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Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe with Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

A close-up of a rich slice of key lime pie recipe with a graham cracker crust and topped with swirls of whipped cream.
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Make this perfectly tart and creamy key lime pie from scratch using a simple graham cracker crust. This recipe delivers the authentic flavor you expect.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice substitute)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth.
  5. Whisk in the key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. The mixture will thicken slightly as you stir.
  6. Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Do not overbake to avoid a rubbery texture.
  8. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
  9. Prepare the topping: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
  10. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving.

Notes

  • If you cannot find authentic key limes, use fresh regular lime juice. To mimic the tartness, you may need to slightly increase the amount of juice or add a small splash of lemon juice.
  • For a no bake key lime pie recipe, skip baking the filling. Chill the filling in the crust for at least 6 hours until firm.
  • To achieve a creamy key lime pie filling, do not let the filling brown or bake longer than necessary.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/key-lime-pie-recipe/