Luscious Sweet-Tart Key Lime (Printable)

Luscious sweet-tart key lime filling in a crisp graham crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 13–14 crackers), crushed
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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 - Additional lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

# How to Cook:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt, stirring until evenly moistened.
03 - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan to create an even crust.
04 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, grated lime zest, and egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
06 - Pour the filling evenly into the warm crust, smoothing the surface for an even layer.
07 - Bake the pie for 15 minutes, or until the center is set but retains a slight wobble.
08 - Remove the pie from the oven, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
09 - Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
10 - Apply whipped cream topping over the chilled pie and garnish with additional lime zest or slices before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The filling sets perfectly without fuss, no complicated custard techniques required.
  • It balances sweet and tart so well that even people who claim they dont like lime ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Dont overbake the filling or it will crack and lose its creamy texture, a slight wobble in the center is exactly what you want.
  • Let the pie chill completely before slicing or the filling will ooze, patience here makes all the difference.
03 -
  • Zest the limes before juicing them, its nearly impossible to zest a juiced lime and youll thank yourself later.
  • If your filling looks thin, dont worry, it thickens as it bakes and chills, trust the process.
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