Key Lime Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz/396g) sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup (120ml) key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)

• 1 tbsp lime zest (optional for extra flavor)

• 4 large egg yolks

For the Topping:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Lime slices or zest (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

• Press into the pie dish: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form a compact crust.

• Bake the crust: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the Key Lime Filling:

• Whisk the yolks and zest: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lime zest until smooth and slightly thickened.

• Add the condensed milk and lime juice: Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and then the key lime juice. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

• Pour into the crust: Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.

3. Bake the Pie:

• Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

• Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

• Whip the cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.

• Top the pie: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie, or serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

• Garnish: Garnish with lime slices or zest for a fresh, decorative touch.

Tips:

• Key Lime Juice: If fresh key limes are unavailable, bottled key lime juice works just as well for that tangy, citrus flavor.

• Chill time: Be sure to allow enough time for the pie to chill properly, as it helps the flavors develop and the filling to firm up.

Key Lime Pie is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with a creamy, refreshing filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. It's an all-time favorite, especially for those who love citrus desserts!

4o