make Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s a small step, but having everything ready makes the process smoother and more fun—the aroma of lime zest really sets the mood!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, blend together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, sour cream, and grated lime zest until the mixture is velvety and well combined. Don’t be shy about mixing—a whisk will help achieve a super-smooth, lump-free filling.

Step 3: Fill the Crust

Pour the limey filling into your prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. The filling will be thick but pourable, and it should settle in evenly—this classic combination of creamy and crispy is what Key Lime Pie is all about!

Step 4: Bake Briefly

Set the pie (still in its crust) on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye: you’ll know it’s ready when tiny pinhole bubbles start bursting on the surface, but don’t let it brown. The filling should still be gently wobbly in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Cool the pie on a wire rack to let it set further, then chill thoroughly in the fridge for at least one hour. This waiting time lets the flavors meld and the filling firm up perfectly—hard as it is to resist digging in sooner!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, garnish your Key Lime Pie with lime slices and a generous dollop of whipped cream if you like. Slice, serve, and watch as it disappears faster than you thought possible!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

The simplest way to make a Key Lime Pie look as good as it tastes? A swirl of billowy whipped cream, fresh lime slices, or even a sprinkle of extra zest. These finishing touches add color and freshness, making each slice even more inviting and photogenic for your table.

Side Dishes

While Key Lime Pie is the dazzling star on its own, it pairs fabulously with a fresh fruit salad, a handful of raspberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Light, juicy sides keep the palate refreshed and complement the pie’s bright flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Key Lime Pie in mini mason jars or parfait glasses for elegant single servings at parties. Feeling fancy? Torch a marshmallowy meringue topping on each slice, or decorate with edible flowers and candied citrus for a spring or summer celebration—total showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days—perfect for sneaking a slice with your morning coffee!

Freezing

Want to enjoy Key Lime Pie later? Simply wrap the cooled, ungarnished pie well in plastic then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing, then add whipped cream and garnishes just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Key Lime Pie is meant to be served chilled and is at its absolute best straight from the refrigerator. No reheating required—just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it’s a bit too firm for slicing after time in the freezer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that offers zippy citrus flavor, cool creamy texture, and easy make-ahead prep, Key Lime Pie is truly a winner. Try it once, and I promise you’ll be dreaming up any excuse to make it again—enjoy every tangy, sweet, chilled bite!

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