Key Lime Pie American Dessert (Printer-friendly)

Sweet-tart key lime filling in crisp graham crust with whipped cream topping

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 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 ounces) 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 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Mix until evenly moistened.
03 - Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie pan.
04 - Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks in medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
06 - Pour filling into warm crust and smooth top.
07 - Bake for 15 minutes, until center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
09 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until fully chilled and set.
10 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
11 - Pipe or spoon whipped cream over chilled pie. Garnish with lime zest or slices before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it
  • That magical moment when tart meets sweet in perfect harmony
  • The contrast between silky filling and buttery graham cracker crust creates pure joy
02 -
  • The center should still wobble slightly when you remove it from the oven—that is how you know it will be perfectly creamy
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and prevent lumps in your filling
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs separate more easily and incorporate better into the filling
  • Use a microplane for the finest zest that releases maximum essential oils
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