Lo-Cal Key Lime Pie
A light, tangy key lime pie with a crisp graham cracker crust, perfect for satisfying citrus cravings while keeping calories in check. Great for a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the crust or proceed as a no-bake if preferred.
- Combine the crumbled graham crackers and melted reduced calorie margarine in a bowl.
- Press the mixture evenly into an 8-inch pie pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes if a baked crust is desired, then cool before filling, or refrigerate to set if no baking is needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free crust, substitute graham crackers with crushed gluten-free cookies. If you prefer a sweeter crust, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar or using a sugar substitute like Splenda. When pressing the crust, ensure it's compact to avoid crumbling. If you're in a hurry, opt for a store-bought low-calorie pie crust to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with a dollop of light whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest for added brightness. This pie pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of sugar-free fruit salad for a refreshing dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the crust becomes soggy over time, consider re-crisping it briefly in the oven at a low temperature before serving. To maintain freshness, cover the pie with plastic wrap to protect it from absorbing odors in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Key Lime Pie contains roughly 2066 calories, with 40g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1881mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
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 regular margarine instead of reduced calorie?
Yes, you can use regular margarine if preferred, but it will increase the calorie count. If you're watching calories, stick with the reduced calorie option for a lighter pie. You can also explore vegan margarine for a dairy-free version, keeping the recipe versatile.
How can I make this pie filling more tangy?
To enhance the tanginess, consider adding an extra tablespoon of lime juice or zest to the filling. This will amplify the key lime flavor, making it more vibrant. Just be cautious with the acidity to maintain a balanced taste with the crust.
Can I freeze this key lime pie?
Freezing is possible, but it may affect the texture of the crust. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For the best texture, consume within a month of freezing.
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).