Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Introduction

This easy key lime pie recipe is an award-winning classic that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Its tangy, creamy filling paired with a crunchy graham cracker crust makes for a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.

A slice of key lime pie sits on a white plate with soft ridges, showing three layers: a bottom layer of crumbly, golden-brown graham cracker crust, a thick middle layer of smooth, pale yellow lime filling with a creamy texture, and a thin, glossy top layer of lime gelatin or glaze. On top, there is a small dollop of white whipped cream with a thin, fresh green lime slice placed neatly on it. The background is a white marbled surface, soft and slightly blurred, highlighting the pie in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup key lime juice
  • 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and beaten egg yolks. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into the unbaked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
  4. Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, garnish each slice with a fresh lime slice and a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping.
  • Try adding a homemade raspberry sauce on top for a fruity twist.
  • Use fresh key limes if available for the best authentic taste.
  • To enhance the crust, consider briefly toasting the graham cracker crust before filling.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating.

How to Serve

A single slice of creamy yellow pie sits on a white plate with a ridged edge, showing three clear layers: a crumbly golden-brown crust at the bottom, a thick smooth pale yellow filling in the center, and a thin, slightly glossy top layer. On top of the slice, there is a small dollop of white whipped cream holding a thin green slice of lime. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that includes a white pie dish with more pie inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice can be used as a substitute, though key limes have a slightly different, more floral and tart flavor that makes the pie unique.

How do I know when the pie filling is set?

The filling should be firm around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pie pan. It will firm up more as it cools.

Print

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

This easy Key Lime Pie recipe is the 1999 American Pie Council’s National Pie Championship’s 1st place winner in the Quick and Easy Category. Featuring just four simple ingredients—egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and a graham cracker crust—it comes together quickly for a refreshing and tangy dessert. Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream for an extra special touch.

  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie, serves 8 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 5 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup key lime juice

For the Crust

  • 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary components including egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and a prepared graham cracker crust to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) to bring it up to the ideal temperature for baking the pie.
  3. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and beaten egg yolks. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  4. Prepare Crust: Pour the key lime pie filling mixture into the unbaked graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
  5. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  6. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.
  7. Serve: Optionally garnish each slice with a lime slice and a dollop of whipped cream or whipped topping for an enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure egg yolks are beaten well to achieve a smooth filling.
  • Use fresh key lime juice for the best authentic flavor; bottled juice may work in a pinch but can alter taste.
  • Allow the pie to cool completely to help the filling set properly before slicing.
  • Garnish with whipped cream and lime slices for a classic presentation.
  • This pie pairs well with homemade raspberry sauce as a delicious topping alternative.

Keywords: key lime pie, easy pie, dessert, graham cracker crust, lemon-lime pie, quick pie, award-winning pie

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