Escape to a tropical paradise with every bite of this incredibly easy and zesty Key lime pie recipe! Forget about complicated, time-consuming recipes; this version delivers an unbelievably creamy and tangy filling that's surprisingly simple to make. The bright, vibrant flavor of Key limes perfectly balances the sweetness of the crust, creating a dessert that's both refreshing and utterly irresistible. This recipe is perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising a flawless Key lime pie every time.
Forget store-bought pies, filled with artificial flavors and questionable ingredients. This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve maximum flavor and texture. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this decadent treat, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!). To learn how to create this delightful dessert, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Food processor
- Medium bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Whisk
- Oven
- Piping bag (optional)
- 1M piping tip (optional)
Ingredients
- Graham crackers: 100-80g (12 full crackers)
- Light brown sugar: 32g (2 1/2 tablespoons)
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 84g (6 tablespoons)
- Key lime or regular lime zest: 2 teaspoons
- Key lime or regular lime juice: 165g (3/4 cup)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 525g (1 3/4 cups)
- Large egg yolks: 4
- Heavy whipping cream: 180g (3/4 cup)
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Crust and Pre-bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, add brown sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix well, using fingers to ensure even coating.
- Press crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2. Make and Bake the Key Lime Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour filling into the warm pie crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Watch carefully to prevent overbaking.
Step 3. Chill and Set the Pie
- Cool to room temperature (about 1-1.5 hours), then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 4. Top with Whipped Cream and Garnish
- In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
- Spread or pipe whipped cream onto the pie. Garnish with lime zest (optional).
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Tips
- Only grate the top layer of the lime to avoid the bitter white part.
- Gently shake the pie dish after adding the filling to distribute it evenly.
- Don't overmix the filling to avoid air bubbles.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?
While you can, Key limes have a more tart and less acidic flavor that's crucial for the authentic Key lime pie taste. Regular limes will result in a sweeter, less intense pie.
2. How can I make sure my pie crust doesn't get soggy?
Blind bake your crust (bake it before adding the filling) for about 10-12 minutes. This pre-baking helps to prevent a soggy bottom. Also, let the filling cool completely before adding the crust.
This easy zesty Key lime pie recipe delivers an unbelievably creamy and refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavor and simple instructions, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate taste of the tropics!