Key Lime Pie

There’s nothing quite like the first bite of my homemade Key Lime Pie. It instantly takes me back to our family vacation in Florida. My kids were sticky with salt and sand, and we shared a slice of this tangy, creamy pie on a sun-bleached dock.

That bright, bold flavor captured an entire week of summer joy. Now, I recreate that memory in my own kitchen. This Key Lime Pie recipe is our family’s favorite dessert.

It’s wonderfully simple. It bursts with that signature zing. Each slice is a little taste of sunshine.

I love how this easy Key Lime Pie brings everyone to the table, even on a busy weeknight. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS KEY LIME PIE

This Key Lime Pie comes together in minutes. You get a stunning dessert without turning on the oven for long. The filling is incredibly creamy, not too heavy.

It provides a refreshing finish to any meal. This easy Pie never fails to impress guests. It tastes like a restaurant-quality treat.

You will love how the crunchy crust complements the silky filling. Plus, this Key Lime uses simple, everyday ingredients. It makes any occasion feel special.

Key Lime Pie

---

• Author: MEGAN
• Total Time: 35 mins plus 4 hours chilling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Key Lime Pie recipe captures the bright, tangy flavor of a Florida vacation. It's wonderfully simple, with a creamy filling and crunchy crust, perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons Melted butter
¼ cup Granulated sugar (for crust)
1 (14 oz) can Sweetened condensed milk
½ cup Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
3 large Egg yolks
1 tablespoon Lime zest (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate
3. Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly
4. Whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl. Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth
5. Slowly pour in the key lime juice and stir gently. The mixture will thicke
6. Pour the filling into the warm crust
7. Bake this Key Lime Pie for 15 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly
8. Cool completely on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best)
9. Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream, lime zest, or fresh berries

Notes

Always use room temperature egg yolks for a smooth, creamy texture.

Do not overbake the filling; a slight jiggle ensures a silky texture.

For best flavor, chill the pie overnight.

Use a microplane to zest limes before juicing.

Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge overnight). Do not microwave.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: key lime pie, dessert, lime, pie, graham cracker crust

Ingredients you’ll need

Let me share what you need for this incredible Key Lime Pie.

Substitutions & variations

You can easily tweak this Key Lime Pie recipe. Use a pre-made graham cracker crust for total ease. Swap in regular lime juice for a milder Pie.

For a different crust, try crushed vanilla wafers. Add a swirl of raspberry puree for a fruity twist. This classic Key Lime Pie also works with a meringue topping.

Simply whip three egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Bake as directed for a different texture.

Step-by-step instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate.

Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Let it cool slightly. Next, whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl.

Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in the key lime juice.

Stir gently. The mixture will thicken beautifully. Pour the filling into the warm crust.

Bake this Key Lime Pie for 15 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial for a perfect Pie.

Pro tips for success

Always use room temperature egg yolks. This helps create a smooth, creamy Key Lime Pie. Do not overbake the filling.

A slight jiggle ensures a silky texture. For the best Key Lime Pie, chill it overnight. The flavors meld beautifully.

Use a microplane to zest the limes before juicing. This simple Pie always benefits from fresh zest on top. Patience is key. Let the pie set completely to avoid a runny slice.

Room temperature egg yolks are essential for a silky Key Lime Pie filling. For another unique treat with a spicy twist, try these Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls.

Storage & reheating tips

Store leftover Key Lime Pie in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.

You can freeze this Pie for up to two months. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Never microwave this Key Lime Pie. Serve it cold for the best texture.

What to serve with this recipe

Sweeten your Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries offer a lovely contrast. Serve it alongside iced tea or lemonade.

This creamy Key Lime pairs perfectly with a light vanilla bean ice cream. A simple fruit salad also works wonderfully.

A dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries perfectly complement the tangy Key Lime Pie. For a lighter version, check out this Simple Key Lime Chia Seed Pudding.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes for Key Lime Pie?

Yes. Regular limes create a delicious Key Lime Pie. The flavor is slightly less tart. It still tastes wonderful.

Why is my Key Lime Pie runny?

Your Key Lime Pie might be runny from underbaking. It also needs enough chilling time. Always bake until just set. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Do I need fresh key limes?

No. Bottled key lime juice works perfectly for this Key Lime Pie. It is convenient and reliable. The flavor remains bright and authentic.

Key Lime Pie is a classic American dessert made from key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a graham cracker crust. It is often associated with the Florida Keys and is known for its bright, tangy flavor. Learn more about Key Lime Pie.

Nutrition information (per serving)