Key Lime Pie Dessert (Print Version)

Sweet-tart lime filling in a crisp crust, finished with smooth whipped cream and lime garnish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 13–14 crackers), crushed
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
07 - 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
08 - 4 large egg yolks

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Additional lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl until fully moistened.
03 - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
04 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth.
06 - Pour the filling into the warm crust and smooth the surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 15 minutes or until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
08 - Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set.
09 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
10 - Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish with lime zest or slices before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in under ten minutes but tastes like you spent hours mastering it
  • That perfect balance of sweet and tart makes it impossible to stop at one slice
02 -
  • The center should still wobble slightly when you remove it from the oven because residual heat will finish the cooking process
  • Room temperature egg yolks prevent the condensed milk from seizing when you whisk them together
03 -
  • Let the pie come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated overnight, as the flavors become more pronounced
  • A thin slice of fresh lime on each serving plate makes even the simplest presentation feel elegant
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