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Key Lime Pie side

Key Lime Pie Recipe

This key lime pie is a refreshing, zesty dessert with a creamy, rich filling balanced by a buttery graham cracker crust. Infused with vanilla bean and topped with a hint of lime zest, it’s the perfect summer dessert or a light, citrusy treat for any time of year.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
Key Lime Filling
  • 8 egg yolks
  • 2 14oz cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbs vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbs heavy cream
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • whipped cream for garnish

Equipment

  • 9in Pie dish or springform pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester

Method
 

Make the Crust:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish or spring form pan.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Filling:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and condensed milk until smooth.
  2. Add the sour cream, vanilla bean paste, lime juice, and heavy cream. Whisk until well combined and creamy.
  3. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
Bake the Pie:
  1. Bake the pie for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream and freshly grated lime zest.
  2. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Lime Juice: Use fresh key limes for authentic flavor, but regular limes will also work well.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste: This adds a unique flavor to the pie. If unavailable, vanilla extract can be substituted.
  • Chill Time: Make sure to chill the pie thoroughly to set and for the best texture.
  • Serving Suggestion: Top with whipped cream for added richness.