Irresistibly Tangy Key Lime Pie That’ll Make You Smile

Key lime pie is a cherished dessert that bursts with the refreshing taste of tropical citrus.

This beloved American sweet has its roots in the Florida Keys, where key limes thrive under the warm sun.

The pie offers a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors that tantalize your taste buds.

Its creamy filling sits atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, providing an enjoyable texture combination for those who love desserts.

The unique green-yellow color of the filling hints at the fresh key lime juice that gives this pie its special flavor.

This straightforward yet exceptional dessert reflects local traditions and pride, winning hearts all over America.

How To Store And Reheat Key Lime Pie

• Refrigerate: Store leftover key lime pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect the delicate whipped cream topping.
• Thaw: Remove pie from freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent texture changes and potential bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Key lime pie is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating, which could compromise its creamy texture and delicate flavor profile.

Tasty Pairings With Key Lime Pie

• Sip Citrus Cocktail Pairing: Mix a zesty key lime martini with vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to complement the pie's tangy flavor profile.
• Mellow White Wine Match: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright, acidic notes that beautifully balance the creamy pie's richness.
• Create Refreshing Contrast: Serve alongside coconut sorbet or a light mint granita to enhance the dessert's tropical lime undertones and provide a cooling sensation.
• Brew Herbal Tea Companion: Prepare a chilled green tea with lemongrass or a delicate chamomile blend to cleanse the palate and highlight the pie's subtle sweetness.

Fun Versions Of Key Lime Pie

• Gluten-Free Cracker Crust: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Key Lime Delight: Replace condensed milk with coconut cream, use coconut yogurt, and create a nut-based crust with dates and almonds for a plant-based adaptation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use a reduced-fat Greek yogurt, and create a lighter whipped topping with coconut cream for a diabetic-friendly recipe.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Add shredded coconut to the crust, incorporate coconut extract in the filling, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired variation.

Questions People Often Ask About Key Lime Pie

• Why is lime juice crucial for Key Lime Pie?

Lime juice provides the signature tangy, bright flavor that defines this classic dessert. Fresh key lime juice offers the most authentic taste, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! Regular Persian limes work well and are more readily available. They have a similar flavor profile and will still deliver a delicious pie with that classic citrusy punch.

• How do I know when the pie filling is properly set?

The filling should look slightly jiggly but not liquid when you gently shake the pie. It will continue to set as it cools in the refrigerator, creating a smooth, creamy texture that’s characteristic of a perfect Key Lime Pie.

• What makes the texture of this pie so creamy?

The combination of sweetened condensed milk and Greek yogurt creates an incredibly smooth, rich filling. The condensed milk adds sweetness and density, while the yogurt provides a light, tangy creaminess that makes each bite irresistible.

What’s So Great About Key Lime Pie

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up this refreshing key lime pie with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a tangy, creamy dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie in advance and chill for hours, reducing last-minute stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions from casual barbecues to elegant dinner parties, satisfying both kids and adults with its balanced sweet-tart profile.

Key Lime Pie Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet, crunchy base that provides texture and classic flavor for the pie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and creates a rich, golden foundation.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, sweet base that gives the pie its signature smooth texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and helps create a lighter, more balanced filling.
• Lime Zest: Provides intense, fresh lime flavor and aromatic essence.
• Lime Juice: Brings bright, citrusy tartness and helps set the filling.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy whipped cream with rich texture.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Lime Zest: Adds a fresh garnish and extra citrus aroma.
• Lime Slices: Provides a decorative and flavorful final touch.

How You Make Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Craft the Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter

Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, creating an even layer about 1/4-inch thick. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Tangy Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Greek yogurt
• Lime zest
• Fresh lime juice

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Pour filling into the prepared crust. Slide into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The filling should look slightly set but still have a gentle wobble when moved. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer pie to the refrigerator and let it rest for a minimum of 3 hours. This cooling period helps the filling firm up and develop a perfect texture.

Step 5: Create Fluffy Topping

Whip cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until medium peaks develop.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Spread whipped cream evenly across the chilled pie. Sprinkle additional lime zest on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Garnish with fresh lime slices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Slice with a clean knife, wiping between cuts for neat portions.

Helpful Tricks For Key Lime Pie

• Boost Crust Crispness: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, crisp base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
• Balance Lime Flavor: Use fresh lime juice and zest for a bright, tangy taste that cuts through the sweetness of condensed milk.
• Prevent Cracking: Cool pie gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent surface cracks and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Whip Cream Perfectly: Chill mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for faster, fluffier whipped cream that holds its shape beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut cream and use dairy-free condensed milk for a delicious vegan-friendly version of this classic dessert.

Heavenly Key Lime Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, tangy Key Lime Pie delivers a slice of Florida sunshine with its zesty lime filling and crumbly graham cracker crust. Silky smooth textures and balanced sweetness make you crave another forkful of this classic American dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 14-ounce (396 grams) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• ¾ cup fresh lime juice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 8 to 10 thin lime slices (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a perfectly calibrated graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with rich brown sugar and melted butter, ensuring a uniform consistency that will hold the pie’s structure.
2. Meticulously press the cracker mixture into a deep-dish pie pan, creating an even layer approximately ¼-inch thick, then bake until a delicate golden hue emerges.
3. Calibrate the oven temperature to a gentle 350°F, preparing for the delicate filling stage.
4. Whisk together smooth sweetened condensed milk with tangy Greek yogurt, zesty lime zest, and freshly squeezed lime juice, creating a velvety, vibrant filling.
5. Carefully pour the lime mixture into the slightly cooled crust, allowing it to bake just until the edges set while maintaining a subtle central jiggle.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for half an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours to achieve perfect setting.
7. Prepare a cloud-like whipped cream by beating heavy cream until soft peaks form, then incorporate confectioners’ sugar and continue whisking to medium peak consistency.
8. Once thoroughly chilled, adorn the pie with billowy whipped cream, scattering additional lime zest for a burst of citrusy brightness.
9. Garnish with delicate lime slices, creating an elegant presentation that promises a refreshing, tangy dessert experience.
10. Serve cold, using a clean knife between slices to maintain pristine edges and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure graham cracker crust is tightly packed to prevent crumbling and create a sturdy base for the creamy filling.
• Use fresh lime juice and zest for the most vibrant, authentic key lime pie flavor, avoiding bottled lime juice if possible.
• Chill the pie thoroughly to help the filling set properly and develop a rich, smooth texture that slices cleanly.
• For a lighter version, substitute some of the sweetened condense

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg