Sumptuous Key Lime Pie
There's something about Key Lime Pie that speaks to the soul. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a bite of sunshine, a taste of Florida's culinary gift to the world. Today, we're diving deep into the world of this beloved pie, exploring its creamy, tangy essence, and how to create the perfect balance of flavors in your kitchen.
The history of Key Lime Pie is as rich as its flavor, dating back to the late 19th century in Key West, Florida. It's a story of resourcefulness, making use of the abundant local key limes. This dessert has evolved, yet remains true to its roots, with its distinctively tart key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
The magic of Key Lime Pie lies not just in its taste but in its simplicity. It's a testament to the idea that great flavors come from quality ingredients combined with care.
Crafting the perfect Key Lime Pie is an art, from selecting the finest key limes to achieving that silky-smooth filling and the crumbly, buttery crust. Every step is a labor of love, promising to enchant anyone who takes a bite.
We'll explore the secrets behind the perfect graham cracker crust, crisp and golden, holding the delicate filling. And we dive into the heart of the pie—the filling itself, where the tang of key lime is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of condensed milk.
The topping is not to be overlooked; a lightly whipped cream adds the final touch of elegance to this humble pie, making it not just a dessert but a celebration.
This post is for everyone from seasoned bakers to those looking to try their hand at something new. Join us as we embark on this zesty adventure, crafting a Key Lime Pie that's sure to refresh and delight.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
- 1 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups of sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cups of key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of key lime zest
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- Prepare the Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the Filling
Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth. Pour into the cooled crust.
- Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Whip the Cream
Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
- Enjoy!
Garnish with additional lime zest, slice, and serve chilled.
Serving Size 1
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 220mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 6g12%
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 120 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Unsaturated Fat 6g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Zest Tip: When zesting key limes, ensure only the green part is used to avoid the bitter white pith.
Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each slice with a thin slice of key lime.
Crust Variations: Experiment with different crusts, such as a pecan or coconut crust, for a unique twist on this classic pie.
