Key Largo - Key Lime Pie
A tangy, creamy key lime pie with a crisp graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings and lime lovers seeking a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine condensed milk and egg yolks at low speed.
- Slowly add lime juice, mixing until well blended and thickened.
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker pie shell.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
- Refrigerate until cool and top with whipped cream or meringue.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for the best results. If you can't find graham cracker pie shells, consider using a made-from-scratch crust or a store-bought shortbread crust as a substitution. To enhance the texture, beat the egg yolks until they are fluffy before combining them with the condensed milk. This can help your pie achieve a light, airy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a light meringue topping to balance the tartness of the filling. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a tropical fruit salad. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside the Strawberry Meringue Torte for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Key Lime Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To serve chilled, simply cut a slice and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing the pie, as it can affect the texture of the filling and crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Key Largo - Key Lime Pie contains roughly 19 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other citrus juices instead of lime?
While key lime is traditional, you can experiment with lemon or even grapefruit juice for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the sweetness and acidity levels will vary, so you may need to adjust the amount of condensed milk or sugar to achieve the desired balance.
Is it necessary to bake the pie?
Baking the pie briefly helps to set the filling and enhances the texture. However, if you prefer a no-bake version, you can simply chill the filling in the crust for several hours until it firms up without baking, although the taste and texture will differ slightly.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, Key Lime Pie can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).