Creamy, tangy, and sunny with tropical citrus flavor, Key Lime Pie is the ultimate treat for dessert lovers who crave something both refreshing and indulgent. With its crisp graham cracker crust, silky sweet-tart filling, and pillow-soft whipped cream, this irresistible pie is always a crowd-pleaser and truly shines as a summer classic. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply satisfying a sweet craving, making Key Lime Pie at home is surprisingly simple, yet incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about how just a handful of humble ingredients come together to form the iconic Key Lime Pie. Each component brings its own flavor and texture, and when combined, they create a symphony of tastes that’s as bright and cheerful as a summer day.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: The perfectly sweet and crunchy base that soaks up the filling and adds a welcome textural contrast.
Granulated Sugar: Not just for sweetness, but also helps bind the crust and balance the tart lime.
Unsalted Butter (melted): This brings richness and helps the crust hold its shape after baking.
Egg Yolks: Essential for achieving that signature silky, luscious custard filling.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy backbone of the filling, adding sweetness and smooth texture.
Fresh Key Lime Juice: The star of the show—use fresh for the best flavor, though bottled works if you’re in a pinch.
Key Lime Zest: Adds a pop of concentrated citrus aroma and flavor you’ll absolutely notice.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for an airy, dreamy topping.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream so it’s just firm enough.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the cream’s flavor with a hint of warmth and fragrance.
Lime Slices or Zest for Garnish (optional): For extra color, zing, and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly moistened—use a fork or your fingers if you like a hands-on approach. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Take a moment to really compact it well; this step is key for a sturdy, sliceable crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re pale yellow and slightly thickened—this adds extra creaminess and helps the filling set beautifully. Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and fragrant zest. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended. The aroma at this step will already have you excited for the finished pie!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious key lime filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Pop the pie into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a little jiggle when you tap the dish. This gentle bake ensures your Key Lime Pie will be perfectly creamy every time. Remove and cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight if you’re planning ahead)—patience makes all the difference!

Step 4: Whip the Topping

Once the pie is fully chilled, it’s time for that dreamy crown of homemade whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape but still looks smooth and pillowy. Use a spatula to gently spread (or a piping bag for extra flair) the whipped cream over your Key Lime Pie.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

If you want to go all out, garnish with thin lime slices or additional grated lime zest. Not only does this add color, but it also gives a little preview of the fresh citrus punch inside every bite. Slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch for a Key Lime Pie is a generous layer of whipped cream, but don’t stop there! For a splash of color and extra zing, decorate with thin lime wheels, delicate twists of key lime zest, or even edible flowers. Not only do these garnishes make the pie look stunning, they also heighten the fresh, zesty impression before you take that first bite.

Side Dishes

While Key Lime Pie is delightful all on its own, you can create a memorable dessert plate by pairing a slice with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a crisp, buttery shortbread cookie. The light, tangy flavors play beautifully with milder, creamy accompaniments and make the entire experience extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to add a party-worthy twist, try making mini Key Lime Pies in individual ramekins or mason jars—a perfect make-ahead treat for summer gatherings, picnics, or showers. You can also layer crumbled graham cracker crust and lime filling in parfait glasses for a fun, modern take. However you serve it, the vibrant colors and dreamy texture make it a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Key Lime Pie will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply store it uncovered or loosely wrapped with plastic wrap to preserve the fluffy whipped cream topping and prevent the crust from getting soggy. If your climate is especially humid, a pie dome can also help maintain the pie’s lovely texture.

Freezing

Key Lime Pie is a surprisingly freezer-friendly dessert! For best results, freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh whipped cream and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Key Lime Pie, since it’s meant to be served chilled! However, if you’ve stored it in the freezer, be sure to give it plenty of time to thaw in the refrigerator so its smooth texture and robust flavor shine through. Avoid microwaving, which can affect the filling and crust.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While classic Key Lime Pie calls for true key limes—famed for their extra-aromatic, floral zest—you can use Persian (regular) limes if key limes are unavailable. The pie will be slightly less tart but still delicious and refreshing.

Is bottled key lime juice okay to use?

Freshly squeezed key lime juice gives the brightest, most authentic flavor, but bottled key lime juice is a great shortcut when fresh key limes aren’t in season or you need to save time. Just be sure to choose 100% key lime juice for best results.

How do I know when the pie is “set” during baking?

The center of your Key Lime Pie should appear set but still wiggle ever so slightly when gently shaken. It will firm up further as it cools and chills in the fridge, resulting in that signature creamy, custardy texture.

Can I make Key Lime Pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making your Key Lime Pie in advance is a fantastic idea. The filling sets up beautifully as it chills, and you can even prepare the crust and filling a day ahead. Just add the whipped cream and garnishes right before serving for maximum freshness.

What’s the best way to zest a lime?

Use a fine microplane or zester to gently remove just the colored part of the key lime’s skin, avoiding the bitter white pith. This adds a fragrant punch of citrus to both your filling and garnish without any unwanted bitterness.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this sunny dessert has stood the test of time—Key Lime Pie is simply irresistible! Once you try your hand at this recipe, you’ll fall in love with its blend of creamy sweetness and citrusy zing. So invite a few friends, share a slice, and let this cheerful pie become your go-to treat for every occasion!

Key Lime Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the tangy and sweet flavors of a classic Key Lime Pie! This refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the summer months.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

3 large egg yolks
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
1 tablespoon key lime zest

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake.
Make the Filling: Whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Pour into the crust and bake.
Chill: Cool the pie, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Whip the Cream: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until peaks form.
Finish: Top the chilled pie with whipped cream and garnish with lime.