Key lime pie—oh, the sheer joy it brings! Like a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day, it’s a dessert that promises to lift spirits and tantalize taste buds. I remember the first time I tasted one during a summer trip to Florida; the zesty lime filling wrapped in a buttery crust was nothing short of a revelation. Now, every time I make it, I’m transported back to those carefree, sun-drenched days.
Steps
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs with white sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and lime zest, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour the custard filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake the pie in a preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is just set but not browned.
- Allow the pie to cool on the counter, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to fully set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing tartness of the pie, enhanced by the homemade graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (substitute for key limes)
- Zest of 2 limes
- 11 graham cracker sheets, crushed
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 7 tablespoons butter, melted
FAQ
- Can I use regular limes instead of key limes for this pie?
- Yes, you can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable. Some people have used a combination of lime and lemon juice, which still results in a delicious pie.
- How long should I bake the key lime pie?
- The recommended baking time is around 15 to 20 minutes. However, some people have found success with slightly longer baking times, depending on their oven.
- What ingredients are essential for the filling?
- The essential ingredients for the filling are sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice. This simple mixture creates the classic tart and creamy texture.
- Is making a homemade graham cracker crust important?
- Many find that a homemade graham cracker crust enhances the pie’s flavor. It typically includes graham cracker crumbs, white sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter.
- What is the best way to store the pie after baking?
- After letting it cool on the counter, covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for several hours or overnight is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- For a perfect balance of tartness, try using a combination of lime and lemon juice if key limes are unavailable.
- To enhance the pie’s flavor, consider making a homemade graham cracker crust using graham cracker crumbs, a mix of white and brown sugar, and melted butter.
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating it for several hours or overnight to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a higher crust-to-filling ratio, consider making mini pies, which are also great for individual servings.
Equipment
- Pie dish
- Citrus juicer (for extracting lime and lemon juice)
- Zester or microplane (for zesting limes)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or blender (for crumbing graham crackers, if not crushing manually)
